Deuteronomy 27: Group Study Handout

How to use: read Deuteronomy 27 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Moses and the elders of Israel instruct the people to keep all the commandments given to them (vv. 1-3). They are to set up great stones on the day they cross the Jordan River into the Promised Land.

Key verse

‘Cursed is the man who makes an engraved or molten image, an abomination to Yahweh, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and sets it up in secret.’ All the people shall answer and say, ‘Amen.’
Deuteronomy 27:15 (WEB)

Outline

Deuteronomy 27:1–3 Instructions for Covenant Renewal
Deuteronomy 27:4–8 Setting Up the Altar
Deuteronomy 27:9–10 Proclaiming the Covenant
Deuteronomy 27:11–13 Blessings and Curses Defined
Deuteronomy 27:14–26 The Curses Declared

Discussion questions

In v4, what specific instructions does Moses give about the stones on Mount Ebal?
What do the Levites announce in v15 about those who make an engraved image?
The commands in v10 about obeying God's voice: how does this relate to Israel's covenant identity?
The curses listed in vv. 15-26: what implications do they have for the community's moral standards?
When have you felt the need to uphold a commitment like the people do in v10?

Go deeper

Passages that echo Deuteronomy 27: Galatians 3, Leviticus 20, Leviticus 19.

Before next time: read Deuteronomy 28.