Deuteronomy 27:11-13
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The verse highlights that this weighty charge, detailing the curses for disobedience, happens "the same day" Moses instructed them to set up stones and write the Law. This emphasizes that obedience and its consequences are inseparable, and the covenant's reality hits home the very moment it's memorialized.
That day Moses charged the people, saying, “When you have crossed over the Jordan, these shall stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people: Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin. And these shall stand on Mount Ebal for the curse: Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Moses has just instructed the Israelites to erect stones, plaster them, and write the Law upon them once they enter the Promised Land. Immediately following this, he commands them to assemble for a solemn ceremony where six tribes will stand on Mount Gerizim to pronounce blessings for obedience, and six tribes on Mount Ebal to pronounce curses for disobedience, with all the people responding "Amen." This ritual is designed to impress upon them the profound consequences of adhering to or defying God's commands.
Imagine standing between two mountains, with thousands of voices echoing around you. This wasn't just a lecture; it was an event meant to sear God's commands into everyone's heart.
Moses didn't just tell the people about the blessings and curses; he orchestrated a powerful ceremony. The people themselves were called to actively affirm God's judgment by shouting 'Amen!' after each curse was read.
The list of curses seems specific, but there's a deeper principle at play. What unites these seemingly different offenses under God's judgment?
The curses listed in Deuteronomy 27 cover a range of sins, from idolatry and disrespect for parents to social injustice and sexual immorality. While specific, they represent a comprehensive indictment against ungodliness and unrighteousness.
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This moment is a powerful, dramatic enactment of the covenant, happening immediately after Israel enters the land God promised them. It's not just abstract law; it's a public, communal declaration of allegiance and accountability to God, setting the stage for their entire national life.
c. 1406 BC
Israel Enters the Promised Land
After 40 years of wandering, the Israelites cross the Jordan River into Canaan under the leadership of Joshua, marking the beginning of their conquest and settlement.
c. 1406 BC
The Law is Renewed
Moses, before his death and just after entering Canaan, reiterates the laws of God to the new generation of Israelites, emphasizing obedience and its consequences.
c. 1406 BC— this verse
Blessings and Curses Proclaimed
Moses instructs the tribes to stand on Mount Gerizim to pronounce blessings and on Mount Ebal to pronounce curses, based on their obedience or disobedience to God's law.
c. 1406 BC
Moses' Final Instructions
Moses delivers his final charges and sermons to the Israelites, urging them to remain faithful to the covenant and warning them of the severe consequences of disobedience.
c. 1405 BC
Death of Moses
Moses ascends Mount Nebo and dies after surveying the Promised Land, leaving Joshua to lead the people.
c. 1405-1399 BC
Conquest of Canaan
Under Joshua's command, the Israelites wage war against the Canaanite nations, gradually conquering the land.
Paul directly quotes Deuteronomy 27:26 (which follows this charge) to show that all who rely on the works of the Law are under its curse, emphasizing the universal need for God's grace.
Joshua 8:33-35This passage describes the fulfillment of Moses' command, where Joshua reads all the words of the law, the blessings, and the curses, with the people divided on the mountains as Moses instructed.
Romans 8:3This verse speaks of God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh to be a sin offering, which directly relates to the 'curse' for sin highlighted in Deuteronomy 27, showing God's solution to the problem.
James 2:10-11James echoes the principle behind the curses, stating that whoever keeps the whole law but stumbles in one point is guilty of all, underscoring the absolute standard of the Law and the impossibility of earning blessing through it alone.
calvinDeuteronomy 27:11-26: "And Moses charged the people the same day, saying,"
Cursed be the man that maketh any graven or molten image, an abomination unto the Lord, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and putteth it in a secret place: and all the people shall answer and say, Amen.
Maledictus vir ille qui fecerit sculptile, et conflatile, abominationem Jehovae, opus manuum artificis, et posuerit in abscondito: et respondebunt universus populus, ac dicent, Amen.
Cursed be he that…
cambridgeDeuteronomy 27:11: "And Moses charged the people the same day, saying,"
11–13. Appointment of Tribes to Bless and to Curse Ch. Deuteronomy 11:29 ( q.v. ) commands that the blessing for obedience be set on Mt Gerizim, the curse for disobedience on Mt ‘Ebal. Set (lit. give ) implies some solemn rite, and this is now defined. Six tribes shall stand on Gerizim to bless, and six on ‘Ebal for the curse. The former are all sons of Leah or Rachel, Jacob’s wives, the latter the sons of their maids, Gad,…
The verse highlights that this weighty charge, detailing the curses for disobedience, happens "the same day" Moses instructed them to set up stones and write the Law. This emphasizes that obedience and its consequences are inseparable, and the covenant's reality hits home the very moment it's memorialized.
Moses has just instructed the Israelites to erect stones, plaster them, and write the Law upon them once they enter the Promised Land. Immediately following this, he commands them to assemble for a solemn ceremony where six tribes will stand on Mount Gerizim to pronounce blessings for obedience, and six tribes on Mount Ebal to pronounce curses for disobedience, with all the people responding "Amen." This ritual is designed to impress upon them the profound consequences of adhering to or defying God's commands.
Moses has just instructed the Israelites to erect stones, plaster them, and write the Law upon them once they enter the Promised Land. Immediately following this, he commands them to assemble for a solemn ceremony where six tribes will stand on Mount Gerizim to pronounce blessings for obedience, and six tribes on Mount Ebal to pronounce curses for disobedience, with all the people responding "Amen." This ritual is designed to impress upon them the profound consequences of adhering to or defying God's commands.
"That day Moses charged the people, saying, “When you have crossed over the Jordan, these shall stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people: Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin. And these shall stand on Mount Ebal for the cur…" — The verse highlights that this weighty charge, detailing the curses for disobedience, happens "the same day" Moses instructed them to set up stones and write the Law. This emphasizes that obedience a…
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Last reviewed October 2026
