As the people of Israel prepared to cross the Jordan into the Promised Land, without Moses, he gave them instructions as to what they were to do when they reached the other side. Their first assignment would be to set up large stones, cover them with plaster, and then write on them all the words of the law (Deuteronomy 27:3), with clear letters so that anyone could read them (27:8): that is, so that anyone could read that God had promised they would enter the land, and see that the promise had come true.

They were then to build an altar of natural stone, unworked by any tool, (27:6), and offer sacrifices of thanksgiving there (27:7). With this assurance that God had led them out of Egypt, given them the Covenant, and brought them into the promised land, they were to listen in reverent silence: for “this very day you have become the people of the Lord your God. Therefore obey the Lord your God, observing his commandments and his statutes that I am commanding you this day” (27:9-10).

They would then take part in an all-Israel open-air renewal service (Deuteronomy 27:1-26) in a natural amphitheater on two facing hillsides, with six tribes assembled on one side and six on the other (27:11-13). The Levites would call curses down on various offenses, and everyone would respond “Amen!” (27:15-26) – thus affirming the truth or sureness of the curse that had just been pronounced.

It will surprise no one that forbidden behaviors included idolatry and sexual sins; such sins have always been popular, no matter how thoroughly they are forbidden. We should notice, though, that the same curses fell, with the same seriousness, on those taking bribes, moving boundary stones, or failing to care for widows, orphans, and aliens.

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O Lord, you call us to an obedience that includes actions to fulfill and actions to avoid. We are slow to respond. Grant us your grace, so that we may affirm a hearty “Amen!” with our hearts and voices, and offer genuine obedience with our deeds and lives.