Bible Chapter Summary
Deuteronomy 27 Summary
Stones, Altar, and Twelve Curses
Moses and the elders of Israel command the people that upon crossing the Jordan they are to erect large plastered stones and inscribe upon them all the words of the law, and to build an uncut-stone altar on Mount Ebal where burnt offerings and peace offerings are to be made. Moses and the Levitical priests then declare to all Israel that this day they have become the people of the LORD, and charge them to obey His commandments. Moses assigns six tribes to stand on Mount Gerizim for blessing and six on Mount Ebal for cursing, after which the Levites are to pronounce twelve specific curses—covering idolatry, dishonoring parents, removing landmarks, mistreating the vulnerable, sexual transgressions, secret violence, accepting bribes to shed innocent blood, and failing to uphold the whole law—with all the people responding "Amen" to each.
Key themes
Key verses
Deuteronomy 27:3
“And thou shalt write upon them all the words of this law, when thou art passed over, that thou mayest go in unto the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee, a land that floweth with milk and honey; as the LORD God of thy fathers hath promised thee.”
Deuteronomy 27:9
“And Moses and the priests the Levites spake unto all Israel, saying, Take heed, and hearken, O Israel; this day thou art become the people of the LORD thy God.”
Deuteronomy 27:12
“These shall stand upon mount Gerizim to bless the people, when ye are come over Jordan; Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Joseph, and Benjamin:”
Deuteronomy 27:26
“Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen.”
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