Chapter Twenty-Seven

The command to erect a stone monument upon crossing the Jordan, with the provisions of the law inscribed on it, along with an altar to the Lord. — The ceremony of pronouncing curses on those who break the law and blessings on those who keep it.

Deuteronomy 27:2. And when you have crossed the Jordan into the land that the Lord your God is giving you, set up large stones for yourself and plaster them with lime; “Set up large stones for yourself” — on Mount Ebal (Deut 27:2).

Deuteronomy 27:3. and write on these [stones] all the words of this law, when you have crossed [the Jordan], to enter the land that the Lord your God is giving you, a land flowing with milk and honey, as the Lord, the God of your fathers, promised you. “All the words (that is, all the fundamental provisions) of this law.” According to Jewish tradition, carved on the stones (Josh 8:30-32) were the civil and criminal laws, as well as the moral provisions included in the Pentateuch, 613 in number.

Deuteronomy 27:5. And build there an altar to the Lord your God, an altar of stones, without lifting iron upon them; “An altar of stones, without lifting iron upon them,” in accordance with the law set forth in Exod 20:25.

Deuteronomy 27:12. These shall stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people when you have crossed the Jordan: Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin; Deuteronomy 27:13. and these shall stand on Mount Ebal to pronounce the curse: Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali. The mountains of Gerizim and Ebal form with their slopes the valley in which the village of Nablus (ancient Shechem) lies. Mount Ebal is situated on the northern side of the valley, and Mount Gerizim on the southern side. In the present chapter only the curses are noted, which were to be pronounced on Mount Ebal. In the following, Deut 28:1, chapter we encounter twelve blessings, as it were corresponding to the twelve curses of Deut 27:1 chapter. The commanded rite of public blessing and cursing was performed under Moses’ successor, Joshua (son of Nun) (Josh 8:33-34).

Deuteronomy 27:15. Cursed is anyone who makes a carved or cast idol, an abomination before the Lord, the work of the craftsman’s hands, and sets it up in a secret place! And all the people shall declare and say: amen. Cf. Exod 20:4; Lev 26:1; Deut 4:15-19.

Deuteronomy 27:16. Cursed is anyone who dishonors his father or his mother! And all the people shall say: amen. Cf. Exod 20:12; Lev 19:3; Deut 21:18.

Deuteronomy 27:17. Cursed is anyone who moves his neighbor’s boundary marker! And all the people shall say: amen. Cf. Deut 19:14.

Deuteronomy 27:18. Cursed is anyone who leads a blind person astray on the road! And all the people shall say: amen. Cf. Lev 19:14.

Deuteronomy 27:19. Cursed is anyone who perverts the judgment of the stranger, the orphan, and the widow! And all the people shall say: amen. Cf. Exod 22:21-22; Deut 24:17.

Deuteronomy 27:20. Cursed is anyone who lies with his father’s wife, for he has uncovered the edge of his father’s garment! And all the people shall say: amen. Cf. Lev 20:11; Deut 22:30.

Deuteronomy 27:21. Cursed is anyone who lies with any animal! And all the people shall say: amen. Cf. Lev 18:23.

Deuteronomy 27:22. Cursed is anyone who lies with his sister, the daughter of his father or the daughter of his mother! And all the people shall say: amen. Cf. Lev 18:9.

Deuteronomy 27:23. Cursed is anyone who lies with his mother-in-law! And all the people shall say: amen. [Cursed is anyone who lies with his wife’s sister! And all the people shall say: amen.] Cf. Lev 18:17.

Deuteronomy 27:24. Cursed is anyone who secretly strikes down his neighbor! And all the people shall say: amen. Cf. Exod 20:13; Deut 19:11-13.

Deuteronomy 27:25. Cursed is anyone who accepts a bribe to kill a person and shed innocent blood! And all the people shall say: amen. Cf. Ex. 23:1, 7; Lev 19:16; Deut 19:18-19.

Deuteronomy 27:26. Cursed is [every person] who does not uphold [all] the words of this law and does not act according to them! And all the people shall say: amen. Cf. Deut 28:15.