Deuteronomy 27:4
Therefore it shall be when ye be gone over Jordan, that ye shall set up these stones, which I command you this day, in mount Ebal, and thou shalt plaister them with plaister.
Original Language Analysis
וְהָיָה֮
H1961
וְהָיָה֮
Strong's:
H1961
Word #:
1 of 18
to exist, i.e., be or become, come to pass (always emphatic, and not a mere copula or auxiliary)
בְּעָבְרְכֶ֣ם
Therefore it shall be when ye be gone over
H5674
בְּעָבְרְכֶ֣ם
Therefore it shall be when ye be gone over
Strong's:
H5674
Word #:
2 of 18
to cross over; used very widely of any transition (literal or figurative; transitive, intransitive, intensive, causative); specifically, to cover (in
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
3 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
תָּקִ֜ימוּ
that ye shall set up
H6965
תָּקִ֜ימוּ
that ye shall set up
Strong's:
H6965
Word #:
5 of 18
to rise (in various applications, literal, figurative, intensive and causative)
אֶת
H853
אֶת
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
6 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
H834
אֲשֶׁ֨ר
Strong's:
H834
Word #:
9 of 18
who, which, what, that; also (as an adverb and a conjunction) when, where, how, because, in order that, etc
אֶתְכֶ֛ם
H853
אֶתְכֶ֛ם
Strong's:
H853
Word #:
12 of 18
properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)
הַיּ֖וֹם
you this day
H3117
הַיּ֖וֹם
you this day
Strong's:
H3117
Word #:
13 of 18
a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an asso
בְּהַ֣ר
in mount
H2022
בְּהַ֣ר
in mount
Strong's:
H2022
Word #:
14 of 18
a mountain or range of hills (sometimes used figuratively)
Historical Context
Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim form natural amphitheater with valley between, near Shechem. This geography enabled the blessing-cursing ceremony where half the tribes stood on each mountain responding antiphonally.
Joshua 8:30-35 records the fulfillment, with the entire law read to the assembly - blessings and curses pronounced from the respective mountains.
Questions for Reflection
- What is the significance of placing the law on the mountain designated for curses?
- How does this demonstrate the law's function in revealing sin and pronouncing judgment?
- Why does careful preparation for presenting God's word matter?
- What does the curse-mountain location teach about the law's effect on violators?
- How does Christ transform the curse of the law into blessing for believers?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Therefore it shall be when ye be gone over Jordan, that ye shall set up these stones, which I command you this day, in mount Ebal, and thou shalt plaister them with plaister. Mount Ebal's designation as the location for the law inscription is significant - this mountain would bear the curses (verse 13), while Mount Gerizim would bear the blessings. Writing the law on the curse mountain emphasizes that law reveals sin and brings curse to violators.
The repetition which I command you this day creates urgency and personal responsibility. This is not optional tradition but divine command requiring immediate obedience upon entry to the land.
The double mention of plastering emphasizes the importance of creating proper surface for clear inscription. God's word deserves careful preparation and presentation, not hasty, sloppy treatment.
Placing the law on Mount Ebal where curses would be pronounced demonstrates that the law's primary function is revealing sin and pronouncing judgment on violators. Only Christ's fulfillment transforms curse into blessing.