Deuteronomy 27:6 – “Build the altar of the Lord your God with fieldstones and offer burnt offerings on it to the Lord your God.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
Deuteronomy 27:6 continues God’s specific instructions given through Moses to the Israelites as they prepare to enter the Promised Land. This verse instructs them to build an altar using fieldstones—naturally occurring, uncut stones—and to use this altar for offering burnt offerings to the Lord. The use of fieldstones emphasizes that the altar should be made with what God has provided in its natural state, without any human alteration or enhancement.
The command to offer burnt offerings on this altar highlights the importance of worship and sacrifice as key components of Israel’s relationship with God. Burnt offerings were a way for the people to express devotion, seek atonement, and dedicate themselves fully to God. The altar, built simply with unaltered stones, served as a reminder that their worship was to be sincere and rooted in obedience, relying on God’s provision rather than human efforts.
Historical Context
The historical context of this verse is the Israelites’ preparation to enter the Promised Land after years of wandering in the wilderness. As they cross the Jordan River and move into a new land, they are instructed to renew their covenant with God. Part of this renewal involves setting up an altar on Mount Ebal, where the curses for disobedience would be pronounced, reminding the people of the seriousness of their commitment to God’s Law.
Building an altar was not just a religious act but a deeply significant cultural and spiritual moment. Altars in the ancient world were places where people met with their gods, sought forgiveness, and made declarations of loyalty. For the Israelites, this altar was not about impressive craftsmanship; it was about faithfulness to God’s instructions. Using natural stones showed that their worship was to be focused on God, without distraction or the pride of human achievement.
Theological Implications
Theologically, this verse teaches that worship should be pure, simple, and focused on God’s presence rather than human display. The use of fieldstones symbolizes that God’s altar is not about human artistry or manipulation but about meeting God on His terms, as He created the world. It’s a call to humility in worship, recognizing that all we have comes from God and should be offered back to Him without alteration.
The burnt offerings made on this altar were acts of atonement and dedication, pointing to the need for repentance and wholehearted commitment to God. This verse underscores that worship involves not just praise but also a willingness to surrender fully to God, laying down our lives as living sacrifices. It reflects a foundational truth that God desires our hearts above all else, and our worship should reflect that inner dedication.
Literary Analysis
Literarily, Deuteronomy 27:6 is straightforward and instructional, focusing on the practical act of building an altar and the spiritual act of offering sacrifices. The language used is simple yet deeply symbolic. The phrase “fieldstones” contrasts with crafted or cut stones, emphasizing that the altar was to remain untainted by human intervention. The command to offer burnt offerings links the physical act of building the altar to the spiritual purpose of seeking and honoring God.
The literary style of this verse reflects the broader structure of Deuteronomy, which often combines direct commands with spiritual principles. It serves as part of a larger narrative where Moses is reiterating the Law and preparing the people for life in the Promised Land. The simplicity of the instruction underscores the importance of obedience to God’s Word, without the need for embellishment or modification.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 20:24-25 – God instructs the Israelites to build simple altars of earth or uncut stones, emphasizing that using tools on the stones would defile the altar, highlighting the importance of purity in worship.
- Joshua 8:31 – Joshua builds an altar of uncut stones on Mount Ebal in obedience to Moses’ instructions, demonstrating that the command was faithfully carried out as the Israelites entered the land.
- 1 Samuel 15:22 – “Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice,” reminding us that God values our obedience and heart attitude more than the outward act.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians today, Deuteronomy 27:6 emphasizes the importance of approaching God with sincerity and humility. It’s a call to strip away anything that might distract from genuine worship, focusing instead on God’s provision and presence. The use of fieldstones teaches us that God values what is natural and true, rather than what is crafted to impress others or meet human standards.
In a modern context, this verse encourages believers to prioritize authenticity in their relationship with God. Our “altars” today might not be built of stone, but they are the places in our lives where we meet God—our hearts, homes, and communities. This verse challenges us to offer our worship without pretense, coming to God as we are, with an honest and open heart.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
Deuteronomy 27:6 reflects God’s love in that He desires to meet His people in simple, honest ways. God does not require ornate displays or grand gestures; He seeks a heart that is open and obedient. The instruction to use uncut stones for the altar shows that God values the unaltered, genuine offerings we bring. He loves us as we are and wants our worship to be free from the pressures of performance or appearance.
The command to offer burnt offerings also highlights God’s provision of a way for His people to be reconciled to Him, even when they fall short. It demonstrates God’s loving desire for relationship, offering a way for His people to continually return to Him through repentance and sacrifice.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse connects to Jesus Christ, who is both the perfect altar and the ultimate sacrifice. Jesus’ death on the cross fulfilled the need for burnt offerings, providing a way for humanity to be reconciled to God once and for all. Just as the uncut stones represented worship without human interference, Jesus’ sacrifice was pure, perfect, and unblemished by human sin.
In Hebrews 13:15, we are encouraged to “continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that openly profess his name.” This reflects a new kind of offering, made possible through Christ, who made the ultimate sacrifice on our behalf. Jesus’ life and death fulfilled the purpose of the altar, providing a way for us to worship God in spirit and truth, without the need for further sacrifices.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- How can you ensure that your worship remains simple, sincere, and focused on God?
- What “fieldstones” in your life can you use to build a personal altar of worship, dedicating yourself to God?
- How does understanding that God values authenticity over outward appearance change the way you approach worship?
- In what ways does Jesus’ sacrifice fulfill the need for the altars and offerings of the Old Testament?
- How can you offer your life as a living sacrifice to God, reflecting the principles found in this verse?
Deuteronomy 27:6 challenges us to remember that God desires true worship that comes from a heart fully devoted to Him. Just as the Israelites were called to build an altar with uncut stones, Christians today are called to worship God in a way that is pure, honest, and wholly dependent on His grace and provision.