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.
DEUTERONOMY 27:4KJVWhat does Deuteronomy 27:4 mean?
Deuteronomy 27:4 tells the Israelites that after they cross the Jordan River, they are to set up stones on Mount Ebal and cover them with plaster, just as Moses is commanding them that day. This act is part of a specific instruction for marking an important moment as they enter the promised land.
In this verse, Moses is speaking to the people of Israel as they prepare to enter Canaan. The command involves physically setting up stones and coating them with plaster, which in the surrounding verses is for writing the words of the law. Mount Ebal is named as the location, making this a concrete, public act of remembrance and commitment.
The Hebrew behind Deuteronomy 27:4
- "over" (עָבַר,
avar): This word means to cross or pass over, emphasizing the significant transition the Israelites are about to make by entering the land across the Jordan River. - "Jordan" (יַרְדֵּן, yarden): Refers specifically to the Jordan River, which is the boundary they must cross to enter the promised land.
- "plaister" (שִׂיד, sid): This word means plaster or lime. The instruction to coat the stones with plaster is practical—it creates a smooth surface for writing, showing the importance of making the law clear and visible.
Why Deuteronomy 27:4 matters
- This verse highlights the importance of physically marking the Israelites' entry into the land with a public display, connecting their journey to a visible reminder of God's law.
- The choice of Mount Ebal, as opposed to another location, sets the stage for the blessings and curses that follow in the chapter, giving the site special significance.
- The instruction to plaster the stones shows a concern for clarity and permanence, ensuring that the words written would be readable and lasting for all who came after.