Bible Notes Online - Deuteronomy 27 - ESV
Commentary

The chapters 27-30 present a final challenge to the people.

v1-8: As elsewhere, Moses states as fact that the people would enter the land (v2). This was fulfilled in Josh 8.30-35. The people were instructed to set up an pillar of stones on Mount Ebal, on which the law, presumably the Ten Commandments, was written. This would be a testimony that they were people committed to obedience to the law, and to God's covenant. In addition, v5-7, an altar was to be built on the mountain, where the people would offer sacrifices. We note that this was the mountain from which the curses of the law were declared (v13 and 11.29.

v9-10: Belonging to God demands obedience; Ex 6.7; 19.5; privilege comes with responsibility, 26.17-19.

v11-13: These instructions were previously given in 11.26-29.

v14-26: The curses are pronounced against sins that must be avoided. The people were being brought into fresh covenant with God (v9- "you have now become the people of the Lord your God"); and failure to honour that covenant would bring a curse. Indeed, disobedience in a single area would bring a curse; v26, compare James 2.10.

v18: Compare Matt 15.14.