Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Deuteronomy 27:4 mean?
A: Deuteronomy 27:4 commands the Israelites to set up large stones on Mount Eival after crossing the Jordan River into the Land of Israel. These stones were to be covered with plaster, and later (as explained in the following verses), the Torah would be inscribed on them. Rashi explains that this was done to publicly display the Torah's laws as a covenant between G-d and the Jewish people.
Q: Why did they cover the stones with plaster?
A: The plaster (שיד - 'sid') served as a smooth surface for writing the words of the Torah clearly, as explained in the Talmud (Sotah 35b). Ramban adds that plastering the stones made them more durable and visible from a distance, ensuring the Torah's words would be prominently displayed for all to see.
Q: Why was Mount Eival chosen for this commandment?
A: Mount Eival was designated as the place for this commandment because it was part of a larger ceremony where blessings and curses were proclaimed (Deuteronomy 27:11-26). The Mishnah (Sotah 7:5) describes how the tribes stood on two adjacent mountains—Mount Gerizim for blessings and Mount Eival for curses—emphasizing the importance of following Torah commandments.
Q: What is the significance of writing the Torah on stones?
A: Writing the Torah on stones symbolized the permanence and public nature of the covenant between G-d and Israel. The Talmud (Sotah 32a) explains that the Torah was written in all 70 languages of the world (according to one opinion), showing that Torah wisdom is meant for all humanity. It also served as a constant reminder of the Jewish people's mission in the Land of Israel.
Q: How does this commandment apply to us today?
A: While we no longer inscribe the Torah on plastered stones, the message remains relevant. The mitzvah teaches us the importance of publicly affirming our commitment to Torah values. Today, this is expressed through displaying mezuzot on our doorposts, studying Torah publicly, and living as a 'light unto nations'—demonstrating Torah principles in our daily lives, as emphasized by Rambam in Hilchot Yesodei HaTorah.
Context of the Verse
This verse (Devarim 27:4) is part of Moshe's instructions to Bnei Yisrael regarding the mitzvah of setting up stones on Har Eival after crossing the Yarden River into Eretz Yisrael. The stones were to be inscribed with the Torah and covered with plaster (sid). This mitzvah is connected to the broader ceremony of blessings and curses that would take place on Har Gerizim and Har Eival (Devarim 27:11-26).
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi (Devarim 27:4) explains that these stones were distinct from the stones set up at the Yarden (Yehoshua 4:9). He notes that the plaster (sid) covering was necessary because the Torah was to be written on the stones in all 70 languages (based on Sotah 32a), ensuring that all nations could read it. The plaster served as a surface for the multilingual inscription.
Talmudic and Midrashic Insights
Rambam's Perspective
In Mishneh Torah (Hilchot Melachim 9:1), the Rambam codifies this mitzvah as one of the obligations upon entering Eretz Yisrael. He emphasizes that the stones were a public declaration of the covenant between Hashem and Bnei Yisrael, reinforcing their commitment to Torah observance in the Land.
Symbolism of Har Eival
Har Eival, the mountain of curses (Devarim 11:29), was chosen for this mitzvah to teach that even in a place associated with rebuke, the Torah's presence brings holiness. The juxtaposition of the stones with the curses (Devarim 27:15-26) underscores that Torah study and adherence are the antidote to sin.
Practical Implications
The mitzvah highlights the importance of: