This passage refers to a solemn command given by God to Moses to write the law on stones on Mount Ebal. This instruction was not symbolic or optional; it was a direct mandate from the Lord, designed to remind the people of Israel of the seriousness of the covenant they were entering. Moses, as the chosen leader of God, bore the great responsibility of guiding the people in obedience, keeping them away from idolatry, and ensuring that God’s commandments were clearly established and publicly proclaimed. The law engraved on stone represented permanence, authority, and divine origin.
Mount Ebal held deep spiritual significance. After crossing the Jordan River, the people of Israel were entering the land promised to their ancestors—a land flowing with milk and honey. Before enjoying its blessings, they were required to reaffirm their commitment to God. The altar built on Mount Ebal and the law written on stones served as visible reminders that the land they were inheriting belonged first and foremost to the Lord.
This act of writing the law on stones demonstrated that obedience was not a private or hidden matter. Every commandment was to be displayed openly, read aloud, and accepted by the entire community. God desired His people to understand clearly what He required of them. There could be no ignorance or excuse; the law was set before them plainly.
After crossing the Jordan, the people were commanded to build an altar to the Lord. This altar was not to be adorned with human craftsmanship or carved images. It was to be simple, constructed of uncut stones, emphasizing that worship belongs to God alone and must not be corrupted by human creativity or idolatrous influence. The altar symbolized gratitude, worship, and dependence on God.
Every man in Israel was required to submit himself to the law of the Lord. Obedience was not optional or selective. The covenant demanded complete loyalty to God, both in public conduct and in private behavior. This is why Moses issued a series of solemn declarations—blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience.
That is why in verse 24, Moses declares a warning to the people, addressing sins that might be committed secretly, especially those that harm others:
Cursed be he that smiteth his neighbour secretly. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Deuteronomy 27:24
This verse highlights an important truth: God sees not only public actions, but also secret sins. Striking a neighbor secretly refers not only to physical violence, but to any hidden act of injustice, betrayal, or harm committed against another person. God’s justice extends beyond what human courts can see. Nothing is hidden from His eyes.
The people were required to respond with a loud “Amen.” This response was not passive; it was an active affirmation. By saying “Amen,” the people publicly agreed with God’s judgment and accepted the consequences of disobedience. It was a collective acknowledgment that God’s law is righteous and binding.
In this command, Moses also pronounced a declaration of curse against idolatry and other serious violations of God’s law. The tribes were divided between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, each group participating in the proclamation of curses and blessings. Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin were assigned to one mountain, while Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali stood on the other. This division emphasized the communal responsibility of the covenant.
Every man of Israel was required to listen carefully and respond audibly. This was not a ritual performed by leaders alone; it involved the entire nation. God’s covenant was made with all His people, and every individual was accountable.
Among the curses pronounced were warnings against making sculpted or cast images, dishonoring parents, moving boundary markers, misleading the blind, oppressing the vulnerable, committing sexual immorality, murder, and bribery. Each law addressed actions that corrupt society and dishonor God.
In every case, the response was the same: the people were to say “Amen.” This repetition reinforced the seriousness of the law and the certainty of its consequences. The people acknowledged that disobedience would bring judgment and that obedience was essential for remaining under God’s blessing.
If we read verses 17 through 26, we see a comprehensive list of laws that governed not only religious practices, but also moral, social, and family relationships. God’s law was holistic, addressing every aspect of life. Disobedience was not merely a personal failure; it affected the entire community.
The consequences of breaking these laws were severe because they represented a rejection of God Himself. Idolatry, in particular, was treated with utmost seriousness. Worshiping images or sculptures was a direct violation of the covenant and an affront to the holiness of God.
This passage reminds us that God alone is worthy of worship. Images made by human hands cannot speak, save, or deliver. They are powerless and lifeless. Trusting in them leads only to spiritual blindness and judgment.
Although Christians today are not under the Mosaic Law in the same way Israel was, the principles revealed here remain relevant. God still calls His people to obedience, faithfulness, and exclusive worship. Idolatry may no longer take the form of carved statues, but it still exists in subtler forms—wealth, power, status, and self can all become modern idols.
Nowadays, all the laws established by our God must be honored in spirit and truth. While salvation comes through grace, obedience remains the fruit of genuine faith. Anyone who places their trust or devotion in any image, object, or created thing rather than in God must turn away, for only the Lord deserves worship.
This passage ultimately calls us to examine our hearts. Are we fully devoted to God, or have we allowed hidden idols to take His place? Are we willing to say “Amen” to God’s word, accepting His authority and submitting to His will?
Let us choose obedience and faithfulness. Let us worship the Lord alone, honor His commandments, and walk in reverence before Him. For He is a holy God, faithful to bless those who obey Him and just to judge those who reject His law.