The Altar on Mount Ebal

Rev. Dr. Jeff Dukeman, pastor at St. Matthew Lutheran Church in Gulfport, MS, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Deuteronomy 27:1-8.

Moses begins his third sermon in the book of Deuteronomy. As Moses’ earthly life draws to a close and the people will be under new leadership, the elders join Moses in instructing the people. The emphasis on keeping the LORD’s Word continues. When the people enter into the Promised Land, they are to have a physical reminder of the importance of God’s Word by constructing an altar on Mount Ebal. Uncut stones will be covered in plaster so that the Word of God can be written on the altar; perhaps this is the entire book of Deuteronomy or the Decalogue. The sacrifices offered at this altar will be a joyful reminder of what God has done and what God has spoken to His people.

“The Law of God is Good and Wise” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Deuteronomy. Though Moses’ lengthy sermons in Deuteronomy may be tempting to skip, this influential book is essential reading for Christians. As Moses strengthened Israel on the plains of Moab before the people entered the Promised Land, so the book of Deuteronomy still strengthens the Church as we prepare to enter the Resurrection with Christ, the Prophet greater than Moses.