Deuteronomy 27:15
“‘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.’
English Standard Version (ESV)
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What’s easy to miss is the emphasis on the idol being placed "in secret." This wasn't just about avoiding public detection; it highlights the deep personal deception involved in setting up something against God, even when no one else sees it, because God always knows. The people's resounding "Amen" signifies their commitment to the reality that hidden sin is still sin, and it still falls under God's curse.
As Moses prepares the Israelites to enter the Promised Land, he instructs them to stand on Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal to pronounce blessings and curses on the Law. This specific verse is one of a series of curses read aloud, detailing severe penalties for specific transgressions against God's commands, emphasizing that the people must actively affirm their agreement with God's judgment by saying "Amen." The verses immediately following continue this solemn pronouncement, covering a range of sins from disrespecting parents to hidden acts of violence and perverting justice.
Imagine standing on a mountainside, hearing a pronouncement of a curse, and then shouting 'Amen!' What does this powerful, ancient word truly signify in such a context?
In Deuteronomy 27, the people aren't just passively hearing a list of curses; they are actively participating. The word 'Amen,' derived from a Hebrew root meaning 'firm' or 'assured,' functions here as a solemn agreement. When the people say 'Amen' to each curse, they are affirming that the curse is just and that they deserve it if they commit the sin.
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Why would the curse specifically mention an idol 'set up in secret'? What's so bad about a hidden idol?
This verse targets idol worship, calling it an 'abomination to the LORD.' The emphasis on it being a 'work of the hands of a craftsman' highlights the futility of creating something with human effort and then worshipping it as divine. But the detail about it being 'in secret' is particularly telling:
This curse focuses on idolatry, but the broader context speaks of twelve curses. What does this particular sin represent for the entire Law?
While Deuteronomy 27:15 specifically calls out the sin of making and hiding idols, it serves as a powerful example within a larger series of curses. These curses are not exhaustive but are selected 'by way of specimen' (as noted in the commentaries) to represent the gravity of sin against God's covenant.
Understand the original words
'arur · Hebrew Adjective
An expression denoting divine judgment or the formal pronouncement of a penalty for disobedience to the covenant. It signifies being cut off from the blessings and fellowship of the covenant relationship with God.
pesel · Hebrew Noun
A physical representation of a deity or object of worship, forbidden in the Decalogue. Such images are considered inherently idolatrous as they attempt to capture the image of the transcendent God or substitute creaturely things for the Creator.
to'ebah · Hebrew Noun
Something that is morally detestable, loathsome, or spiritually offensive to God, especially concerning idolatry or practices that violate the purity of Israel's covenant relationship.
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God in Israel, revealing His holiness, faithfulness, and self-existence to His people.
'amen · Hebrew Particle (Interjection)
An expression of solemn confirmation, agreement, and commitment to the truth of what has been spoken; it means "truly," "so be it," or "certainly."
This verse is spoken as part of the covenant renewal ceremony on Mount Ebal, a solemn ritual following Israel's conquest of Canaan. The curses, echoing the Law given at Sinai, serve as a powerful reminder of the severe consequences of idolatry, a temptation that plagued Israel throughout their history, culminating in their exiles. The public declaration of 'Amen' by the people signifies their understanding and acceptance of God's judgment on such transgressions.
~1446 BC
Israel Receives the Law at Sinai
God delivers the Ten Commandments, including the prohibition against making idols, to Moses and the Israelites. This establishes the foundational laws Israel is to live by in the promised land.
~1400-1000 BC
Early Israelite Settlement in Canaan
Following their entrance into the Promised Land, the Israelites establish their presence. This period would have been fraught with challenges, including the temptation to adopt Canaanite religious practices, which often involved idol worship.
c. 931 BC
Division of the United Monarchy
After the reign of Solomon, the united kingdom of Israel splits into two: the Northern Kingdom of Israel and the Southern Kingdom of Judah. This division often led to increased religious compromise and syncretism in both kingdoms, particularly the north.
722 BC
Fall of Samaria and Exile of Northern Kingdom
The Assyrian Empire conquers the Northern Kingdom of Israel, scattering its people into exile. This event served as a stark warning to the Southern Kingdom about the consequences of idolatry and disobedience to God's law.
586 BC
Fall of Jerusalem and Babylonian Exile
The Babylonian Empire destroys Jerusalem and its Temple, exiling many of the inhabitants of Judah. This catastrophic event is seen as a direct consequence of generations of idolatry and unfaithfulness to God's covenant.
c. 538 BC— this verse
Return from Exile
Following Cyrus the Great's decree, many Jewish exiles begin to return to Jerusalem. This period marks a renewed emphasis on the Law and a strong aversion to the idolatry that led to their downfall.
This passage directly prohibits the making of graven images, which is the specific sin cursed in Deuteronomy 27:15, highlighting God's consistent condemnation of idolatry.
Jeremiah 10:3-5This prophetic passage vividly contrasts the impotence of idols made by human hands with the power of the LORD, reinforcing the foolishness and danger of idolatry warned against in Deuteronomy.
Isaiah 44:9-20This prophetic oracle fiercely mocks the creation and worship of idols, demonstrating how utterly absurd it is to trust in things made by human hands, a core reason why such acts are cursed.
Romans 1:21-23Paul explains how humanity exchanged the truth of God for a lie, creating idols and worshipping created things rather than the Creator, reflecting the spiritual blindness that leads to the kind of cursed behavior described in Deuteronomy.
Galatians 3:10This New Testament passage directly quotes and applies the principle of the curse of the law to all who do not perfectly keep it, underscoring the universal condemnation that awaits any transgression, including idolatry.
cambridgeDeuteronomy 27:15: "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."
15 . Amen ] The Heb. ’amen (lit. firm or assured ) when used as an exclamation means true, truly , or be it assured . All the instances of ’Amen which are parallel to this are post-exilic. Cp. Deuteronomy 4:16 ; Deuteronomy 4:23 ; Deuteronomy 4:25 , Deuteronomy 5:8 ( D…
clarkeDeuteronomy 27:15: "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."
Cursed be the man, etc. - Other laws, previously made, had prohibited all these things; and penal sanctions were necessarily understood; but here God more openly declares that he who breaks them is cursed - falls under the wrath and indignation of his Maker and Judge.…
What’s easy to miss is the emphasis on the idol being placed "in secret." This wasn't just about avoiding public detection; it highlights the deep personal deception involved in setting up something against God, even when no one else sees it, because God always knows. The people's resounding "Amen" signifies their commitment to the reality that hidden sin is still sin, and it still falls under God's curse.
As Moses prepares the Israelites to enter the Promised Land, he instructs them to stand on Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal to pronounce blessings and curses on the Law. This specific verse is one of a series of curses read aloud, detailing severe penalties for specific transgressions against God's commands, emphasizing that the people must actively affirm their agreement with God's judgment by saying "Amen." The verses immediately following continue this solemn pronouncement, covering a range of sins from disrespecting parents to hidden acts of violence and perverting justice.
As Moses prepares the Israelites to enter the Promised Land, he instructs them to stand on Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal to pronounce blessings and curses on the Law. This specific verse is one of a series of curses read aloud, detailing severe penalties for specific transgressions against God's commands, emphasizing that the people must actively affirm their agreement with God's judgment by saying "Amen." The verses immediately following continue this solemn pronouncement, covering a range of sins from disrespecting parents to hidden acts of violence and perverting justice.
"“‘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.’" — What’s easy to miss is the emphasis on the idol being placed "in secret." This wasn't just about avoiding public detection; it highlights the deep personal deception involved in setting up something…
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