Deuteronomy 27:6

Thou shalt build the altar of the Lord thy God of whole stones: and thou shalt offer burnt offerings thereon unto the Lord thy God:

Deuteronomy 27:6 (KJV)

Context

Deuteronomy is the fifth book of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible, traditionally ascribed to Moses. It records Moses restating the law for the new generation of Israelites before they entered the Promised Land. This verse belongs to a covenant renewal ceremony at Mount Ebal, where the people were commanded to build an altar to the LORD their God.

Meaning

The altar was a central element of Old Testament worship, a place where sacrifices were offered to seek forgiveness, express gratitude, or make requests. It was a physical symbol of God’s presence and the covenant relationship between God and His people. Moses specifies that the altar must be built of whole stones, meaning stones not shaped by human tools. This requirement reflects the importance of presenting offerings to God in a manner that is pleasing and acceptable to Him, emphasizing reverence and carefulness in worship.

The burnt offering was a voluntary sacrifice in which the entire animal was burned on the altar. It symbolized surrender, dedication, and atonement for sin. The worshiper expressed a desire to give himself wholly to God. The command to use whole stones and to offer burnt offerings shows that obedience in the details of worship is essential.

Biblical connections

The preceding verse, Deuteronomy 27:5, prohibits lifting any iron tool upon the stones, reinforcing the idea that human modification would defile the altar. Later, Joshua built an altar at Shechem in accordance with this command, as recorded in Joshua 8:31, demonstrating the continuity of God’s instructions. The burnt offerings foreshadowed the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who atoned for sins once and for all.

Application

The use of whole stones signifies offering our best to God in worship. It reminds us to approach God with reverence and awe, giving Him our whole hearts and lives. The burnt offering represents our surrender and dedication. As believers, we are called to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, holy and acceptable to God (Romans 12:1). While the Old Testament sacrificial system no longer applies in the same way, we are encouraged to offer our lives, talents, resources, and praise to God as a pleasing sacrifice.

Reflection

God desires worship that is sincere and undefiled by human innovation. The command to use whole stones teaches that our worship should not be shaped by our own preferences or efforts, but presented as God directs. This verse calls us to examine our own worship: do we approach God with the same carefulness and wholehearted devotion that the Israelites were commanded to show?