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Deuteronomy 27:2 - Stones of Torah testimony?

Deuteronomy 27:2 - דברים 27:2

Hebrew Text

וְהָיָה בַּיּוֹם אֲשֶׁר תַּעַבְרוּ אֶת־הַיַּרְדֵּן אֶל־הָאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר־יְהוָה אֱלֹהֶיךָ נֹתֵן לָךְ וַהֲקֵמֹתָ לְךָ אֲבָנִים גְּדֹלוֹת וְשַׂדְתָּ אֹתָם בַּשִּׂיד׃

English Translation

And it shall be on the day when you shall pass over the Yarden to the land which the Lord thy God gives thee, that thou shalt set thee up great stones, and cover them with plaster:

Transliteration

Ve'haya bayom asher ta'avru et hayarden el ha'aretz asher Adonai Elohecha noten lach, vahakemota lecha avanim gdolot vesadta otam basid.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְהָיָ֗ה בַּיּוֹם֮ אֲשֶׁ֣ר תַּעַבְר֣וּ אֶת־הַיַּרְדֵּן֒ אֶל־הָאָ֕רֶץ אֲשֶׁר־יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ נֹתֵ֣ן לָ֑ךְ וַהֲקֵמֹתָ֤ לְךָ֙ אֲבָנִ֣ים גְּדֹל֔וֹת וְשַׂדְתָּ֥ אֹתָ֖ם בַּשִּֽׂיד׃
וְהָיָ֗ה בַּיּוֹם֮ אֲשֶׁ֣ר תַּעַבְר֣וּ אֶת־הַיַּרְדֵּן֒ אֶל־הָאָ֕רֶץ אֲשֶׁר־יְהֹוָ֥ה אֱלֹהֶ֖יךָ נֹתֵ֣ן לָ֑ךְ וַהֲקֵמֹתָ֤ לְךָ֙ אֲבָנִ֣ים גְּדֹל֔וֹת וְשַׂדְתָּ֥ אֹתָ֖ם בַּשִּֽׂיד׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Command to Erect Stones Upon Entering Eretz Yisrael

The verse (Devarim 27:2) commands Bnei Yisrael to set up large stones and cover them with plaster upon crossing the Yarden into Eretz Yisrael. Rashi explains that these stones were to be used for two purposes:

  • Writing the Torah: They were to inscribe the words of the Torah on these plaster-covered stones (as mentioned in verse 8).
  • Building an Altar: Some stones were designated for constructing an altar at Har Eival (as described later in the parsha).

The Significance of Plaster (Sid)

The instruction to cover the stones with plaster (sid) is interpreted by the Rambam (Hilchos Melachim 8:11) as a practical measure to create a smooth surface for writing. The Talmud (Sotah 35b) adds that the plaster served as a protective layer to preserve the inscribed words.

Spiritual Symbolism

The Midrash Tanchuma (Ki Savo 1) teaches that these stones represent the foundation of Torah observance in the Land. The large size symbolizes:

  • The enduring nature of Torah as the bedrock of Jewish life in Eretz Yisrael.
  • The public proclamation of Torah to all who enter the land.

Historical Context

Ibn Ezra notes that this commandment was fulfilled by Yehoshua (Joshua 4), who set up stones both in the Yarden riverbed and at Gilgal. The stones served as a perpetual reminder of the miraculous crossing into the Promised Land and the covenant between Hashem and His people.

Halachic Dimensions

The Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 530) discusses how this mitzvah, though not applicable in later generations, teaches the fundamental principle of publicly affirming our commitment to Torah upon entering significant new phases of life - just as Bnei Yisrael did when entering Eretz Yisrael.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 34a
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the stones that were set up when the Israelites crossed the Jordan River into the Promised Land. The Talmud discusses the significance of these stones and the commandment to cover them with plaster.
📖 Sanhedrin 43b
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the commandments given to the Israelites upon entering the land, particularly the obligation to inscribe the Torah on stones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Deuteronomy 27:2 mean when it talks about setting up stones?
A: This verse commands the Jewish people to set up large stones upon entering the Land of Israel. According to Rashi, these stones were to be covered with plaster and inscribed with the words of the Torah (Deuteronomy 27:8). This was meant to publicly display the Torah's laws as the foundation of Jewish life in the new land.
Q: Why did the stones need to be covered with plaster?
A: The plaster (שיד - 'sid') served two purposes according to our sages: 1) It created a smooth surface for writing the Torah (as explained in Sotah 35b), and 2) It protected the stones from weathering. The Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 4:1) explains this was part of establishing a permanent, visible testimony to God's covenant with Israel.
Q: Where exactly were these stones placed?
A: The Talmud (Sotah 32a) explains there were two sets of stones: one set was placed at Gilgal when they first crossed the Jordan (Joshua 4:20), and another set was placed on Mount Ebal as mentioned later in Deuteronomy 27:4. The stones at Gilgal commemorated the miraculous crossing, while those on Ebal were for the Torah inscription.
Q: What can we learn from this commandment today?
A: This teaches us the importance of making Torah visible and central in our lives. Just as our ancestors publicly displayed their commitment to Torah when entering the land, we must find ways to make Torah learning and observance prominent in our homes and communities. The Midrash Tanchuma (Ki Tavo 1) compares this to writing Torah on our hearts.
Q: Why was this commandment given specifically when entering the land?
A: Ramban explains that establishing Torah as the foundation of society was most crucial when building a new nation in their own land. The stones served as a physical reminder that the land was given to them on condition of observing Torah (as warned in Deuteronomy 28-29). This teaches that Torah and the Land of Israel are fundamentally connected.