Deuteronomy 27
-As the children of Israel were preparing to enter the land,
Moses, along with the elders, begin their last charge to have the people of God
keep all of His commandments that they had given them. When they crossed over
the Jordan River, they were instructed to set up large stones, coat them with
mortar and write all the words of the Mosaic Law upon them. These were to be
uncut stones using none of men’s tools (Exodus 20:24-25), and this would be a prerequisite
for entrance into the Promised Land. Along with this memorial structure, an
altar was to be built there on Mount Ebal to offer burnt offerings and peace
offerings to the LORD their God with eating and rejoicing before their
Sovereign. The words of this Law were to be written very distinctly for all to
observe for this day they become the people of God with the expectation of complete
and utter obedience to His commands and statutes (Deuteronomy 27:1-10).
-Moses also charged the people on that day imploring them to
stand on two mountains: Gerizim to bless the people, and Ebal to pronounce the
curses from not following the Law. On Mount Gerizim would stand the tribes of
Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin. On Mount Ebal would stand
the tribes of Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali. The Levites were
to answer these recitations with the curses of not following the Law. They
would proclaim in a loud voice, and then all the people would respond with an
authoritative and boisterous “Amen!” Here are the curses pronounced. Cursed is
the man who: makes an idol or a molten image (an abomination as the works of
man’s hands set up in secret), dishonors his parents, moves his neighbor’s
boundary mark, misleads a blind person on the road, distorts justice due an
alien, orphan, or widow, lies with his father’s wife, lies with an animal, lies
with his sister, lies with his mother-in-law, strikes his neighbor in secret,
accepts a bribe to strike down an innocent person, and refuses to confirm the
Law by doing it (Deuteronomy 27:11-26).
-*Application* God is definitely in the business of putting before
us blessings and curses. His desire is to lovingly put before us, on the front
end, the consequences for doing things our own way, which amounts to
foolishness and depravity. His actions should not be considered as threats, but
concerned warnings that we can avoid for a blessed and prosperous existence.
The ancient saying is true, a man will reap what he sows (Galatians 6:7-9). God
is giving us wisdom if we will only listen to it and apply it. Choose His ways
and enjoy His favor. Deny them and eventually there will be serious regret.
Verse to Memorize:
Deuteronomy 27:2-3
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