Deuteronomy 27

all the words of this law (all the words of this torah): This phrase might refer to the whole book of Deuteronomy. But considering the small surface on which the text was to be inscribed, it probably just refers to the Ten Commandments (27:2).

The covenant ceremony would happen at Mount Ebal, a mountain east of Shechem (see Joshua 8:30–35). The Samaritan Pentateuch has "Mount Gerizim" here. This is an obvious attempt to justify the existence of the Samaritan temple on that mountain (see Deuteronomy 11:29).

an altar of stones. You must not use any iron tool on them: Archaeological research has found many Canaanite altars made of cut blocks. In contrast, the Israelites were to build their altars only with rough stones from the field (Exodus 20:22–26; see “Altars” Theme Note).

Some offerings were given to atone for sins or trespasses. Others were given to show that the relationship between the Lord and the donor was at peace. For example, peace offerings (also called fellowship offerings) showed that the donor and God were in harmony (see Leviticus 3:1–16).

This day: The Israelites were already the people of God before this moment. But each time Israel confirmed they were God's people and renewed the covenant, they became God's people in a new way. Recommitting to God is like starting a new relationship with him.

• Mount Gerizim is just west of Mount Ebal. Shechem is in the valley between them.

• to bless: God positioned the tribes or their representatives carefully. This was so that while the Levites read the covenant from the valley below, the other tribes would respond by shouting "Amen!" This is a Hebrew term that means "May it be so." They said this to show their agreement with the terms of the covenant.

deliver the curse: By calling down curses upon themselves if they disobeyed the covenant terms, these tribes acted as witnesses and judges of their own future disobedience.

God stationed the Levites on Mount Gerizim (27:12). The ark of the covenant was with them, and they offered sacrifices (Joshua 8:30–35). The Levites also taught and proclaimed the Torah (Deuteronomy 33:10; see study note on 6:8; see also Leviticus 10:11).

a carved idol or molten image: To carve or cast an idol means to make a carved image or a metal image for worship.

This act directly violates the second commandment (see 5:7–10). It goes against the covenant ideal, which calls Israel to worship the Lord alone.

dishonors his father or mother: In Israel’s understanding, duty to parents came just after duty to God (see 5:16). To treat one’s parents with disrespect or disobedience was a serious offense. It closely reflected a lack of respect for God himself.

Moving a boundary marker to increase one’s own land is the same as stealing. It takes property that belongs to someone else.

This action clearly breaks the eighth commandment, which says not to steal (see 5:19; 19:14).

blind man: This curse applied not only to a blind person, but to the mistreatment of people with physical disabilities or other disadvantages.

Such cruel behavior was not acceptable for a member of the covenant community (God’s people bound by his promises and commands).

Within this community, people were to treat one another fairly and with care.

It would be easy to put foreigners, orphans, and widows at a legal disadvantage or to deny them justice altogether (see 10:18; 24:17).

violated his father's marriage bed: See 22:30.

the daughter of his father or the daughter of his mother: This instruction concerns a relationship with a half-sister or foster sibling. It also forbids a sexual relationship with one's full sibling (see Leviticus 18:9; 20:17).