And it shall come to pass, when the LORD thy God hath brought thee in unto the land whither thou goest to possess it, that thou shalt put the blessing upon mount Gerizim, and the curse upon mount Ebal.
Moses commands a covenantal ceremony: 'when the LORD thy God hath brought thee in unto the land...thou shalt put the blessing upon mount Gerizim, and the curse upon mount Ebal.' This refers to the ceremony of Deuteronomy 27:11-26 and Joshua 8:30-35. Gerizim and Ebal are adjacent mountains near Shechem with a valley between, creating natural amphitheater. Six tribes on each mountain would hear blessings and curses, dramatizing the chapter 28 alternatives. This visual, auditory, geographic embodiment of choice would make covenant terms unforgettable. The ceremony's location in central Canaan would mark the heart of the promised land with covenant commitment.
Historical Context
Joshua 8:30-35 records fulfillment of this command after Ai's conquest. Shechem held historical significance: Abraham first worshiped there (Genesis 12:6-7); Jacob buried foreign gods there (Genesis 35:4); Joshua later gathered Israel there for covenant renewal (Joshua 24). The site connects Mosaic covenant to patriarchal promises. Modern Nablus sits near ancient Shechem, between Mount Gerizim (sacred to Samaritans even today) and Mount Ebal. Archaeological excavations confirm ancient settlement there.
Questions for Reflection
How do physical, memorable ceremonies (baptism, communion) reinforce covenant commitment today?
Why does God use sensory, experiential means (sight, sound, geography) to communicate spiritual truth?
What role do visible signs and communal witnesses play in strengthening individual and corporate faithfulness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Moses commands a covenantal ceremony: 'when the LORD thy God hath brought thee in unto the land...thou shalt put the blessing upon mount Gerizim, and the curse upon mount Ebal.' This refers to the ceremony of Deuteronomy 27:11-26 and Joshua 8:30-35. Gerizim and Ebal are adjacent mountains near Shechem with a valley between, creating natural amphitheater. Six tribes on each mountain would hear blessings and curses, dramatizing the chapter 28 alternatives. This visual, auditory, geographic embodiment of choice would make covenant terms unforgettable. The ceremony's location in central Canaan would mark the heart of the promised land with covenant commitment.