With Moses’ death fast approaching, he knows his time among his people is drawing to a close.
That might not be a bad thing. God not only told him these people would be obstinate (Exodus 32:9), but he’s had to face that reality every single day for the last forty years. He tells them to their face that they’ve been stubborn (Deuteronomy 31:27). How long could you put up with that?
Regardless, Moses’ love for these people supersedes any kind of ill will toward them, so as he addresses them in these closing chapters, he makes a crafty move: He invites the leaders of the nation to talk to the people alongside him.
First, Moses stands alongside the elders of Israel (Deuteronomy 27: 1). Together, they talk about writing the laws on stone on Mt. Ebal, then erecting an altar for burnt offerings. Both of these will be done as soon as they “cross the Jordan.”
Next, Moses and the Levitical priests remind the people that they have become “a people for the Lord your God” (Deut. 27:9). Their command is to “be silent” and to follow all the statutes and commandments.
Finally, Moses stands alone (Deuteronomy 27:11). His section is much longer, consisting of a ceremony described back in Deuteronomy 11:29. Six tribes will stand on one mountain and recite the blessings, while six other tribes will stand on another mountain and recite the curses.
So what’s the point of these different leadership groups addressing the people? Moses’ role is somewhat evident—in light of him leaving, he is binding the people under a covenant to do what God told them to do. Without him steering the ship, the responsibility will now lie with them.
The content of the priests’ and elders’ speeches is also somewhat similar. Both address laws—the elders are told to write them while the priests talk about keeping them—and both address Jehovah as “the Lord your God.” Why two groups?
There are a few options, but unfortunately, neither of them will be fully satisfactory.
The first option I found was that each group represented a different sphere of the Israelite community. Whereas the elders were responsible for the civil life, and thus were told to write the laws, the Levites were responsible for the national religion. In that view, telling everyone to “keep silent” because they’ve become a spiritual nation is right up their alley.
Alternatively, it could be that the covenant between God and man needed to be ratified publicly by all the leaders, which includes elders, priests, and Moses. The separation simply shows that all parties were present.
What do you think, though? Why are different speaking groups present?