Deuteronomy 27:2 – “When you have crossed the Jordan into the land the Lord your God is giving you, set up some large stones and coat them with plaster.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Deuteronomy 27:2 is a directive given by Moses to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. This verse is part of a broader set of instructions on what the Israelites should do once they cross the Jordan River and step into the land that God had promised their ancestors. Specifically, Moses instructs them to set up large stones and coat them with plaster. These stones were to serve as a monument, on which the words of God’s Law would be written. This act was meant to publicly display and solidify their commitment to God’s covenant.
The command to set up stones and coat them with plaster serves both a symbolic and practical purpose. Symbolically, it represents the permanence and visibility of God’s commands in the lives of the people. It is a visual reminder that God’s laws are foundational and unchanging. Practically, the plaster coating made the stones suitable for writing, ensuring that the words would be legible and preserved for all to see. This act was not just about following a ritual; it was about publicly declaring their allegiance to God and His ways in the new land.
Historical Context
The historical backdrop of this verse is the Israelites’ transition from wandering in the wilderness to taking possession of the land God had promised them. For over forty years, they had been journeying under Moses’ leadership, learning to trust God and follow His commands. Now, as they stand on the verge of entering Canaan, Moses is giving final instructions to ensure that they remember God’s covenant as they begin this new chapter.
Setting up stones with the Law written on them was a common ancient Near Eastern practice, often used by nations to commemorate significant events, treaties, or declarations. In this context, the Israelites were not just setting up a memorial; they were establishing a visible commitment to God’s covenant. This act also served as a spiritual boundary marker, setting apart the Promised Land as a place where God’s laws would be honored and upheld.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse emphasizes the importance of remembering and visibly affirming God’s Word. The act of setting up stones coated with plaster and inscribing God’s laws on them signifies that God’s commands were meant to be central to the Israelites’ identity and daily life. It reflects the truth that God’s Word should not be hidden but displayed openly, serving as a guide and reminder of His will.
This verse also highlights the idea of consecration. By setting up the stones upon entering the land, the Israelites were essentially dedicating the land to God, acknowledging that it was a gift from Him and that their success in it would depend on their faithfulness to His commands. This principle underscores that the land was not merely a place to inhabit but a sacred space where God’s presence and authority would be recognized.
Literary Analysis
Literarily, Deuteronomy 27:2 employs direct and instructional language, characteristic of much of Moses’ address in Deuteronomy. The use of verbs like “crossed,” “set up,” and “coat” underscores the active nature of the Israelites’ obedience. This is not a passive observance but a deliberate action that requires effort and intention. The command to “set up some large stones” serves as a concrete act that reinforces the abstract commitment to God’s laws.
The phrase “the land the Lord your God is giving you” emphasizes that the Promised Land is a gift from God, not something earned by the Israelites. This repeated reminder in the text serves to keep the people humble and dependent on God’s grace. The instruction to coat the stones with plaster reflects a practical detail that enhances the durability and readability of the inscriptions, showing that God’s Word is meant to endure and be accessible.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Joshua 4:20-24 – Joshua also sets up stones in the Jordan River as a memorial of God’s faithfulness in bringing the Israelites across the river on dry ground.
- Exodus 24:4 – Moses writes down all the words of the Lord, setting up an altar with twelve pillars representing the twelve tribes of Israel.
- Habakkuk 2:2 – “Write down the revelation and make it plain on tablets so that a herald may run with it,” emphasizing the importance of making God’s Word visible and understandable.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christian, Deuteronomy 27:2 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of publicly declaring and living out our commitment to God’s Word. Just as the Israelites were instructed to set up stones and inscribe the Law, Christians are called to let their faith be visible in their daily lives. This can take the form of sharing God’s truth, living according to biblical principles, and being unashamed witnesses of Christ in the world.
This verse also challenges believers to remember that our faith is not a private matter but something that should be reflected in every aspect of our lives. Our homes, workplaces, and communities should bear the marks of God’s Word, just as the Promised Land bore the inscribed stones. It calls us to take tangible steps to integrate our faith into every area of life, making the truths of Scripture a visible and guiding force.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s instruction to set up the stones and write His commands on them is an expression of His love and desire for His people to remember His ways. It reflects God’s heart for His people to remain connected to His Word, understanding that living according to His commands brings blessing, protection, and a deeper relationship with Him. God’s love is evident in His desire to provide clear guidance and constant reminders of His covenant promises.
The setting up of stones symbolizes God’s loving reminder to stay faithful. God knew that as the Israelites entered a land filled with other cultures and beliefs, they would need constant reminders of who they were and to whom they belonged. This act of setting up memorial stones shows God’s proactive care in guiding His people to remain rooted in His love and truth.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ in the way it points to the importance of God’s Word being central in the lives of believers. Jesus, often referred to as the “cornerstone” (Ephesians 2:20), is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s law and the embodiment of God’s Word. Just as the stones in Deuteronomy served as a physical reminder of God’s commands, Jesus is the living Word who came to fulfill the law and make it accessible to all.
In John 1:14, we read that “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” Jesus Himself is the ultimate manifestation of God’s commands and love. He came to write God’s laws on our hearts, not just on stones. The public display of the Law in the Old Testament foreshadows the public ministry of Jesus, where He taught, lived, and fulfilled God’s commands perfectly, making them known to all.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What are some practical ways you can make God’s Word visible in your life today?
- How do you publicly display your commitment to God’s commands in your community and relationships?
- In what ways can the act of remembering and honoring God’s Word strengthen your faith journey?
- How does knowing that Jesus is the fulfillment of God’s Law change the way you approach obedience?
- How can you ensure that the principles of God’s Word remain central to your decisions and actions?
This verse challenges us to actively remember and publicly live out our faith, just as the Israelites were called to set up memorial stones that proclaimed God’s truth for all to see.