You shall build the altar of the LORD your God with uncut stonesThe use of uncut stones for the altar emphasizes purity and the avoidance of human pride or craftsmanship in worship. This directive aligns with the broader biblical theme of God's desire for worship that is not tainted by human manipulation or idolatry (
Exodus 20:25). The uncut stones symbolize the natural creation of God, untouched by human hands, reflecting the purity and holiness required in approaching God. This practice also connects to the patriarchs, such as Jacob, who used natural stones for altars (
Genesis 28:18). Archaeologically, altars made of uncut stones have been found in ancient Israel, supporting the historical accuracy of this command.
and offer upon it burnt offerings
Burnt offerings were a central aspect of Israelite worship, symbolizing atonement and complete dedication to God. The Hebrew term for burnt offering, "olah," means "that which goes up," indicating the smoke rising to God as a pleasing aroma (Leviticus 1:9). This offering was entirely consumed by fire, representing total surrender to God's will. The burnt offering prefigures the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ, who offered Himself completely for the atonement of sin (Hebrews 10:10).
to the LORD your God
The phrase underscores the covenant relationship between God and Israel. The use of "LORD" (YHWH) highlights God's personal name, signifying His eternal presence and faithfulness. This covenantal language is a reminder of God's promises and the Israelites' obligation to worship Him exclusively. The repeated emphasis on "your God" reinforces the personal and communal relationship between God and His people, a theme that runs throughout Deuteronomy and the entire Old Testament.
Each phrase in this verse reflects a deep theological and covenantal significance, pointing to the nature of true worship and foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
MosesThe leader of the Israelites who is delivering God's commandments to the people before they enter the Promised Land.
2.
The IsraelitesThe chosen people of God, who are receiving instructions on how to worship and obey God in the land they are about to enter.
3.
Mount EbalThe location where the altar is to be built, as part of the covenant renewal ceremony.
4.
The AltarA structure for offering sacrifices to God, symbolizing worship and atonement.
5.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant God of Israel, who commands the building of the altar and the offering of sacrifices.
Teaching Points
Purity in WorshipThe use of uncut stones signifies the importance of purity and simplicity in worship. God desires worship that is not tainted by human pride or alteration.
Obedience to God's CommandsBuilding the altar as instructed demonstrates obedience to God's specific commands. Our worship should align with God's revealed will.
Symbolism of the AltarThe altar represents a place of sacrifice and atonement. In the New Testament, Christ is our altar and sacrifice, fulfilling the Old Testament symbolism.
Community and CovenantThe altar on Mount Ebal was a communal act of covenant renewal. Worship and obedience are communal responsibilities, not just individual acts.
Holiness and Set-ApartnessThe uncut stones remind us that our lives, like the altar, should be set apart for God, reflecting His holiness in our daily actions.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 27:6?
2.Why is using "uncut stones" significant in Deuteronomy 27:6 for building altars?
3.How does Deuteronomy 27:6 emphasize purity in worship practices?
4.What other scriptures highlight the importance of unaltered materials in worship?
5.How can we apply the principle of purity in worship today?
6.How does Deuteronomy 27:6 reflect God's desire for sincere, unadulterated worship?
7.Why does Deuteronomy 27:6 emphasize using uncut stones for the altar?
8.How does Deuteronomy 27:6 reflect ancient Israelite worship practices?
9.What is the significance of "unhewn stones" in Deuteronomy 27:6?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Deuteronomy 27?
11.Why is the use of iron tools prohibited when constructing the altar in Deuteronomy 27:5, and does archaeology support this command?
12.What is Joshua's altar on Mount Ebal?
13.How does Joshua's altar-building on Mount Ebal (Joshua 8:30-35) align with other historical records of Canaanite territory?
14.What is the significance of Mount Ebal?What Does Deuteronomy 27:6 Mean
You shall buildMoses speaks directly to the future settlement of Israel in the land, giving an active command, not a suggestion. The people themselves—not hired outsiders—are to get their hands dirty. Building for God is a privilege and a responsibility (cf.Exodus 25:1-8, where every Israelite is invited to supply materials for the tabernacle).
• Obedience is personal: each tribe would take part, echoingJoshua 8:30-31 when Joshua later fulfills this word.
• Action is immediate: God never separates faith from practical follow-through (James 2:17).
the altarAn altar is the meeting point between a holy God and sinful people. From Noah’s first altar after the flood (Genesis 8:20) to Elijah on Carmel (1 Kings 18:30-32), altars symbolize surrender and worship. Here it is singular—one altar—guarding Israel from inventing competing worship sites (Deuteronomy 12:5-6).
• One altar underscores one God.
• A fixed place prevents self-styled religion (cf.Leviticus 17:8-9).
of the LORD your GodThe covenant name “the LORD” (YHWH) ties the altar to the One who redeemed them from Egypt (Deuteronomy 6:12). “Your God” personalizes the relationship: this isn’t a distant deity but their faithful covenant partner (Psalm 95:7).
• Ownership: the altar belongs to Him; He sets the terms.
• Relationship: they approach as His people, not as strangers (Hebrews 10:19-22).
with uncut stonesNo human tool is to shape the stones (Exodus 20:25). The untouched rock reflects God’s own workmanship; human embellishment can only distract or corrupt (Acts 17:24-25).
• Purity: unaltered materials guard against idolatry and artistic pride.
• Dependence: they rely on what God provides, not on human craftsmanship (Psalm 127:1).
and offer upon it burnt offeringsA burnt offering is wholly consumed, symbolizing total devotion (Leviticus 1:9). Before any feasting or personal benefit, everything goes to God first (Malachi 1:6-8 contrasts half-hearted gifts).
• Priority: worship precedes personal enjoyment.
• Atonement: the whole animal points to complete covering for sin (Hebrews 10:1-10).
to the LORD your GodThe phrase circles back to covenant focus. Sacrifice isn’t a cultural ritual; it is directed worship to the living God who alone forgives and restores (Psalm 51:16-17).
• Exclusivity: offerings to any other “god” are invalid (Deuteronomy 6:13-14).
• Assurance: God accepts the sacrifice on His terms, foreshadowing the once-for-all offering of Christ (Ephesians 5:2).
summaryDeuteronomy 27:6 calls Israel to hands-on obedience, unadorned purity, and wholehearted worship. They must build God’s altar with what He supplies, bring sacrifices He prescribes, and direct everything to Him alone. In the same way today, believers approach God through the finished work of Christ, not human effort, offering lives fully surrendered in thankful worship.
(6)
Burnt offerings.--The idea of these is the dedication of man's life to God.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
You shall buildתִּבְנֶ֔ה(tiḇ·neh)Verb - Qal - Imperfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 1129:To buildthe altarמִזְבַּ֖ח(miz·baḥ)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 4196:An altarof the LORDיְהוָ֣ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelyour Godאֱלֹהֶ֑יךָ(’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā)Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlativewith uncutשְׁלֵמוֹת֙(šə·lê·mō·wṯ)Adjective - feminine plural
Strong's 8003:Complete, safe, at peacestonesאֲבָנִ֤ים(’ă·ḇā·nîm)Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 68:A stoneand offerוְהַעֲלִ֤יתָ(wə·ha·‘ă·lî·ṯā)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Conjunctive perfect - second person masculine singular
Strong's 5927:To ascend, in, activelyupon itעָלָיו֙(‘ā·lāw)Preposition | third person masculine singular
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstburnt offeringsעוֹלֹ֔ת(‘ō·w·lōṯ)Noun - feminine plural
Strong's 5930:Whole burnt offeringto the LORDלַיהוָ֖ה(Yah·weh)Preposition-l | Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelyour God.אֱלֹהֶֽיךָ׃(’ĕ·lō·he·ḵā)Noun - masculine plural construct | second person masculine singular
Strong's 430:gods -- the supreme God, magistrates, a superlative
Links
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OT Law: Deuteronomy 27:6 You shall build the altar of Yahweh (Deut. De Du) 
