Deuteronomy 27:4 - It shall be, when you have crossed over the Jordan, that you shall set up these stones, which I command you today, on Mount Ebal, and you shall coat them with plaster.
Select Bible Verse
Filter Categories
A
B
C
D
E
F
G
H
I
J
K
L
M
N
O
P
R
S
T
U
V
W
What does "Deuteronomy 27:4" mean?
This verse, Deuteronomy 27:4, is part of a larger set of instructions given by Moses to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. Let's break down its meaning:
"It shall be, when you have crossed over the Jordan...": This sets the context. The instruction is for after they have successfully crossed the Jordan River and entered the land God promised them. This signifies a new beginning and the fulfillment of a long-awaited promise.
"...that you shall set up these stones...": "These stones" refer back to earlier instructions (likely in Deuteronomy 27:2-3) about large stones that should be prepared. The act of setting them up would be a public and visible declaration.
"...which I command you today, on Mount Ebal...": This specifies the location: Mount Ebal. This mountain was considered a place of cursing (in contrast to Mount Gerizim, a place of blessing, as outlined in Deuteronomy 27:12-13). The choice of Mount Ebal is significant.
"...and you shall coat them with plaster.": The plaster served two likely purposes:
Visibility: The white plaster would make the stones and any inscriptions on them stand out clearly, making them visible from a distance.
Durability/Protection: The plaster would help protect the stones from the elements, potentially preserving them for a longer period.
Overall Meaning and Significance
The verse, in conjunction with the surrounding verses, outlines a very important covenant renewal ceremony. The instruction is to:
1. Create a Public Monument: The stones served as a physical reminder of the covenant between God and the Israelites.
2. Inscribe on the Stones: Deuteronomy 27:8 specifies that the Law should be written clearly on the stones. This was a public declaration and affirmation of God's law. Some scholars believe they inscribed the curses related to breaking the law on these plastered stones.
3. Set up on Mount Ebal (the mount of cursing): Erecting the monument, which included the law and presumably curses for disobedience, on Mount Ebal was a symbolic act. It emphasized the consequences of disobedience and served as a warning to the Israelites to remain faithful to their covenant with God. It may also be interpreted as an act of taking ownership of the curses on the land, asking for forgiveness, and a declaration of intent to now live a life of blessing by keeping the Law.
In summary, Deuteronomy 27:4 is part of God's instruction to the Israelites to create a visible, permanent, and public reminder of their covenant with Him, emphasizing the importance of obedience and the consequences of disobedience after they enter the Promised Land. The use of Mount Ebal, a place of curses, adds a layer of solemnity and warning to the ceremony.
Deuteronomy 27:4 - It shall be, when you have crossed over the Jordan, that you shall set up these stones, which I command you today, on Mount Ebal, and you shall coat them with plaster.
What does "Deuteronomy 27:4" mean?
This verse, Deuteronomy 27:4, is part of a larger set of instructions given by Moses to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. Let's break down its meaning:
"It shall be, when you have crossed over the Jordan...": This sets the context. The instruction is for after they have successfully crossed the Jordan River and entered the land God promised them. This signifies a new beginning and the fulfillment of a long-awaited promise.
"...that you shall set up these stones...": "These stones" refer back to earlier instructions (likely in Deuteronomy 27:2-3) about large stones that should be prepared. The act of setting them up would be a public and visible declaration.
"...which I command you today, on Mount Ebal...": This specifies the location: Mount Ebal. This mountain was considered a place of cursing (in contrast to Mount Gerizim, a place of blessing, as outlined in Deuteronomy 27:12-13). The choice of Mount Ebal is significant.
"...and you shall coat them with plaster.": The plaster served two likely purposes:
Visibility: The white plaster would make the stones and any inscriptions on them stand out clearly, making them visible from a distance.
Durability/Protection: The plaster would help protect the stones from the elements, potentially preserving them for a longer period.
Overall Meaning and Significance
The verse, in conjunction with the surrounding verses, outlines a very important covenant renewal ceremony. The instruction is to:
1. Create a Public Monument: The stones served as a physical reminder of the covenant between God and the Israelites.
2. Inscribe on the Stones: Deuteronomy 27:8 specifies that the Law should be written clearly on the stones. This was a public declaration and affirmation of God's law. Some scholars believe they inscribed the curses related to breaking the law on these plastered stones.
3. Set up on Mount Ebal (the mount of cursing): Erecting the monument, which included the law and presumably curses for disobedience, on Mount Ebal was a symbolic act. It emphasized the consequences of disobedience and served as a warning to the Israelites to remain faithful to their covenant with God. It may also be interpreted as an act of taking ownership of the curses on the land, asking for forgiveness, and a declaration of intent to now live a life of blessing by keeping the Law.
In summary, Deuteronomy 27:4 is part of God's instruction to the Israelites to create a visible, permanent, and public reminder of their covenant with Him, emphasizing the importance of obedience and the consequences of disobedience after they enter the Promised Land. The use of Mount Ebal, a place of curses, adds a layer of solemnity and warning to the ceremony.