And on the day you cross the Jordan into the land that the LORD your God is giving you, set up large stones and coat them with plaster. And on the day you cross the JordanIsrael’s entrance into Canaan marked the end of the wilderness generation’s wandering and the beginning of life in the land promised to the patriarchs. The Jordan formed the boundary between the desert and Israel’s inheritance, recalling the Red Sea crossing that began the exodus. God brought His people through waters both at their departure from slavery and at their entrance into rest. Deu 9:1 Hear, O Israel: Today you are about to cross the Jordan… into the land that the LORD your God is giving you, Canaan was Israel’s inheritance by God’s covenant grace, not a reward earned by their strength or righteousness. The gift fulfilled the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and called Israel to live as faithful stewards under the Lord’s rule. Deu 11:31 For you are about to cross the Jordan… set up large stones These stones were to stand as a public and enduring witness to the Lord’s covenant. Israel was commanded to preserve God’s revealed will for future generations, so that the people would remember that life in the land depended upon obedience to Him. Joshua later carried out this command at Mount Ebal, where the law was written and read before the nation. Jos 4:20 And there at Gilgal Joshua set up the twelve… and coat them with plaster. Plaster provided a clear surface upon which the words of the law could be inscribed and displayed. The visible writing testified that God’s commands were not to be hidden or neglected but placed before the whole nation as the foundation of its covenant life. Jos 8:30-32 At that time Joshua built an altar on Mount Ebal to the LORD… Persons / Places / Events 1. MosesThe leader of the Israelites who is delivering God's commandments to the people before they enter the Promised Land. 2. The Israelites The chosen people of God who are about to enter the Promised Land after their exodus from Egypt and years of wandering in the desert. 3. The Jordan River The significant geographical boundary that the Israelites must cross to enter the Promised Land. 4. The Promised Land The land of Canaan, which God promised to Abraham and his descendants. 5. Large Stones Physical markers to be set up by the Israelites as a memorial and a means to inscribe the law. Teaching Points Memorials of FaithSetting up stones serves as a physical reminder of God's faithfulness and the covenant relationship. Consider how we can create "memorials" in our lives to remember God's work and promises. The Importance of God's Law The act of inscribing the law on stones highlights the permanence and importance of God's commandments. Reflect on how we prioritize and internalize God's Word in our daily lives. Obedience and Preparation The instruction to prepare the stones before entering the land signifies the importance of obedience and readiness to follow God's commands. Evaluate how we prepare our hearts and lives to follow God's will. Community and Accountability The communal act of setting up stones involves the entire nation, emphasizing the role of community in upholding God's law. Consider how we can support and hold each other accountable in our faith communities. Crossing into New Beginnings Crossing the Jordan represents a transition into a new phase of God's promise. Reflect on the transitions in our own lives and how we can trust God through them. Bible Study Questions 1. What significance do the large stones have in the context of the Israelites' journey, and how can we create similar reminders of God's faithfulness in our lives today?2. How does the act of inscribing the law on stones relate to the way we engage with Scripture in our daily lives? 3. In what ways can we prepare ourselves spiritually for the "new beginnings" or transitions that God leads us into? 4. How can we foster a sense of community and accountability in our faith journey, similar to the communal act of setting up stones? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced a "crossing of the Jordan" moment in your life. How did you see God's hand at work, and what did you learn from that experience? Connections to Other Scriptures Joshua 4This chapter describes the actual crossing of the Jordan River and the setting up of stones as a memorial, fulfilling the command given in Deuteronomy 27:2. Exodus 24 The covenant ceremony at Mount Sinai where Moses builds an altar and sets up twelve pillars, paralleling the setting up of stones as a witness to the covenant. Deuteronomy 6 The command to keep God's laws in their hearts and to teach them diligently, which is symbolized by the inscribing of the law on stones. Psalm 119 Emphasizes the importance of God's law and the desire to meditate on it continually, reflecting the purpose of inscribing the law on stones. Hebrews 8 Discusses the new covenant where God's laws are written on hearts, contrasting the physical stones with the spiritual internalization of God's commandments.
People Asher, Benjamin, Dan, Gad, Issachar, Joseph, Levi, Levites, Moses, Naphtali, Reuben, Simeon, ZebulunPlaces Beth-baal-peor, Jordan River, Mount Ebal, Mount GerizimTopics Building-paste, Coat, Coating, Cross, Gives, Giveth, Giving, Hast, Jordan, Large, Lime, Pass, Plaister, Plaistered, Plaster, Raised, StonesDictionary of Bible Themes Deuteronomy 27:1-8Library ObedienceTake heed, and hearken, O Israel; this day thou art become the people of the Lord thy God. Thou shalt therefore obey the voice of the Lord thy God, and do his commandments.' Deut 27: 9, 10. What is the duty which God requireth of man? Obedience to his revealed will. It is not enough to hear God's voice, but we must obey. Obedience is a part of the honour we owe to God. If then I be a Father, where is my honour?' Mal 1: 6. Obedience carries in it the life-blood of religion. Obey the voice of the Lord … Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments In Judæa and through Samaria - a Sketch of Samaritan History and Theology - Jews and Samaritans. How Christ is Made Use of for Justification as a Way. Gilgal, in Deuteronomy 11:30 what the Place Was. In Galilee at the Time of Our Lord Meditations of the Misery of a Man not Reconciled to God in Christ. Jesus' Last Public Discourse. Denunciation of Scribes and Pharisees. Differences in Judgment About Water Baptism, no Bar to Communion: Or, to Communicate with Saints, as Saints, Proved Lawful. Deuteronomy Links Deuteronomy 27:2 NIVDeuteronomy 27:2 NLT Deuteronomy 27:2 ESV Deuteronomy 27:2 NASB Deuteronomy 27:2 KJV Deuteronomy 27:2 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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