Deuteronomy 27:5
And there shalt thou build an altar unto the LORD thy God, an altar of stones: thou shalt not lift up any iron tool upon them.
Original Language Analysis
וּבָנִ֤יתָ
And there shalt thou build
H1129
וּבָנִ֤יתָ
And there shalt thou build
Strong's:
H1129
Word #:
1 of 11
to build (literally and figuratively)
שָּׁם֙
H8033
לַֽיהוָ֖ה
unto the LORD
H3068
לַֽיהוָ֖ה
unto the LORD
Strong's:
H3068
Word #:
4 of 11
(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god
אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ
thy God
H430
אֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ
thy God
Strong's:
H430
Word #:
5 of 11
gods in the ordinary sense; but specifically used (in the plural thus, especially with the article) of the supreme god; occasionally applied by way of
לֹֽא
H3808
לֹֽא
Strong's:
H3808
Word #:
8 of 11
not (the simple or abs. negation); by implication, no; often used with other particles
תָנִ֥יף
thou shalt not lift up
H5130
תָנִ֥יף
thou shalt not lift up
Strong's:
H5130
Word #:
9 of 11
to quiver (i.e., vibrate up and down, or rock to and fro); used in a great variety of applications (including sprinkling, beckoning, rubbing, bastinad
Cross References
Exodus 20:25And if thou wilt make me an altar of stone, thou shalt not build it of hewn stone: for if thou lift up thy tool upon it, thou hast polluted it.Exodus 24:4And Moses wrote all the words of the LORD, and rose up early in the morning, and builded an altar under the hill, and twelve pillars, according to the twelve tribes of Israel.
Historical Context
Exodus 20:25 similarly commands altars of unhewn stone. This contrasted with Canaanite altars often elaborately carved and decorated, reflecting pagan theology that deity could be manipulated through impressive offerings and artwork.
The prohibition prevented Israel from adopting pagan worship aesthetics that emphasized human contribution over divine initiative.
Questions for Reflection
- What does the prohibition against hewn stones teach about approaching God on His terms?
- How do unhewn stones symbolize coming to God without human achievement or works?
- Why must worship avoid impressive human contributions that draw attention from God?
- How does this principle anticipate the gospel of salvation by grace through faith alone?
- What dangers exist when worship emphasizes human artistic achievement over simple obedience?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
And there shalt thou build an altar unto the LORD thy God, an altar of stones: thou shalt not lift up any iron tool upon them. The altar of unhewn stones demonstrates that human craftsmanship must not alter what God uses for worship. Uncut stones represent unmodified divine creation, while iron tools represent human manipulation and improvement.
The prohibition against iron tools on altar stones teaches that worship approaches God on His terms, not through human achievement or artistic enhancement. We come not through our works or refinements but through simple faith in God's provision.
This principle anticipates the gospel - salvation comes not through human work or self-improvement but through God's provision alone. Christ is the living stone, rejected by men but chosen by God (1 Peter 2:4), and believers are living stones built into spiritual house.
The simplicity of unhewn stones contrasts with ornate pagan altars. True worship requires no impressive human contributions but humble acceptance of God's ordained means.