Deuteronomy 27:1-10

Why are written stones and an altar part of entering the land?

Berean Standard Bible

1 Then Moses and the elders of Israel commanded the people: “Keep all the commandments I am giving you today. 2 And on the day you cross the Jordan into the land that the LORD your God is giving you, set up large stones and coat them with plaster. 3 Write on them all the words of this law when you have crossed over to enter the land that the LORD your God is giving you, a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your fathers, has promised you. 4 And when you have crossed the Jordan, you are to set up these stones on Mount Ebal, as I am commanding you today, and you are to coat them with plaster. 5 Moreover, you are to build there an altar to the LORD your God, an altar of stones. You must not use any iron tool on them. 6 You shall build the altar of the LORD your God with uncut stones and offer upon it burnt offerings to the LORD your God. 7 There you are to sacrifice your peace offerings, eating them and rejoicing in the presence of the LORD your God. 8 And you shall write distinctly upon these stones all the words of this law.” 9 Then Moses and the Levitical priests spoke to all Israel: “Be silent, O Israel, and listen! This day you have become the people of the LORD your God. 10 You shall therefore obey the voice of the LORD your God and follow His commandments and statutes I am giving you today.”

What is the context?

Moses and the elders command Israel to keep the law and set up plastered stones after crossing the Jordan. The words are to be written clearly, giving public, visible witness to the instruction governing life in the land.

On Mount Ebal the people must also build an altar of uncut stones, offer sacrifices, eat, and rejoice before the Lord. The people’s belonging to Him is joined to listening and obedience. Entry into the inheritance includes instruction and worship, not simply taking possession of territory.

How is this passage commonly understood?

Wesley understands the declaration that Israel has become the Lord’s people as covenant renewal, rather than denying its earlier relationship with Him. He interprets the altar beside the law as pointing toward atonement. The USCCB notes emphasize the shared meal of the peace offerings. The immediate text brings the written command and rejoicing before God together without assigning a separate hidden meaning to each stone.

What is our position?

We don't have a position on this passage yet. When our study reaches a conclusion the text supports, it will appear here.

Where can I study this further?

No deeper study linked yet.

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