“And Moses charged the people the same day, saying”
Context:The book of Deuteronomy is part of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible, traditionally attributed to Moses. It contains the final speeches of Moses to the Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. Deuteronomy emphasises the importance of obeying God’s laws and the consequences of disobedience.
Moses’ Charge:In Deuteronomy 27, Moses instructs the Israelites to set up large stones on Mount Ebal and coat them with plaster. These stones were to serve as a monument to remind the people of the covenant they were making with God and the importance of obeying His commandments.
Symbolic Act:The act of setting up stones and inscribing the law on them was a visual reminder of God’s covenant and the people’s commitment to follow it. By inscribing the law on the stones, the Israelites demonstrated their solemn agreement to keep God’s commandments.
Covenant and Obedience:The charge given by Moses in verse 11 is a general reminder of the importance of obeying God’s commandments. Obedience was a crucial aspect of the covenant between God and the Israelites. Through obedience, the people would experience God’s blessings and fulfil their part of the covenant.
Application:While Deuteronomy 27:11 specifically refers to the charge given to the Israelites, it carries relevant lessons for believers today. We are called to obey God’s commandments, not to earn our salvation but as a response to His love and grace. Obedience demonstrates our commitment to God and allows us to experience His blessings in our lives.
- The New Covenant:As Christians, we recognise that Jesus Christ fulfilled the Old Testament law and established a new covenant through His sacrificial death and resurrection. While we are no longer under the Old Testament law as a means of salvation, Jesus emphasised the importance of obedience in the New Testament (John 14:15).
