MONUMENTS AND MEMORIALS. Deuteronomy 27 Covenant documents and their associated stipulations often include subsections or other considerations. These might specify where the documents should be stored, when they should be read publicly, how they should be read, and who should be involved in reading them. There would be clear clarifications about the benefits and blessings if the covenant terms are upheld, and the curses if they are broken. These topics are covered in the remaining chapters of Deuteronomy.
In chapter twenty-seven, we learn how it is to be written and where it is to be read. Chapter twenty-eight discusses the blessings of obeying the terms of the covenant and the curses of disobedience. Chapters twenty-nine through thirty-one form a final charge where the covenant oath is explained, and Joshua is inaugurated as the leader of Israel. Chapter thirty-two expresses the whole covenant and everything it involves through the words of a hymn. The song of Moses impressed the message of God on the minds of the people in the same way that the congregational singing of hymns impresses specific truths on our minds and hearts.
It has been a long-standing practice throughout human history, up to the present day, to build monuments in memory of significant events or individuals who have altered a nation's course. This can be either positive or negative, depending on the purpose and the person honored. The Tower of Babel was a negative example because its goal was to elevate humanity to the level of God. Conversely, the monument Moses commanded the Israelites to build was a good thing. When children ask their parents, "Why is this big pile of stones here?" the parents tell them about their journey from Egypt when they were young, about living in the wilderness and crossing the Jordan River into the Promised Land. But most importantly, this pile of stones was covered with plaster, and there was writing on it.
The words of the law were written plainly on the plaster so the people could read what God had commanded. The standard of righteousness God expected of them was right there in the open before their eyes. There was no excuse for anyone to say they didn't know the words of the law. Our children have the opportunity to read the Word of God for themselves, but they won't do it unless they are taught the value of what we have in the scriptures. By nature, they will have no interest in divine things until they see their value in the lives of believers. A casual approach to God's Word and spiritual things will give our children the impression that these are not very important. Even a careless reading of the scripture means it is not more important than any other book.
The monument that was to be erected in the promised land was made of stones not shaped by human hands. The Israelites were used to shaping stones for pyramids and buildings in Egypt to make them appealing to the eye and a tribute to human ingenuity. This monument was meant to testify to the people of God's holiness and righteousness. Egyptian buildings often featured faces and forms of men and animals. In contrast, this monument bore the wisdom and authority of God written in clear words.
Faces, forms, and images tend to either humanize or even demonize spiritual things. The written word of God elevates spiritual truths above human wisdom that appeals to the senses and reaches the mind and heart, where the true person can act with understanding by believing what God has said. God wanted the stones of the monument to remain exactly as He made them, without the sin-polluted influence of man’s works. The plaster applied over these stones was only meant to make the writing of God's word unmistakably clear.
Beside the monument that was erected, an altar made of uncut stones was built for the children of Israel to offer their sacrifices of worship and fellowship. The large monument displayed the written words of God to man, and the altar, constructed from similar stones, was for people to respond to God.
When God speaks to us, His will is unmistakably clear in His written word. When we talk to God and offer Him our praise, worship, thanksgiving, and fellowship, He understands exactly what we mean. He knows the "thoughts and intents" of our hearts. Our actions and words should be consistent with His revealed will. Watching this be new to a younger generation, all of this is something they are learning for the first time. The joy that comes from our fellowship with God is one of the ways younger people will discover the value of hearing God's word and worshiping Him in spirit and in truth.
Given the specific location where the altar would be built in the center of the country and the fact that two mountains would be there, the tribes of Israel would gather between the two mountains to hear God's commands. Here, they would give God the first place by offering on the altar, offering peace offerings, and making sacrifices. These would be explained so there would be no doubt about how they acquired the land in the first place and what God wanted from them. Mount Gerizim was the mountain of blessing, usually covered with vegetation, while Mount Ebal, the mountain of cursing, was a barren peak. These characteristics served as a visible lesson to the Israelites about the effects of blessings and curses. All of the actions listed in the curses in this chapter are contrary to the laws written in the book of Leviticus.
When a new generation of believers steps up to take responsibility for God's work in public testimony, it is essential that we provide them with solid reasons for doing God's things in God's way. Each person must decide whether to follow the Word of God and to what extent they will take His truth literally. It is the duty of those who are older to warn about the importance of righteous living according to God's word. There are curses pronounced on those who ignore God's commands and act against them. Idols are always detestable to God, even if kept secret from others.
Our attitude toward our parents should always be respectful. Failing to give them proper honor and respect brings a curse from God on the offender. We must respect our neighbor's property; help the infirm, and avoid mocking or hindering them. Justice should be fair for everyone, regardless of who they are or where they're from. Any immoral act, from adultery to murder, is condemned by God. The law of God should be upheld. Any wrongdoing toward others carries serious consequences that we cannot escape.
The truth of God isn't just negative; there are blessings that come with doing what God wants. People needed to hear both sides and verbally agree with God's commandments. Blessings follow obedience, and curses follow disobedience. The memorial service of consecration was an event where everyone participated aloud. By saying "Amen" to each statement, they took responsibility for doing what was right and rejecting what was wrong. Restrictions in families, gatherings, and governments are meant to serve as acts of love to protect God's people from the danger of wrongdoing.
When we understand what God commands from His written word and respond with thankfulness and worship, our children and the next generation will see that God does not change from one generation to the next. That in itself provides a sense of security because the boundaries for right and wrong are clearly defined. Their verbal responses will show that they know what God intends and that they understand the consequences of disobeying what is clearly taught. The motivation to follow God's word is the promise of blessings in the future, and we will experience inner peace even if there is turmoil in the world around us.
Down one bank, across the dry riverbed, and up on the other side, they are coming. The Israelites are walking on new ground beneath their feet, which they have never trod before. Now it is theirs, as they walk over the land they are claiming. Looking around at the promised land given many hundreds of years earlier, they rejoice. Great stones are set up and smoothed over to write on; they remember the covenant made with God. An altar was also built without traces of human opinion, prepared for the peace offerings they bring to God. The large pile of uncut stones displayed God’s words of the covenant to them. The altar of uncut stones is where their offerings of response are made to God. They are offering.
Careful hands carve into the plaster of the pillar the words of God. They are obeying. Animals brought to the altar are the best they have to give to God in their beauty and perfection. Their substitute is innocent and sinless. They are identifying. There is no mistaking the written words; they are written very plainly. No additions of man are added; these words are God’s words only. When God gives directions to follow, carry them out promptly. Do what God says with rejoicing and fully follow His divine will gladly.
From different homes, doors open and close as people leave where they are to go to where God wishes them to be and meet Him. They are coming—people of different ages and stages in life, all with the same goal: claiming Christ’s presence here. As they look at the table, their hearts rise with anticipation and their heads bow in adoration. Thanksgiving and praise ascend to God, and hymns are sung. They rejoice. Quotations from the scriptures are read, and Bible words are quoted from memory—words from the scripture of truth, filled with sweet sorrow and gladness.
They are remembering. Thoughts, expressed aloud and silently, remind us of the Savior's suffering, His Person, His work, and the glorious achievement of redemption. They are offering. The bread is taken reverently in hands and eaten; the cup is partaken of as from the Lord. They are obeying. Our hands and hearts stretch toward the unseen Person among us. They are identifying.
A command was given from our Lord with full authority. Each person has come to worship and thank the Lord Jesus Christ. The words are written in the Book, read carefully and clearly. We all look at the Pillar and the Altar, and we remember our Lord Jesus Christ gladly and with full hearts.