Deuteronomy 27:14
And the Levites shall speak, and say unto all the men of Israel with a loud voice,
Original Language Analysis
וְעָנ֣וּ
shall speak
H6030
וְעָנ֣וּ
shall speak
Strong's:
H6030
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e., pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout,
כָּל
H3605
כָּל
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
5 of 9
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
אִ֥ישׁ
unto all the men
H376
אִ֥ישׁ
unto all the men
Strong's:
H376
Word #:
6 of 9
a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)
Historical Context
The Levites' mediatorial role was established at Sinai after the golden calf incident, when they alone remained faithful to God (Exodus 32:26-29). Their assignment to proclaim curses demonstrates that faithful ministry sometimes requires denouncing sin, not just announcing comfort. The ancient Near East had no equivalent to this dramatic public covenant ceremony—other nations' religious rituals focused on appeasing deities through offerings, not on moral accountability before a righteous God.
Questions for Reflection
- How should the Levites' role in proclaiming both blessing and curse inform Christian preaching and teaching today?
- What does the requirement for 'loud voice' public declaration suggest about the Church's responsibility to speak clearly on sin and judgment?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
The Levites shall speak, and say unto all the men of Israel with a loud voice—The Levites functioned as covenant mediators, positioned between the two mountains to proclaim God's standards to kol-ish Yisrael (all the men of Israel). The instruction qol ram (with a loud voice) wasn't merely practical acoustics but liturgical solemnity—these pronouncements carried divine authority requiring clear, public declaration.
The Levites' role anticipates their ongoing function as teachers of the law (Deuteronomy 33:10, 2 Chronicles 17:7-9) and proclaimers of God's word. They stand as both members of the covenant community (positioned on Gerizim in verse 12) and as mediators between God and people. This dual role foreshadows Christ's perfect mediation—fully human, fully divine, both victim and priest.
The phrase all the men of Israel emphasizes universal accountability. Every member of the covenant community, regardless of tribal affiliation or social status, stood under these covenant sanctions. No one was exempt from God's law or immune to its curses for disobedience.