Devarim 27 (Deuteronomy 27)
Devarim 27, Moshe together with the elders describe the beginning of immortalizing the Torah in our hearts. After the Children of Yisrael cross the Yarden, they are to erect an Altar and several large stones. They are to offer a peace offering on the Altar and write the Torah on the stones. These are to be erected on Mount Eyval. Half of the Tribes are to stand on Mount Eyval and the other half are to stand on Mount Geriziym. Then the Levites are to proclaim the commandments as listed in Devarim 27 and the people are to respond accordingly with Amen. This was accomplished after the defeat of Ai in Yehoshua 8.
Yehovah is used 10 times in Devarim 27 in 26 verses.
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Plaster (H7874) & (H7875)
Plaster (H7874) & (H7875)
Devarim 27:1-2
1 And Moshe with the Elders (zaqen) of Yisrael commanded the people, saying, Keep all the commandments which I command you this day. 2 And it shall be on the day when you shall pass over Yarden to the land which Yehovah your God gives you, that you shall set you up great stones, and plaster them with plaster.
In Devarim 27:2, the first plaster (formerly plaister) is the Hebrew word שׂיד siyd (H7874). It is in the Bible 2 times and is always translated plaister. Plaister is an archaic variant of plaster. Plaister will be replaced with plaster.
Plaster is a mixture of lime, sand, and water. It is sometimes stiffened with hair or other fibers. Plaster is applied to the surface of a wall or ceiling as a soft paste that hardens when dry.
שׂיד siyd (H7874) is the first occurrence of plaster in Devarim 27:4.
4 Therefore it shall be when you be gone over Yarden, you shall set up these stones, which I command you this day, in mount Eyval, and you shall plaster them with plaster.
שׂיד siyd (H7874) is the verb form.
|
Scripture |
Translation |
Hebrew Text |
|
Devarim 27:2 |
plaister |
וְשַׂדְתָּ |
|
Devarim 27:4 |
plaister |
וְשַׂדְתָּ |
In Devarim 27:2, the second plaster (formerly plaister) is the Hebrew word שִׂיד siyd (H7875). It is in the Bible 4 times. שִׂיד siyd (H7875) is translated plaister 2 times and lime 2 times.
שִׂיד siyd (H7875) is the second occurrence of plaster in Devarim 27:4.
4 Therefore it shall be when you be gone over Yarden, you shall set up these stones, which I command you this day, in mount Eyval, and you shall plaster them with plaster.
It is used in Yeshayahu 33:12.
12 And the people shall be as the burnings of lime (siyd). Thorns cut up shall they be burned in the fire.
And in Amos 2:1.
1 Thus says Yehovah; For three transgressions of Moav, and for four, I will not turn away thereof; because he burned the bones of the king of Edom into lime (siyd).
|
Scripture |
Translation |
Hebrew Text |
|
Devarim 27:2 |
plaister |
בַּשִּׂיד |
|
Devarim 27:4 |
plaister |
בַּשִּׂיד |
|
Yeshayahu 33:12 |
lime |
שִׂיד |
|
Amos 2:1 |
lime |
לַשִּׂיד |
שִׂיד siyd (H7875) is the noun form and should always be rendered plaster.
Necessity of Repetition
Necessity of Repetition
Devarim 27:1
1 And Moshe with the Elders (zaqen) of Yisrael commanded the people, saying, Keep all the commandments which I command you this day.
Once again Moshe is telling the Children of Yisrael to keep the commandments. This time Moshe tells the Children of Yisrael together with the elders. You may be wondering how many times this has to be repeated. For this generation, it was repeated a sufficient number of times, Shofetim 2:7.
7 And the people served Yehovah all the days of Yehoshua, and all the days of the elders that outlived Yehoshua, who had seen all the great works of Yehovah, that He did for Yisrael.
For succeeding generations, it was not repeated enough. After the generation that initially entered the land, there were few if any generations that followed Torah. The only true exception to that was Yeshua and His disciples of the First Century. There is a high likelihood that a portion of the final generation prior to the Millennium will keep Torah. The only question that remains is, will you be a part of that small generation of footstep followers?
Devarim 27:2-3
2 And it shall be on the day when you shall pass over Yarden to the land which Yehovah your God gives you, that you shall set you up large (gadol) stones, and plaster them with plaster. 3 And you shall write upon them all the words of this Torah, when you are passed over, that you may go in to the land which Yehovah your Redeemer gives you, a land that flows with milk and honey; as Yehovah Redeemer of your fathers has promised you.
Once the Children of Yisrael passed over the Yarden River and entered the land, they were to set up large stones. It does not specify how many stones. Each stone was to be plastered with plaster. Plaster was a mixture of lime, sand and water. They were to write all the words of the Torah on these stone.
Today’s Stones
Today’s Stones
Devarim 27:4
4 Therefore it shall be when you be gone over Yarden, you shall set up these stones, which I command you this day, in Mount Eyval, and you shall plaster them with plaster.
The stones were to be setup on Mount Eyval. Eyval is the Hebrew word עֵיבָל Eyval (H5858). It is in the Bible 8 times and is always translated Ebal. The Hebrew transliteration Eyval is used in documents describing this mountain.
עֵיבָל Eyval (H5858) means bare mountain, stripped of all covering; naked; barren; stone. Mount Eyval is first described in Devarim 11:29.
29 And it shall come to pass, when Yehovah your Redeemer has brought you in to the land whither you go to possess it, that you shall put the blessing upon mount Geriziym, and the curse upon mount Eyval.
The Children of Yisrael did this in Yehoshua 8 after the defeat of Ai.
Moshe describes the location of Mount Geriziym and Eyval in Devarim 11:30.
30 They not on the other side Yarden, by the way where the sun goes down, in the land of the Kenaani, which dwell in the plain (aravah) over against Gilgal, beside the plains of Moreh?
Moshe had never been to the other side of the Yarden River. The only way he could have identified the location to the Children of Yisrael is if he was told by someone who knew. In this case, Yehovah told Moshe the location.
This event is extremely important to the Beriys Chadasha believer. Just as Eyval was bare, stripped of all covering, Beriys Chadasha believers are initially in the same condition. They do not have a personal covering of righteousness like those in Revelation 19:8.
8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white. For the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
Those in Revelation 19:8 have what is known as works righteousness.
It was Yehoshua that wrote the Torah on the stones in Yehoshua 8:32.
32 And he wrote there upon the stones a copy of the Torah of Moshe, which he wrote in the presence of the Children of Yisrael.
When Yehoshua was writing Torah on the stones all Yisrael was present. Similar for the Beriys Chadasha believers, Torah is written again, Yirmeyahu 31:31-34.
31 Behold, the days come, says Yehovah, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Yisrael, and with the house of Yehudah. 32 Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Mitzrayim; which my covenant they broke, although I was a husband to them, says Yehovah. 33 But this the covenant that I will make with the house of Yisrael; after those days, says Yehovah, I will put My Torah in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their Redeemer, and they shall be My people. 34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know Yehovah. For they shall all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says Yehovah. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.
The same is true for us. We cannot enter the Kingdom until the Torah is written on our hearts. Yehovah tells us in Yechezqel 11:19-20.
19 And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within you; and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh, and will give them a heart of flesh. 20 That they may walk in My statutes, and keep My ordinances, and do them. And they shall be My people, and I will be their Redeemer.
Just as Yehoshua wrote Torah on those stones, Yeshua writes Torah on our hearts and the stone becomes flesh. When we start to do Torah it becomes the garment of righteousness that covers us. Again in Yechezqel 36:26-28.
26 A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you. And I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put My Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you shall keep My judgments, and do. 28 And you shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers; and you shall be My people, and I will be your God.
Without Torah, we will not dwell in the Kingdom of God in this lifetime or the next. Without righteousness, we will not get beyond the altar in the Beriys Chadasha Temple.
First Altar
First Altar
Devarim 27:5
5 And there shall you build an altar to Yehovah your Redeemer, an altar of stones. You shall not lift up iron upon them.
The Children of Yisrael were to build an Altar to Yehovah made of stone. No iron was to be used in erecting the Altar. It was to be made entirely of stone.
Devarim 27:6
6 You shall build the Altar of Yehovah your Redeemer of whole stones and you shall offer burnt offerings thereon to Yehovah your Redeemer.
Whole is the Hebrew word שָׁלֵם shalem (H8003). It is in the Bible 27 times. שָׁלֵם shalem (H8003) is translated perfect 16 times, whole 4 times, full 2 times, just 1 time, peaceable 1 time and 3 miscellaneous words. The general meaning behind שָׁלֵם shalem (H8003) is of completion and fulfillment. It refers to entering into a state of wholeness and unity, a restored relationship.
In Devarim 27:6, it refers to stones that have not been cut or broken. Not only was there a prohibition against using iron to build the Altar, the stones were to be whole.
The stones used to build the Altar represent the individuals who have gone forward in Romans 12:1 fulfillment.
1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, your reasonable service.
This is our reasonable service. When we consider all that Scriptures tells us, it should be the logical path to present ourselves as a living sacrifice. We should see this as normal rather that supposing these are special that have dedicated their lives. It should be something that all believers would want to do and would not delay the process. It is to be a sacrifice that is whole in the Word.
If we are to do this, we are to be complete. That would mean that we are fulfilling Torah in the newness of the Spirit. Not that we are perfect, but we live a life of continuous repentance towards Him.
The construction of the Altar was first described in Shemos 20:22-26.
22 And Yehovah said to (el) Moshe, Thus you shall say to (el) the Children of Yisrael, You have seen that I have talked with you from heaven. 23 You shall not make with Me redeemers of silver, neither shall you make to (la) you redeemers of gold. 24 An Altar of earth (adamah) you shall make to Me, and shall sacrifice thereon your burnt offerings, and your peace offerings, your sheep, and your cattle (baqar). In all places where I remember (zakar) My name I will come to (el) you and I will bless you. 25 And if you will make Me an Altar of stone, you shall not build it of hewn stone. For if you lift up your sword (cherev) upon it, you have polluted it.
What is being said here, we should seriously take to heart. Too many of us are concerned with building places of worship. God wants an Altar of whole stone. He does not want iron to be involved in the construction. Iron represents works. This should bring to mind, Ephesians 2:20-22.
20 And are built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Yeshua Messiah Himself being the chief corner; 21 in whom all the building fitly framed together grows to a holy Temple in the Lord. 22 In whom you also are built together for a habitation of God through the Spirit.
We need to be like Yehovah. We need to be more concerned with the people than a physical building. We need to be more committed to bringing wholeness to people rather than just bringing in people. We need to invest our time and money into believers and not a building. God is not looking for a building. He tells us what He is looking for in Yeshayahu 66:1-2.
1 Thus says Yehovah, The heaven My throne, and the land My footstool. Where the house that you build to Me? And where the place of My rest? 2 For all those has My hand made and all those have been, says Yehovah. But to this will I look, to poor and of a contrite spirit and trembles at My word (davar).
Once again we see that Yehovah is not looking for a building beyond the First and Second Temple. He is looking for the ones who have a poor and contrite spirit. One who trembles at the Word. These are few and far between, but that does not mean that we cannot answer the call. We should dedicate ourselves to building the body of believers and forget about the great buildings of today. To do this, we must start with building ourselves up and becoming the whole stones of the Altar.
Ministry of Reconciliation
Ministry of Reconciliation
Devarim 27:7
7 And you shall offer peace offerings, and shall eat there, and rejoice before Yehovah your Redeemer.
They were to offer a peace offerings on this Altar. A peace offering is done for reconciliation. It is to end the rift between an individual or group and Yehovah. Reconciliation was a result of a significant change in behavior or rectifying an injustice.
When this was performed on Mount Eyval, it was to signify that the Children of Yisrael were coming back to Torah. Outside the land, the Children of Yisrael could not fully observe Torah. Now that they were in the land, there was no longer any reason why they could not observe all of Torah. They reconciled themselves and previous generations.
As we are approaching His return, we have little excuse for not observing Torah in the newness of the Spirit. More than any time, there are believers fulfilling Nachum 1:15.
15 Behold upon the mountains the feet of Him that brings good tidings, that publishes peace. Yehudah, keep your feasts, perform your vows. For the belial shall no more pass through you; he is utterly cut off.
We too must move forward in reconciliation, 2 Corinthians 5:18-19.
18 And all things of God, who has reconciled us to Himself by Yeshua Messiah, and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation; 19 to wit, that God was in Messiah, reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them; and has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
Reconciliation is different than salvation. Salvation is a free gift. We obtain salvation when we believe the truth and commit to that truth. The only thing we need to do is quit fighting and surrender ourselves to God.
Reconciliation is far different, it requires that we actually do something. First, we must realize that there is an offense between us and God. Typically, the offense is rebellion. For many of us, our offense is outright rebellion to God’s ways. We need to repent of this sin, return to Torah and offer a peace offering of reconciliation. In this case, the only acceptable offering is ourselves. We are to place ourselves on the altar of Romans 12:1. Our offering must be acceptable to Him. If it is, then Romans 12:2 will prove the acceptability of our offering.
Romans 12:2
2 And be not conformed to this world, but be you transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and complete (teleios), will of God.
As we become whole and fully reconcile with God, we will be transformed into His creation. We will no longer be a byproduct of this world. As we continue to walk in His ways, we will prove the good, acceptable and complete will of God through our walk. As we continue, we will see the fulfillment of Torah in our lives.
Written On Our Hearts
Written On Our Hearts
Devarim 27:8
8 And you shall write upon the stones all the words of this Torah very plainly.
After the stones and altar were erected on Mount Eyval, the peace offering was performed and Torah was written plainly on the stones. When Yehoshua wrote on the stones, he was to write as Moshe had done. He was not to change any words, Devarim 12:32.
32 What thing soever I command you, observe to do it. You shall not add thereto, nor diminish from it.
We are not to add or diminish any word in the Torah. We are to present it plainly as it is written.
However, today there is more confusion than ever concerning Torah. Many of the commandments have been obscured by men’s interpretation. There is not a single Scripture in the Bible that has not been made complex by others. Peter warned us in 2 Peter 3:16.
16 As also in all epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as also the other Scriptures, to their own destruction.
We are not to wrestle with Scriptures to bring forth a meaning that was never meant to be. We are to look deeply into Scriptures as guided by the Holy Spirit to bring forth God’s meaning. We are not to bring about a private interpretation. We are to make Scriptures plain so that all can understand. Then we would see the fulfillment of 2 Corinthians 3:2-6.
2 You are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men. 3 Manifestly declared to be the epistle of Messiah ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God; not in tables of stone, but in fleshy tables of the heart. 4 And such trust have we through Messiah to God-ward. 5 Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think any thing as of ourselves; but our sufficiency of God; 6 who also has made us able ministers of the New Testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit. For the letter kills, but the spirit gives life.
Devarim 27:9-10
9 And Moshe and the priests the Levites spoke to all Yisrael, saying, Take heed, and hearken, Yisrael; this day you are become the people of Yehovah your Redeemer. 10 You shall therefore obey the voice of Yehovah your Redeemer and do His commandments and His statutes, which I command you this day.
As it is written on our hearts, it is no longer something we have to do, it something we desire to do. It becomes more important that anything in life. Then we will know that we are His people. Just as the Children of Yisrael, who entered the land for the first time and erected the stones on Mount Eyval.
Division of the Tribes
Division of the Tribes
Devarim 27:11
11 And Moshe commanded (tzavah) the people the same day, saying, 12 These shall stand upon Mount Geriziym to bless the people, when you are come over Yarden; Shimon, and Levi, and Yehudah, and Yissakhar, and Yosef, and Binyamin. 13 And these shall stand upon Mount Eyval to curse; Reuven, Gad, and Asher, and Zevulun, Dan, and Naftali.
Across from Mount Eyval was Mount Geriziym. When they crossed into the land and fulfilled Devrim 27, the 12 tribes were to be split into two groups. Six tribes on Mount Eyval and six tribes on Mount Geriziym. Those standing on Mount Geriziym were to bless the people and those on Mount Eyval were to curse.
Tribes were separated as follows:
|
Division of Tribes |
Order of Birth |
Mother |
|||
|
Geriziym |
Eyval |
Geriziym |
Eyval |
Geriziym |
Eyval |
|
Shimon |
Reuven |
2 |
1 |
Leah |
Leah |
|
Levi |
Gad |
3 |
7 |
Leah |
Zilpah |
|
Yehudah |
Asher |
4 |
8 |
Leah |
Zilpah |
|
Yissakhar |
Zevulun |
9 |
10 |
Leah |
Leah |
|
Yosef |
Dan |
11 |
5 |
Rachel |
Bilhah |
|
Binyamin |
Naftali |
12 |
6 |
Rachel |
Bilhah |
|
Division of Tribes |
Meaning |
||
|
Geriziym |
Eyval |
Geriziym |
Eyval |
|
Shimon |
Reuven |
Heard |
Behold a son |
|
Levi |
Gad |
Joined to |
Troop |
|
Yehudah |
Asher |
Praised |
Happy |
|
Yissakhar |
Zevulun |
There is recompense |
Exalted |
|
Yosef |
Dan |
Yehovah has added |
A judge |
|
Binyamin |
Naftali |
Son of the right hand |
Wrestling |
Mount Geriziym represents the blessing in this lifetime. If we hear and join ourselves to God. If we become a praise of Him, there is a future recompense. Yehovah will add to us and we are joint heirs with the Son of the right hand.
Mount Eyval was to overcome the curse in the future. When we see the Son, we can become part of His army if we overcome the curse. We will be happy and exalted in the next lifetime. Then we will become judges that rule and reign with Messiah. We have become overcomers because we wrestled out our salvation with fear and trembling.
Torah Spoke Forth
Torah Spoke Forth
Devarim 27:14
14 And the Levites shall speak, and say to all the men of Yisrael with a loud voice,
From here to the end of Devarim 27, the Levites were to declare 12 curses. These actions happened under the leadership of Yehoshua after the defeat of Ai. The events are recorded in Yehoshua 8:33-35.
33 And all Yisrael, and their elders, and officers, and their judges, stood on this side the Ark and on that side before the priests the Levites, which bare the Ark of the Covenant of Yehovah, as well the stranger, as he that was born among them; half of them over against mount Geriziym, and half of them over against Mount Eyval; as Moshe the servant of Yehovah had commanded before, that they should bless the people of Yisrael. 34 And afterward he read all the words of the Torah, the blessings and cursings, according to all that is written in the book of the Torah. 35 There was not a word of all that Moshe commanded, which Yehoshua read not before all the congregation of Yisrael, with the women, and the little ones, and the strangers that were conversant among them.
Yehoshua does not record the curses found in Devarim 27:15-26; however, there is no reason to believe that they did otherwise. Yehoshua 8 does record that Yehoshua read all of Torah to all the people.
One may wonder, is all this necessary? The answer is yes. Further, it should be fulfilled for every generation in one form or another. It was not just a remembrance. Later Moshe will record in Devarim 31:10-13.
10 And Moshe commanded them, saying, At the end of seven years, in the appointed (moed) of the year of release (shemittah), in the feast of Sukkot, 11 when all Yisrael is come to appear before Yehovah your Redeemer in the place which He shall choose, you shall read this Torah before all Yisrael in their hearing. 12 Gather the people together, men, and women, and children, and your stranger that within your gates, that they may hear, and that they may learn, and fear Yehovah your Redeemer, and observe to do all the words of this Torah. 13 And their children, which have not known, may hear, and learn to fear Yehovah your Redeemer, as long as you live in the land whither you go over Yarden to possess it.
When Yehoshua read this, it was not the seventh year of release; however, Torah can never be read too many times. It is the lack of repetitive reading and understanding of Torah that has led to the decline of the faith.
As for those in Yehoshua 8, this was the children of the First Generation that came out of Mitzrayim. They saw what happened to their parents. They had seen miracles and wonders many of us cannot even comprehend. They were not willing to repeat the mistakes of the past. They wanted a better life. They understood so much more than many of us today. This is why it is stated about them in Yehoshua 24:31.
31 And Yisrael served Yehovah all the days of Yehoshua, and all the days of the elders that overlived Yehoshua, and which had known all the works of Yehovah, that He had done for Yisrael.
This generation served Yehovah all their lives. Not much is written about this generation, because they did what was right. They were at peace. Generations that followed them went through terrible oppression. The lesson is simple, Devarim 30:15-18.
15 See, I have set before you this day life and good, and death and evil; 16 in that I command you this day to love Yehovah your Redeemer, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His judgments, that you may live and multiply. And Yehovah your Redeemer shall bless you in the land whither you go to possess it. 17 But if your heart turn away, so that you will not hear, but shall be drawn away, and worship other redeemers, and serve them; 18 I denounce to you this day, that you shall surely perish, you shall not prolong days upon the land, whither you pass over Yarden to go to possess it.
We choose our own evil and calamity. We fail to look into the mirror and realize that it is us who have failed and not Yehovah. It is time to return to the Shepherd of our soul. It is always time to repeat Torah one more time. Today if we learn this lesson, we and our children will prosper in His Kingdom.
Idolatry in the Faith
Idolatry in the Faith
Many of the curses listed in Devarim 27:15-26 are easily understood in the literal. It is the figurative understanding that eludes most individuals. In today’s faith, it is the figurative understanding that hamstrings believers.
Devarim 27:15
15 Cursed the man that makes graven or molten image, an abomination to Yehovah, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and puts in secret. And all the people shall answer and say, Amen.
It is obvious that we should not have idols of any kind. This even includes pictures. Many who claim the name of Yeshua, outright violate this commandment in the literal. Most of us can name many major denominations that do this. Few of us see how we do it. Many never consider the nativity scenes they construct as idolatrous, the picture in their Bible or on the wall.
This commandment includes those in secret. It includes the picture in our mind. Paul writes in Colossians 3:5.
5 Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
Idolatry is far more than the images many construct. Idolatry includes the god we have created in our hearts. The false understanding of Yehovah that we are so willing to teach and proclaim to others, Romans 1:21-25.
21 Because that, when they knew God, they glorified not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, 23 and changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and four-footed beasts, and creeping things. 24 Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves. 25 Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen.
There are so many ways this is violated today. We need to avoid our vain imaginations and idolatry of others. We need to shun men’s opinions. Our only hope is to understand who He is through His word. This is the God we should worship.
Dishonor (H7034)
Dishonor (H7034)
Devarim 27:16
16 Cursed he that sets light (qalah) by his father or his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Sets light is the Hebrew word קָלָה qalah (H7034). It is in the Bible 6 times. קָלָה qalah (H7034) is translated seem vile 1 time, shall be condemned 1 time, lightly esteemed 1 time, despised 1 time, base 1 time and sets light 1 time.
קָלָה qalah (H7034) is very similar to the Hebrew word קָלָה qalah (H7033).
קָלָה qalah (H7033) is in the Bible 4. It is translated roasted 1 time, dried 1 time, parched 1 time and loathsome 1 time. קָלָה qalah (H7033) is rather identical with קָלָה qalah (H7034) through the idea of shrinkage by heat.
Both קָלָה qalah (H7033) and קָלָה qalah (H7034) may possibly be the feminine of קַל qal (H7031).
קַל qal (H7031) is in the Bible 13 times. It is translated swift 9 times, swiftly 2 times, swifter 1 times and light 1 time. It is possibly contracted from קָלַל qalal (H7043).
קָלַל qalal (H7043) is in the Bible 82 times. It is translated curse 39 times, swifter 5 times, light thing 5 times, vile 4 times, lighter 4 times, despise 3 times, abated 2 times, ease 2 times, light 2 times, lighten 2 times, slightly 2 times and 12 miscellaneous words.
All these Hebrew words need additional analysis. For now, קָלָה qalah (H7034) should have been translated dishonor in Devarim 27:16.
Dishonoring the Faith
Dishonoring the Faith
Devarim 27:16
16 Cursed he that dishonors (qalah) his father or his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Many of us have done this literally. Even more do it figuratively by not giving due time and attention to understanding how to honor our spiritual Father, God and spiritual mother, the Faith. Many of us are so busy with life, we do not take time to understand the God of our faith and the faith itself. Many of us are fairly flippant in our worship and observance of the faith.
It is time to take time to honor these. And make them the priority in our lives. If we would, the return would far outweigh the inconvenience of changing our priorities in life.
Add or Subtract
Add or Subtract
Devarim 27:17
17 Cursed he that removes his neighbor’s landmark. And all the people shall say, Amen.
Today one would be hard pressed to do this in the literal. Most landmarks are controlled by the legal system and are documented in official records. However, more often than not this is violated in the figurative. We are told in Devarim 12:32.
32 What thing soever I command you, observe to do it. You shall not add thereto, nor diminish from it.
When we are not precise on the boundaries of Torah as established by Yehovah, we are no different than the one that literally moves the boundary of a neighbor. It sets them up for a false sense of security.
This is why the discussion in Acts 15 was so important. It was not really about whether or not non-Jewish born believers should follow Torah. It was how to implement and teach others to observe Torah. Yaaqov through the Holy Spirit gave us the solution in Acts 15:20-21.
20 But that we write to them, that they abstain from pollutions of idols, and fornication, and things strangled, and blood. 21 For Moshe of old time has in every city them that preach him, being read in the synagogues every Shabbas Day.
This was not permission to only follow these four commandments. There are plenty of commandments to follow. It was to begin with these five commandments. The fifth being assembling with like minded believers on the Shabbas Day. So there are five initial commandments the non-Jewish born believer was to follow with the fifth being the most important of all.
It was most important because it was how to fully implement Torah. For many of these non-Jewish born believers, they had never heard Torah before. To implement at one time would be overwhelming. It would either result in many leaving the faith or being overburdened to the point that they would be weighed down by Torah rather than being freed by Torah. Every Shabbas Day these new believers would hear Torah. The Holy Spirit would lead each person into understanding and convict them of what they needed to implement. Overtime, the Spirit would bring them along to the point that they would be able to implement Torah in an easily manageable lifestyle. The elder’s job is not to force a doctrine on a person through excessive teaching or manipulation. The elder is to present a doctrine and the Holy Spirit would convict others of what to do.
We do not need to determine the individual’s boundaries. The Spirit would set a person’s boundaries. It would change over time as God determined. We need to let the Spirit have its way with the believer. It makes our lives a lot easier.
Misleading the Weak
Misleading the Weak
Devarim 27:18-19
18 Cursed he that makes the blind to wander out of the way. And all the people shall say, Amen. 19 Cursed he that perverts the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow. And all the people shall say, Amen.
This is referring to four classes of believers. The blind are ones that cannot understand Scriptures except at the most minor of levels. Often these people are confused and naïve in their approach to the faith. They are easily manipulated by others. They are willing to listen to the loudest and most accessible, not necessarily the best. These are the blind of Matityahu 13:14-15.
14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Yeshayahu, which says, By hearing you shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing you shall see, and shall not perceive. 15 For this people’s heart is waxed gross, and ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with eyes, and hear with ears, and should understand with heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them.
Then there are the stranger, fatherless and widow. These are different than the blind. They can see a little, but they live in the shadows and dark recesses of the faith. Their real problem is they have a hard time hearing, mostly due to stubborn ignorance.
The stranger represents those on the out skirts of Christianity. They are investigating the possibility of being a believer. Often many assume they are believers; however, these have never made the full step into the faith. They may attend services and even tithe, but their heart has not made the decision to completely believe in the truth. They like the blind can be easily influenced by messages of love and blessings without the requirement of judgment, righteousness and obedience. This is a stumbling block for many. Because of this, they find it hard to listen to the truth.
Then there are those that are fatherless. They are very independent and often go on their own. They may be in a congregation, but they are self-willed and often selfish. They believe they are ready to take on the world, but are ill-equipped in the faith. They are novices in understanding Scriptures and moves of the Spirit. They often cause more problems than good. They lack the finesse to properly minister the word. These must come to the end of themselves. However, the road to their end is much longer than many perceive. They will occasionally claim to have come to the end of themselves; however, it is just a temporary set back until they regroup and go out on their own once again. These have difficulty hearing, but can be easily influenced by feeding their ego.
Then there are the widows. These have become dead to the law; however, they have not fully committed to the Spirit of God. They have gotten lost somewhere along the way. They are trapped in a place between leaving the world behind and transitioning to the newness of the Spirit. Many times they are trapped in doctrines that have little to do with the truth of God and His word.
The problem for these four classes of people is that they can barely hear or see the truth. They have a fragile faith that can easily be influenced by those with charismatic personalities and those with messages that are palatable. As long as these people keep listing to these individuals, there is little hope for them.
However, just because these people are out there, one should not take advantage of them. If by chance, one is able to speak to these, they should employ 2 Timothy 2:24-26.
24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle to all, skillful in teaching, patient, 25 in meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging (epignosis) of the truth; 26 and they may recover themselves out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.
However, this will take a mature and skilled teacher dedicated more to God than themselves. These are few and far between.
Spiritual Fornication
Spiritual Fornication
The next four commandments are related to spiritual fornication. This is when one introduces false and harlot worship into our midst.
Devarim 27:20
20 Cursed he that lies with his father’s wife; because he uncovers his father’s skirt. And all the people shall say, Amen.
This is when an individual brings harlot worship into an authentic congregation. This is usually accomplished when the leadership is not well versed in Torah. It can also happen when the leadership does not understand sanctified worship to Yehovah. It can become so bad that eventually the congregation regresses from Torah into teachings of the Rabbis. This uncovers the skirt as righteousness of Torah is replaced with Harlot will worship and traditions of the fathers.
Devarim 27:21
21 Cursed he that lies with any manner of beast. And all the people shall say, Amen.
To commit fornication with the beast is to join a harlot church or one of the denominations. This is participating in a congregation controlled by the harlot.
Devarim 27:22
22 Cursed he that lies with his sister, the daughter of his father, or the daughter of his mother. And all the people shall say, Amen.
This is when one brings believers into a harlot worship and promotes it as authentic. This is misleading people of the worse kind.
Devarim 27:23
23 Cursed he that lies with his mother in law. And all the people shall say, Amen.
To lie with one’s mother in law is to become leadership in a place of Harlot worship. One is now in a relationship outside the family of God, the Harlot. It is when one dedicates their life to false worship. When one’s life has become completely entwined with the doctrine of the harlot.
We should not get involved in any of these. We should search out truth regardless of the hinderances and possible persecution. We must be pursuers of Yochanan 4:22-24.
22 You worship you know not what. We know what we worship. For salvation is of the Yehudim. 23 But the hour comes, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in Spirit and in Truth. For the Father seeks such to worship Him. 24 God a Spirit. And they that worship Him must worship in Spirit and in Truth.
We need to realize that Yeshua was a Yehudim. He was a follower of Torah. He warned us in Yochanan 5:46-47.
46 For had you believed Moshe, you would have believed Me. For he wrote of Me. 47 But if you believe not his writings, how shall you believe My words?
Spirit and Truth begins and ends with Torah. If something is not directly connected to Torah, it is suspect.
Evil Servant
Evil Servant
Devarim 27:24
24 Cursed he that smites his neighbor secretly. And all the people shall say, Amen. 25 Cursed he that takes reward to slay an innocent person. And all the people shall say, Amen.
These are commandments when an individual takes advantage of another for profit. It may not necessarily be for money. It may be for a position or even control of a situation. There is never a justification for advancing our cause at the expense of others. We need to learn to allow God to be our defense. If we are in the right, God will always defend a righteous individual. We will not have to lift a finger. The situation will work out best when we leave it completely in God’s control.
It should be our goal that others are exalted. Even if it is at our expense or pride, Philippians 2:3.
3 Nothing through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
When we do things for our advantage, we are no different than the evil servant of Matityahu 24:48-51.
48 But and if that evil servant shall say in his heart, My lord delays his coming; 49 And shall begin to smite fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunken; 50 The lord of that servant shall come in a day when he looks not for and in a hour that he is not aware of, 51 and shall cut him asunder, and appoint his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
People who are willing to advance their cause at the expense of others are not to be trusted. They are hypocrites and will not stand before God, Iyyov 27:8.
8 For what the hope of the hypocrite, though he has gained, when God takes away his soul?
All of Torah
All of Torah
Devarim 27:26
26 Cursed he that does not stand up words of this Torah to do them. And all the people shall say, Amen.
If we are not observing Torah or will not proclaim its justice, things will not go well for us. We will bring a curse on us and our families. Messiah came to defend Torah, Yeshayahu 42:21.
21 Yehovah is well pleased for his righteousness’ sake; He will magnify Torah, and make glorious (adar).
It was His delight, Tehilla 40:8.
8 I delight to do Your will, My Redeemer. Yes, Your Torah within My heart.
Yeshua was delighted to do God’s will. Torah was within Him. It should be within us. It should be our delight to be counted with Him and stand up for Torah.
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