271 Moses commanded the leaders of Israel and charged the people: Keep every commandment that I command you today. 2 On the day you cross the Jordan into the land that God, your God, is giving you, erect large stones and coat them with plaster. 3 As soon as you cross over the river, write on the stones all the words of this Revelation so that you'll enter the land that God, your God, is giving you, that land flowing with milk and honey that God, the God-of-Your-Fathers, promised you. 4 So when you've crossed the Jordan, erect these stones on Mount Ebal. Then coat them with plaster. 5 Build an Altar of stones for God, your God, there on the mountain. Don't use an iron tool on the stones; 6 build the Altar to God, your God, with uncut stones and offer your Whole-Burnt-Offerings on it to God, your God. 7 When you sacrifice your Peace-Offerings you will also eat them there, rejoicing in the Presence of God, your God. 8 Write all the words of this Revelation on the stones. Incise them sharply. 9 Moses and the Levitical priests addressed all Israel: Quiet. Listen obediently, Israel. This very day you have become the people of God, your God. 10 Listen to the Voice of God, your God. Keep his commandments and regulations that I'm commanding you today.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Deuteronomy 27:1-10
Commentary on Deuteronomy 27:1-10
(Read Deuteronomy 27:1-10)
As soon as they were come into Canaan, they must set up a monument, on which they must write the words of this law. They must set up an altar. The word and prayer must go together. Though they might not, of their own heads, set up any altar besides that at the tabernacle; yet, by the appointment of God, they might, upon special occasion. This altar must be made of unhewn stones, such as they found upon the field. Christ, our Altar, is a stone cut out of the mountain without hands, refused by the builders, as having no form or comeliness, but accepted of God the Father, and made the Head of the corner. In the Old Testament the words of the law are written, with the curse annexed; which would overcome us with horror, if we had not, in the New Testament, an altar erected close by, which gives consolation. Blessed be God, the printed copies of the Scriptures among us, do away the necessity of such methods as were presented to Israel. The end of the gospel ministry is, and the end of preachers ought to be, to make the word of God as plain as possible. Yet, unless the Spirit of God prosper such labours with Divine power, we shall not, even by these means, be made wise unto salvation: for this blessing we should therefore daily and earnestly pray.