Introduction
In the previous chapters, Moses laid out the terms and conditions of the covenant, and in these remaining chapters Moses sets out to encourage Israel not only to agree to those terms and conditions, that is the blessings and cursings but also to commit to them, Joshua 8:30-32.
The Altar On Mount Ebal
‘Moses and the elders of Israel commanded the people: “Keep all these commands that I give you today. When you have crossed the Jordan into the land the LORD your God is giving you, set up some large stones and coat them with plaster. Write on them all the words of this law when you have crossed over to enter the land the LORD your God is giving you, a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your ancestors, promised you. And when you have crossed the Jordan, set up these stones on Mount Ebal, as I command you today, and coat them with plaster. Build there an altar to the LORD your God, an altar of stones. Do not use any iron tool on them. Build the altar of the LORD your God with fieldstones and offer burnt offerings on it to the LORD your God. Sacrifice fellowship offerings there, eating them and rejoicing in the presence of the LORD your God. And you shall write very clearly all the words of this law on these stones you have set up.” Deuteronomy 27:1-8
The first of four duties that Israel were to carry out when they entered Canaan was to set up three great stones, plaster them and write upon the stones all the words of this law. The reason for doing so was that future generations would see and know the importance of keeping all of God’s laws.
Moses continues to place before the minds of Israel that God had promised Canaan to them and thereby they were to accept God’s gift of land through their obedience.
Mount Ebal was located about a mile to the North of Shechem and Mount Gerizim was located around one mile just south of Shechem. The city of Shechem was located between the two mountains in a valley.
The second duty which Israel were to carry out when they entered Canaan was to build an altar of un-carved and unworked stones for the Lord.
This was a common practice among ancient people in reference to codes of law and the purpose for making such stone inscriptions of the law was to signify the permanent conditions by which a society declared to conduct itself.
Since God didn’t want any cut stones for the construction of altars, the same applied here for the writing of the law and so, a layer of plaster was to be applied to the stone. Before the plaster dried, the laws of the covenant were to be impressed on the plaster.
Israel were to offer burnt offerings, peace offerings, and so, eat with rejoicing. The day was to be a day of festive rejoicing and remembrance of the great things God had done for them. In other words, the Israelites were making a commitment to all the generations of Israel throughout their history.
Curses From Mount Ebal
‘Then Moses and the Levitical priests said to all Israel, “Be silent, Israel, and listen! You have now become the people of the LORD your God. Obey the LORD your God and follow his commands and decrees that I give you today.” On the same day Moses commanded the people: When you have crossed the Jordan, these tribes shall stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people: Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph and Benjamin. And these tribes shall stand on Mount Ebal to pronounce curses: Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan and Naphtali.’ Deuteronomy 27:9-13
Notice this day of rejoicing would mark the day that Israel, ‘became the people of the Lord your God.’ They are commanded to obey God and follow His commands and decrees.
They must listen to the One who originated the covenant, and who gave the laws, Nehemiah 8:11 / Zephaniah 1:7 / Zechariah 2:13.
The third event which happened was the six tribes of Israel were to stand upon Mount Gerizim and bless Israel.
The fourth event which happened was the six tribes of Israel were to stand upon Mount Ebal and pronounce the curses of which there were twelve and one summary curse. Notice on this occasion the Levites were to be the spokesmen.
The sons of Jacob’s legitimate wives were to stand on Mount Gerizim to pronounce the blessings and the sons of Jacob through his concubines were to stand on Mount Ebal and pronounce the cursings. Reuben, who gave up his birthright, Genesis 49:4, and Zebulun, Leah’s youngest son, Genesis 30:19-20, were placed in the group that was to stand on Mount Ebal in order to make up six tribes standing on each Mount.
There could also be indicated in this division the geographical settlement of the tribes, for the tribes of blessing, with the possible exception of Issachar, settled in the southern regions of Canaan. The other six tribes generally settled in the northern regions, including Reuben and Gad.
‘The Levites shall recite to all the people of Israel in a loud voice: “Cursed is anyone who makes an idol—a thing detestable to the LORD, the work of skilled hands—and sets it up in secret.” Then all the people shall say, “Amen!” “Cursed is anyone who dishonours their father or mother.” Then all the people shall say, “Amen!” “Cursed is anyone who moves their neighbour’s boundary stone.” Then all the people shall say, “Amen!” “Cursed is anyone who leads the blind astray on the road.” Then all the people shall say, “Amen!” “Cursed is anyone who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow.” Then all the people shall say, “Amen!” “Cursed is anyone who sleeps with his father’s wife, for he dishonours his father’s bed.” Then all the people shall say, “Amen!” “Cursed is anyone who has sexual relations with any animal.” Then all the people shall say, “Amen!” “Cursed is anyone who sleeps with his sister, the daughter of his father or the daughter of his mother.” Then all the people shall say, “Amen!” “Cursed is anyone who sleeps with his mother-in-law.” Then all the people shall say, “Amen!” “Cursed is anyone who kills their neighbour secretly.” Then all the people shall say, “Amen!” “Cursed is anyone who accepts a bribe to kill an innocent person.” Then all the people shall say, “Amen!” “Cursed is anyone who does not uphold the words of this law by carrying them out.” Then all the people shall say, “Amen!” Deuteronomy 27:14-26
The ceremony described here was different from the pronouncing of the blessings and cursings of the covenant.
In this ceremony, the Levites pronounced only the curses for disobedience, then all the people were to respond. By doing this, the people called down judgment on themselves if they disobeyed the conditions of the covenant.
Many of the laws that are mentioned here are laws that could be violated in secret and without the knowledge of others. However, God would obviously know as nothing is hidden from His sight, Hebrews 4:13.
The curses mentioned are the same thing as being condemned to eternal damnation. The curses indicate God’s hatred of idolatry, disrespect toward parents, unjust behaviour, cruelty, sexual immorality, and murder.
The apostle Peter associated the curse with false teachers and all unrighteous men, 2 Peter 2:9 / 2 Peter 2:14. The apostle Paul quoted Deuteronomy 27:26 in Galatians 3:10 to indicate the hopeless condition people under the Mosaic Law were in, Galatians 3:13.
Notice how God requires Israel to agree with His laws, this is seen in how Moses, over and over again, encourages the people to say, ‘amen’.
Joshua, the faithful leader who followed Moses, dutifully carried out the orders which Moses delivered here and the account of that obedience is in Joshua 8:30-35.
