Deuteronomy 27:15
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Deuteronomy 27:15
15 Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image, an abomination unto the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth it in a secret place. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen.
Chapter Context
Deuteronomy 27 is a sermonic and legal chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of holiness, obedience, grace. Written during the end of the wilderness wandering (c. 1406 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Moses delivered these speeches as Israel prepared to enter a land filled with different Canaanite city-states.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-26: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides essential context for understanding God's covenant relationship with His people. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Deuteronomy and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Deuteronomy 27:15
15 Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image, an abomination unto the LORD, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth it in a secret place. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen.
Analysis
Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image—This first curse addresses idolatry, the fundamental covenant violation that breaks the First and Second Commandments. The Hebrew pesel (graven image) refers to carved idols, while massekah (molten image) indicates cast metal images. Both are to'evah (abomination)—a term expressing God's intense revulsion toward idolatry.
The phrase the work of the hands of the craftsman (מַעֲשֵׂה יְדֵי חָרָשׁ) emphasizes the absurdity of worshiping human creations. Isaiah 44:9-20 brilliantly satirizes this irrationality. The specification in a secret place reveals that these curses target hidden sins, not just public violations—God sees what humans conceal.
And all the people shall answer and say, Amen—The congregation's amen (אָמֵן, "so be it" or "truly") constitutes covenant self-malediction. By saying amen to each curse, Israel invoked judgment upon themselves if they committed these sins. This wasn't passive listening but active oath-taking, making each person individually accountable.
Historical Context
Israel's constant temptation toward idolatry (the golden calf, Exodus 32; Baal worship, Numbers 25) made this curse foundational. Ancient Near Eastern religion centered on images as dwelling places for deities, but YHWH's imageless worship was radically unique. Archaeological excavations throughout Israel have uncovered numerous household idols and figurines, confirming that secret idolatry plagued Israel throughout its history, exactly as this curse anticipated.
Reflection
- What 'secret place' idols—things you worship privately but wouldn't acknowledge publicly—might be under this curse in your life?
- How does the emphasis on idolatry as 'the work of the hands of the craftsman' challenge modern forms of self-made religion and self-help spirituality?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Leviticus 19:4, 26:1
- Parallel theme: Deuteronomy 5:8, Exodus 20:4, 20:23, 34:17, 1 Corinthians 14:16