Write the word plainly, worship on the mount of cursing and say Amen to God’s righteousness
Deuteronomy 27 prepares Israel for a solemn covenant ceremony after crossing Jordan. Great plastered stones are to display the law plainly, an altar of unhewn stones is to be built on Mount Ebal, sacrifices are offered, and tribes stand on Gerizim and Ebal for blessing and cursing. Twelve specific curses are pronounced against often-hidden sins, and the people answer “Amen.” The ceremony teaches that God’s law must be public, plain and personally acknowledged.
1. Take God’s word into the inheritance
Immediately after crossing Jordan, Israel is to set up stones carrying the law. (Deuteronomy 27:1-4). Prosperity in the land must remain under Scripture.
2. Write plainly
The command is to write the words “very plainly.” (Deuteronomy 27:8). Teaching should clarify God’s word rather than make it unnecessarily obscure.
3. Public truth creates public accountability
The displayed law becomes a witness in the land. A nation cannot plead ignorance while its covenant is openly declared.
4. The altar is built on Ebal, the mount associated with curse
Sacrifice appears precisely where the curse is proclaimed. (Deuteronomy 27:4-7). This naturally directs thought toward God’s provision for people who cannot establish righteousness by flawless law-keeping.
5. Human craftsmanship is not to improve the altar
Unhewn stones are required. (Deuteronomy 27:5-6). Access to God is not created by human artistry or merit.
6. Sacrifice and rejoicing appear together
Peace offerings are eaten and Israel rejoices before God. (Deuteronomy 27:7). Even in a chapter of curses, God provides fellowship.
7. Covenant identity demands attention
“This day thou art become the people of the LORD thy God.” (Deuteronomy 27:9). Privilege calls for listening and obedience.
8. Many condemned sins can be hidden from public view
Secret idolatry, contempt for parents, moved landmarks, misleading the blind, distorted justice and secret violence all appear in the curses. (Deuteronomy 27:15-25). God sees what human courts may miss.
9. Do not exploit disability or ignorance
The person who causes the blind to wander is cursed. (Deuteronomy 27:18). Vulnerability must never become opportunity for amusement or advantage.
10. Do not distort justice against the stranger, fatherless or widow
God specifically protects people with less power. (Deuteronomy 27:19).
11. Sexual boundaries matter even where conduct might remain concealed
Several curses concern incestuous or bestial acts. (Deuteronomy 27:20-23). Private secrecy does not remove moral reality.
12. Do not accept payment to destroy innocent life
Bribed violence is cursed. (Deuteronomy 27:25). Money cannot make injustice clean.
13. The people say ‘Amen’ to every curse
Israel publicly agrees that God’s judgment is righteous. “Amen” means more than listening; it accepts the truth of the sentence.
14. The final curse exposes the impossibility of justification by law
“Cursed be he that confirmeth not all the words of this law to do them.” (Deuteronomy 27:26). Paul cites this in Galatians 3:10 to show the need for redemption from the law’s curse.
15. Christ provides that redemption
Paul continues that Christ redeemed from the curse of the law so that the Abrahamic blessing might come through faith. (Galatians 3:13-14).
Closing thought
Deuteronomy 27 puts the law in public view and asks every Israelite to say Amen to God’s righteousness. The final curse also shows why humanity needs the redemption God provides in Christ.
Practical Readings — Deuteronomy 27