 Now Moses and the elders of Israel commanded the people, saying, “Keep the whole commandment that I command you today. 2 And on the day you cross over the Jordan to the land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall set up large stones and plaster them with plaster. 3 And you shall write on them all the words of this law, when you cross over to enter the land that the Lord your God is giving you, a land flowing with milk and honey, as the Lord, the God of your fathers, has promised you. 4 And when you have crossed over the Jordan, you shall set up these stones, concerning which I command you today, on Mount Ebal, and you shall plaster them with plaster. 5 And there you shall build an altar to the Lord your God, an altar of stones. You shall wield no iron tool on them; 6 you shall build an altar to the Lord your God of uncut stones. And you shall offer burnt offerings on it to the Lord your God, 7 and you shall sacrifice peace offerings and shall eat there, and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God. 8 And you shall write on the stones all the words of this law very plainly.”
Curses from Mount Ebal9 Then Moses and the Levitical priests said to all Israel, “Keep silence and hear, O Israel: this day you have become the people of the Lord your God. 10 You shall therefore obey the voice of the Lord your God, keeping his commandments and his statutes, which I command you today.” 11 That day Moses charged the people, saying, 12 “When you have crossed over the Jordan, these shall stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people: Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin. 13 And these shall stand on Mount Ebal for the curse: Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali. 14 And the Levites shall declare to all the men of Israel in a loud voice: 15 “‘Cursed be the man who makes a carved or cast metal image, an abomination to the Lord, a thing made by the hands of a craftsman, and sets it up in secret.’ And all the people shall answer and say, ‘Amen.’ 16 “‘Cursed be anyone who dishonors his father or his mother.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’ 17 “‘Cursed be anyone who moves his neighbor's landmark.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’ 18 “‘Cursed be anyone who misleads a blind man on the road.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’ 19 “‘Cursed be anyone who perverts the justice due to the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’ 20 “‘Cursed be anyone who lies with his father's wife, because he has uncovered his father's nakedness.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’ 21 “‘Cursed be anyone who lies with any kind of animal.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’ 22 “‘Cursed be anyone who lies with his sister, whether the daughter of his father or the daughter of his mother.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’ 23 “‘Cursed be anyone who lies with his mother-in-law.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’ 24 “‘Cursed be anyone who strikes down his neighbor in secret.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’ 25 “‘Cursed be anyone who takes a bribe to shed innocent blood.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’ 26 “‘Cursed be anyone who does not confirm the words of this law by doing them.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’ Meditation Symbols of God’s faithfulness reinforce God’s finished work, giving access to God’s promises, while pointing believers to a future celebrating God’s presence and power. God’s people belong to Him (9), described as a people to display His praise above all other nations (26:19), set above all other nations on earth (28:1). Grace interprets the implications of this identity with explanation of celebration. Israel’s covenant renewal ceremony took place “after crossing the Jordan” (2, 4) after fully entering into God’s promised land. The direction mediated by Moses was later enacted by Joshua (Joshua 4:3, 5, 8, 20), before being carried out in Joshua 24. God’s covenant faithfulness is the current carrying God’s story of redemption forward. Twice repeated is the command for Israel to set up stones of remembrance when they enter into God’s promises (2-3, 6), symbols and signs to reorient and refocus the faith of God’s people. The stones were symbols reminding people of God’s faithfulness to this point, fueling formation to live in faithful worship of the Lord. The stones were signs pointing forward, a future of relationship with God inviting the people of God to celebrate His promises, presence, and power. The symbol of Christ’s cross is complimented by the sign of the stone rolled away from Jesus’ empty grave. Christians are fueled for participation in God’s promises by the symbol of Christ’s finished work on the cross- Come enter into God’s promises! You will be empowered by the sign of the rolled away stone, promise of resurrection life and hope for new creation. Richly Dwelling -What stands out to you about the stones set up by Joshua (4:3, 5, 8, 20) as symbol and signs? -Do you embrace the symbol of the cross as an invitation for full participation in God’s covenant promises? Why or why not? And the stone rolled away from the empty grave- does it point you to eternal hope? -The work of Jesus is finished. You are invited to participate in God’s covenant promises. Where do you need to refocus your faith to be formed by God’s finished work? Be specific. Key Verse 2 And on the day you cross over the Jordan to the land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall set up large stones and plaster them with plaster. Comments are closed.
|