Set to dark modeSet to dark modeDeuteronomy 27 Commentary
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Moses and the elders prescribe the rituals to be performed when Israel arrives in the Promised Land.
Moses (joined now by the Levitical Priests) reaffirms God’s covenantal relationship with Israel.
In these verses, Moses continued to describe the covenant renewal ceremony. He arranged the people of Israel into two sets of six tribes in preparation of the recitation of the blessings and curses that follow. These verses should be read together with Joshua 8:30 – 35, where these instructions are fulfilled.
This section contains a list of twelve curses that the Levites were to recite to the Israelites. Upon hearing each curse, the Israelites are to respond by saying ‘Amen.’
Deuteronomy 27 contains instructions regarding the preparations for the covenant renewal ceremony between the Suzerain (Yahweh) and His vassals (Israel). This section extends through Deuteronomy 29:1. In this chapter, Moses (joined by the elders) prescribed the ceremony to be performed when Israel arrives in the Promised Land as well as curses that would occur if the vassals disobeyed specific stipulations of the covenant.
Deuteronomy 27 can be outlined as follows:
- The Ceremony at Shechem (Deuteronomy 27:1 – 13)
- The Command to Assemble at Mount Ebal (Deuteronomy 27:1 – 8)
- The Exhortation to Obey the Covenant (Deuteronomy 27:9 – 10)
- The Preparation for the Covenant Renewal Ceremony (Deuteronomy 27:10 – 13)
- The Curses for Covenant Disobedience (Deuteronomy 27:14 – 26)
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