“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.”
Context: The book of Deuteronomy is part of the Pentateuch, the first five books of the Bible, traditionally believed to have been written by Moses. Deuteronomy serves as a farewell address by Moses to the Israelites, as they stand on the brink of entering the promised land of Canaan after their forty years of wilderness wandering.
Explanation and Key Themes:
The Command to Write the Words of the Law: In this verse, Moses instructs the Israelites to write down “all the words of this law.” The “words of this law” refer to the commandments, statutes, and regulations that God had given to His people. Writing these words on stone tablets or large stones was a symbolic act, emphasizing the importance and permanence of God’s law. It was a way to preserve the covenantal relationship between God and His people.
Crossing Over into the Promised Land: Moses tells the Israelites to write down the words of the law “when thou art passed over.” This refers to their imminent crossing over the Jordan River into the land of Canaan, the promised land flowing with milk and honey. The possession of this land was part of God’s covenant promise to the Israelites, and obedience to His law was crucial for their successful entry and settlement in the land.
The Faithfulness of God: The verse highlights that the land of Canaan, with its abundant blessings, was a gift from “the Lord thy God.” It emphasizes God’s faithfulness in fulfilling the promise He made to their forefathers, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. The land symbolized not only physical abundance but also God’s provision, protection, and the fulfillment of His covenantal promises.
Application:
- Obedience to God’s Law: Just as the Israelites were commanded to write down and adhere to the law, Christians are called to study, meditate on, and obey God’s Word. It serves as a guide for righteous living and a reflection of our love and devotion to God. We should strive to understand and apply His principles in our lives, allowing His Word to shape our thoughts, decisions, and actions.
- Remembering God’s Faithfulness: The verse reminds us of God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Reflecting on God’s past faithfulness can strengthen our faith and trust in Him. We can look back at instances where God has proven Himself faithful and use those testimonies to encourage ourselves and others during challenging times.
- The Importance of God’s Promises: Just as God promised the land of Canaan to the Israelites, He has made promises to believers today. These promises, found throughout Scripture, provide us with hope, assurance, and a foundation for our faith. We can trust that God will fulfill His promises in His perfect timing and according to His divine plan.
In summary, Deuteronomy 27:3 emphasizes the importance of obedience to God’s law, the significance of entering the promised land, and God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. It encourages us to study and obey God’s Word, remember His faithfulness in the past, and trust in His promises for our lives.
