“And it shall be on the day when ye shall pass over Jordan unto the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, that thou shalt set thee up great stones, and plaister them with plaister.”
Historical Context:Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Pentateuch or the Torah, traditionally attributed to Moses. It contains Moses’ farewell speeches to the Israelites, delivered just before they entered the Promised Land. Deuteronomy 27 is part of Moses’ instructions to the Israelites regarding the covenant they were to uphold as they settled in the land.
Crossing the Jordan: In Deuteronomy 27:2, Moses instructs the Israelites about a specific action they were to take on the day they crossed the Jordan River to enter the land promised to them by God. This event marked a significant transition for the Israelites, as they were leaving behind the wilderness and entering the land of abundance.
Setting up Great Stones: Moses commands the Israelites to set up “great stones” upon their arrival in the Promised Land. These stones were to serve a specific purpose, which we will explore further.
Plastering the Stones: The second part of the verse mentions that the Israelites were to plaster the great stones with plaster. This implies that the stones were not only to be set up but also to be covered or coated with a layer of plaster.
Symbolic Significance: The act of setting up great stones and plastering them carried symbolic significance. It served as a visual reminder and a means of instruction for the future generations of Israelites who would come across these stones.
Remembrance and Instruction: The great stones were meant to serve as a memorial and a tool for instruction. They would remind the Israelites of God’s faithfulness, His covenant, and the obligations they had toward Him. The stones would help pass on the knowledge of God’s commands and serve as a teaching aid for future generations.
Similar Instructions in Joshua: This act of setting up stones and plastering them finds a parallel in the book of Joshua. After the Israelites crossed the Jordan River under Joshua’s leadership, they set up twelve stones from the riverbed as a memorial to the miraculous crossing (Joshua 4:20-24).
Lessons for Today: While this verse has a specific historical context, we can draw valuable lessons from it today. It reminds us of the importance of remembrance, memorialization, and passing on our faith to future generations. Just as the stones served as a reminder of God’s faithfulness, we should find ways to remember God’s acts in our lives and share them with others.
In conclusion, Deuteronomy 27:2 instructs the Israelites to set up great stones and plaster them when they cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land. These stones served as a memorial and teaching aid to remind the Israelites of their covenant with God. Today, this verse encourages us to remember God’s faithfulness and share our faith with future generations.
