Chapter Summary
Deuteronomy chapter 27 describes a series of important commands Moses gives to the people of Israel concerning what they must do once they enter the Promised Land. They are instructed to set up large, plastered stones on Mount Ebal and write God's laws on them clearly. They are also told to build an altar of uncut stones there and offer sacrifices. The chapter then details a powerful ceremony involving two mountains, Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, where specific tribes would stand to pronounce blessings and others to declare curses. The Levites are to announce twelve specific curses against various forbidden actions—like idolatry, dishonoring parents, injustice, sexual immorality, and secret violence—with all the people confirming each curse by saying "Amen." This ceremony emphasizes the serious consequences of disobedience to God's covenant.