“Therefore it shall be when ye be gone over Jordan, that ye shall set up these stones, which I command you this day, in Mount Ebal, and thou shalt plaster them with plaster.”
This verse is part of Moses’ instructions to the Israelites as they were preparing to enter the Promised Land after their wanderings in the wilderness. Let’s examine the context and explore the significance of this verse.
Historical Context: At this point in the book of Deuteronomy, Moses is recounting the laws and commandments given by God to the Israelites. He emphasizes the importance of obedience and the consequences of disobedience. The Israelites are about to cross the Jordan River to enter the land God promised to their forefathers.
Setting up the Stones: In Deuteronomy 27:2-3, Moses instructs the people that once they have crossed the Jordan River, they are to set up large stones on Mount Ebal. These stones were to be covered with plaster, and upon them, they were to write all the words of the law.
Symbolic Significance: The act of setting up the stones with the written law served several purposes:
- Remembrance and Instruction: The stones with the inscribed law were a visible and tangible reminder for the Israelites. They were a testament to the importance of God’s commandments and the covenant they had entered into with Him. These stones would serve as a teaching tool for future generations, reminding them of their responsibility to obey God’s law.
- Public Declaration: Placing the stones in a prominent location like Mount Ebal made the law visible to the entire community. It signified a public declaration of the people’s commitment to live according to God’s commands. It also emphasized the communal responsibility to uphold the law as a united nation.
- Blessings and Curses: In the subsequent verses (Deuteronomy 27:11-26), Moses details a ceremony where the Israelites were to pronounce blessings and curses upon Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim. The blessings were to be pronounced for obedience to the law, while the curses were for disobedience. The stones on Mount Ebal served as a focal point for this ceremony, emphasizing the consequences of either following or rejecting God’s commandments.
Lesson for Believers Today: While the specific instructions in Deuteronomy 27:4 were given to the Israelites in their historical context, we can draw some lessons from this verse for believers today:
- Importance of Remembering God’s Word: Just as the stones on Mount Ebal served as a reminder for the Israelites, we should value and remember God’s Word. Regular study and meditation on the Scriptures help us to know and obey God’s commandments.
- Public Profession of Faith: The stones set up by the Israelites represented a public declaration of their commitment to follow God’s law. As believers today, we are called to live out our faith openly, serving as a witness to others and demonstrating our allegiance to Christ.
- Consequences of Obedience and Disobedience: The blessings and curses associated with the stones on Mount Ebal highlight the principle of consequences for our actions. When we align our lives with God’s commands, we experience His blessings. Conversely, disobedience leads to negative outcomes. This encourages us to live in obedience to God, seeking His will in our daily lives.
In conclusion, Deuteronomy 27:4 instructs the Israelites to set up stones with the written law on Mount Ebal. These stones served as
a visible reminder, a public declaration, and a focal point for pronouncing blessings and curses. As believers today, we can learn from this verse the importance of remembering God’s Word, publicly professing our faith, and understanding the consequences of obedience and disobedience in our relationship with God.
