Berean Study Bible The Altar on Mount EbalMoses and Israel’s elders addressed the nation together on the plains of Moab as the people prepared to enter Canaan. Their united charge showed that the covenant obligations belonged to every tribe and household, with the nation’s leaders responsible to preserve and enforce God’s law. Deu 31:9 So Moses wrote down this law and gave it to the priests,… “Keep all the commandments I am giving you today. Israel was called to obey all God’s commands as a whole, not choosing only what seemed convenient. The covenant demanded faithful obedience in the present as the people entered the land promised to their fathers. God’s law exposed sin and the need for the Savior who would fulfill it perfectly. Deu 8:1 You must carefully follow every commandment… And on the day you cross the Jordan Israel would leave the wilderness and enter Canaan, the land promised to the patriarchs. The crossing marked the beginning of a new stage in the nation’s history, as God brought His people into their inheritance. Deu 9:1 Hear, O Israel: Today you are about to cross the Jordan… into the land that the LORD your God is giving you, The land was received as God’s covenant gift, not as a possession earned by Israel’s faithfulness. Their settlement in Canaan would display the Lord’s faithfulness to His promises and require their obedience to His law. Deu 11:31 For you are about to cross the Jordan… set up large stones These stones were to stand as a public memorial at the entrance to the land. They would testify that Israel’s life in Canaan rested on the covenant God had established with them. Jos 4:20 And there at Gilgal Joshua set up the twelve… and coat them with plaster. The plaster provided a surface for writing the law clearly and permanently. God’s commands were to be openly displayed as the governing standard for the nation in the land He had given them. Jos 8:30-32 At that time Joshua built an altar on Mount Ebal to the LORD… Write on them all the words of this law Israel was to preserve God’s commands publicly on prepared stones, establishing the law as the foundation of life in the land and of the nation’s covenant obligations. Jos 8:32 And there in the presence of the Israelites,… when you have crossed over The command looked ahead to Israel’s entry across the Jordan, marking the end of the wilderness journey and the beginning of settlement in Canaan. Jos 1:2 Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore arise… to enter the land that the LORD your God is giving you, The land was God’s gift, granted in fulfillment of His covenant promises rather than won by Israel’s merit. Deu 11:31 For you are about to cross the Jordan… a land flowing with milk and honey, Canaan’s productive fields, pastures, and vineyards stood in sharp contrast to the wilderness and testified to God’s provision. Exo 3:8 I have come down to rescue them from the hand of Egyptians… just as the LORD, the God of your fathers, has promised you. The inheritance fulfilled the promises made to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, showing God’s faithfulness across generations. Deu 9:5 It is not because of your righteousness or uprightness… And when you have crossed the Jordan, Israel’s entry into Canaan would mark the end of the wilderness journey and the beginning of life in the land God promised to Abraham. The crossing would also recall the Lord’s earlier deliverance through the Red Sea. Jos 3:14-17 So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan,… you are to set up these stones on Mount Ebal, Near Shechem, Mount Ebal stood opposite Mount Gerizim, where Israel would publicly affirm the covenant. Ebal’s association with the pronouncement of curses stressed the consequences of rejecting God’s law. Jos 8:30-31 At that time Joshua built an altar on Mount Ebal to the LORD… as I am commanding you today, Moses delivered these instructions with divine authority as Israel prepared to enter the land. The command required immediate obedience after the crossing. Deu 12:32 See that you do everything I command you;… and you are to coat them with plaster. The plaster would provide a clear surface for the law to be written and displayed publicly. These stones would stand as a lasting witness that Israel’s life in the land rested on covenant obedience. Jos 8:32 And there in the presence of the Israelites,… Moreover, you are to build there an altar to the LORD your God, Upon entering the land, Israel was to establish worship at Mount Ebal during the covenant renewal ceremony. The altar publicly acknowledged that the land and the nation belonged to the LORD, and that Israel’s life in the land depended on faithfulness to Him. Jos 8:30 At that time Joshua built an altar on Mount Ebal to the LORD… an altar of stones. The altar was to be made from ordinary stones, providing a lasting yet simple place for sacrifice. Its construction recalled the altars built by the patriarchs and affirmed the continuity of Israel’s worship of the God who had called and preserved them. Exo 20:25 Now if you make an altar of stones for Me,… You must not use any iron tool on them. The stones were to remain uncut, preventing the altar from becoming a display of human skill or artistry. Israel’s worship was to center on the LORD and His covenant, not on objects shaped for religious devotion. Jos 8:31 just as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded the Israelites. He built it according to what is written in the Book of the Law of Moses: “an altar of uncut stones on which no iron tool has been used.” And on it they offered burnt offerings to the LORD… You shall build the altar of the LORD your God with uncut stones The altar was to be made from stones as God created them, without tools shaping or decorating them. Israel’s worship was not to depend on human skill, ornamentation, or religious invention, but on obedience to God’s command. Such altars reflected the simple stone altars used by the patriarchs and marked the place where God was to be approached according to His provision. Jos 8:31 just as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded the Israelites. He built it according to what is written in the Book of the Law of Moses: “an altar of uncut stones on which no iron tool has been used.” And on it they offered burnt offerings to the LORD… and offer upon it burnt offerings The burnt offering (olah, “that which goes up”) was wholly consumed on the altar, expressing atonement for sin and complete consecration to the LORD. Its ascending smoke signified an offering given entirely to God. These sacrifices anticipated Christ’s perfect and final offering of Himself for His people. Exo 20:24 You are to make for Me an altar of earth… to the LORD your God. Israel was to worship the LORD alone, the covenant God who had redeemed them and given them the land. The altar belonged to Him, and the sacrifices were to be offered in faithful acknowledgment of His authority, holiness, and covenant promises. Deu 12:11 then the LORD your God will choose a dwelling for His Name.… There you are to sacrifice your peace offerings, On Mount Ebal, Israel was to build an altar and present fellowship offerings after entering the land. These sacrifices expressed thanksgiving, covenant loyalty, and restored fellowship with the LORD. Lev 3:1-5 If one’s offering is a peace offering… eating them and rejoicing The worshipers shared in the offering as a covenant meal, celebrating God’s faithfulness and their identity as His people. Joy was to accompany obedience as Israel received the land under God’s blessing. Deu 12:7 There, in the presence of the LORD your God,… in the presence of the LORD your God. Their worship took place before the God who had delivered them from Egypt and brought them into Canaan. The altar and sacrifice testified that Israel’s life in the land was to remain centered on the LORD and His covenant. Deu 12:18 Instead, you must eat them in the presence of the LORD… And you shall write distinctly The law was to be written plainly so that the people could read and understand what God required of them. Its public display would preserve the covenant instruction for the nation as they entered the land. Hab 2:2 Then the LORD answered me: “Write down this vision… upon these stones Israel was to set up plastered stones on Mount Ebal after crossing the Jordan. They would stand as a lasting public witness to the covenant and to the nation’s obligation to obey the Lord. Jos 8:32 And there in the presence of the Israelites,… all the words of this law.” The inscription represented the law given through Moses as the governing standard for Israel’s life in the land, including its worship, conduct, justice, and covenant faithfulness. Deu 31:24 When Moses had finished writing in a book… Then Moses and the Levitical priests spoke to all Israel: Moses joined the priests in addressing the nation, showing that the covenant involved both Israel’s civil leader and those appointed to teach and administer God’s law. Their united instruction prepared the people for the covenant ceremony connected with Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim. Deu 31:9 So Moses wrote down this law and gave it to the priests,… “Be silent, O Israel, and listen! Israel was commanded to give undivided attention because they were receiving the terms of their covenant with the LORD. Silence expressed reverence and readiness to obey as the nation prepared to enter the land promised to their fathers. Exo 14:14 The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still.” This day you have become the people of the LORD your God. Israel’s identity as God’s chosen people was publicly reaffirmed. Having been redeemed from Egypt and brought to the border of Canaan, they stood obligated to live under His rule and keep the covenant He had given them. Deu 26:17-18 Today you have proclaimed that the LORD is your God… You shall therefore obey the voice of the LORD your God Israel’s covenant life depended on hearing and obeying the LORD, who had redeemed them from Egypt and brought them to the edge of the land He promised their fathers. His voice was made known through Moses and the Law given at Sinai. Deu 13:4 You are to follow the LORD your God and fear Him.… and follow His commandments and statutes The LORD’s commandments and statutes governed Israel’s worship, moral conduct, justice, and national life. Keeping them distinguished Israel from the surrounding nations and preserved the order God established for His people in the land. Deu 11:1 You shall therefore love the LORD your God… I am giving you today.” Moses stressed the immediate responsibility of the generation preparing to cross the Jordan. They were not merely receiving inherited traditions; they were accountable to obey the LORD as they entered Canaan and faced its inhabitants, idols, and customs. Deu 10:13 and to keep the commandments and statutes of the LORD…
Curses Pronounced from EbalIsrael stood on the threshold of entering the Promised Land, ending the long years of wilderness wandering. The instructions that followed prepared the nation to renew its covenant commitment in the land God was giving them. Deu 4:14 At that time the LORD commanded me to teach you… Moses commanded the people: Though nearing the end of his life, Moses continued to lead Israel as God’s appointed servant. He delivered the commands necessary for Israel’s life in Canaan, where obedience to the Lord would distinguish them as His covenant people. Deu 31:12 Assemble the people—men, women, children… “When you have crossed the Jordan, Israel was about to enter Canaan after forty years in the wilderness. Crossing the Jordan marked God’s fulfillment of His promise to bring the nation into the land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Like the crossing of the Red Sea, it would display the Lord’s power and faithfulness in delivering His people. Jos 3:14-17 So when the people broke camp to cross the Jordan,… these tribes shall stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people: Mount Gerizim stood opposite Mount Ebal near Shechem, where the tribes would publicly affirm the covenant. Blessings were associated with obedience to God’s law, while Mount Ebal would be the site from which the curses for disobedience were proclaimed. The setting emphasized that Israel’s life in the land depended upon covenant faithfulness. Deu 11:29-30 When the LORD your God brings you into the land… Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin. These tribes were appointed to stand on Mount Gerizim. Judah represented the royal line from which David and the Messiah would come. Levi represented Israel’s priestly ministry. Joseph, through Ephraim and Manasseh, reflected God’s preservation and fruitfulness. Together with Simeon, Issachar, and Benjamin, they represented the united responsibility of all Israel to receive God’s blessing through obedience. Gen 49:5-12 Simeon and Levi are brothers; their swords are weapons… And these tribes shall stand on Mount Ebal to deliver the curse: Mount Ebal stood near Shechem in central Canaan, opposite Mount Gerizim. After entering the land, Israel was to renew its covenant with the Lord there, publicly declaring the consequences of rebellion against His commandments. The two mountains provided a visible setting for the contrast between blessing for obedience and curse for disobedience. Jos 8:33-35 All Israel, foreigners and citizens alike, with their elders… Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali. These tribes represented every part of Israel, including sons of Leah and sons born through her and Rachel’s maidservants. Reuben’s presence recalled the loss of his firstborn privilege because of sin, while the full assembly showed that every tribe shared responsibility for keeping the covenant. Deu 33:6-25 Let Reuben live and not die, nor his men be few.”… Then the Levites shall proclaim The Levites were appointed to serve at the sanctuary and to instruct Israel in God’s law. At Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, they acted as official heralds of the covenant, declaring its blessings and curses before the assembled tribes. Deu 33:10 He will teach Your ordinances to Jacob and Your law… in a loud voice The proclamation was made so that the entire gathering could hear the covenant terms clearly. Its public delivery gave solemn weight to the warnings that followed and required Israel’s full attention. Rev 14:7 And he said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give Him glory,… to every Israelite: Every member of the nation was included in this declaration. The covenant was not limited to Israel’s leaders or priests; all were accountable to obey the LORD’s commands. Jos 8:33-35 All Israel, foreigners and citizens alike, with their elders… ‘Cursed is the man who makes a carved idol or molten image— Idolatry directly rejected the covenant God made with Israel, assigning worship and trust to an object fashioned in place of the Creator. Israel lived among nations whose worship commonly centered on visible images, yet the Lord had forbidden His people to make or serve such gods. Exo 20:4-5 You shall not make for yourself an idol… an abomination to the LORD, Idols were not harmless religious symbols but an offense against God’s holiness and exclusive authority. Their use corrupted worship and drew Israel away from the Lord who had delivered them from Egypt. Deu 7:25-26 You must burn up the images of their gods; do not covet… the work of the hands of a craftsman— An idol could be shaped from wood, stone, or metal, but it remained the product of human labor, unable to see, hear, speak, or act. The contrast exposes the folly of treating a created object as divine while rejecting the living God who made all things. Isa 40:19-20 To an idol that a craftsman casts and a metalworker… and sets it up in secret.’ Secret installation suggests deliberate disobedience, whether concealed from the community or practiced privately. God’s law reached beyond public conduct and held each Israelite accountable for hidden rebellion. 2Ki 17:9-12 The Israelites secretly did things against the LORD… And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ The gathered nation affirmed the judgment together, accepting responsibility to uphold the covenant and reject idolatry within Israel. Neh 8:6 Then Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God… ‘Cursed is he who dishonors his father or mother.’ Honor for parents was essential to the order of Israel’s covenant life. To dishonor them through contempt, rebellion, neglect, or public shame was to reject God’s appointed authority within the family. Such conduct threatened the stability of the household and the wider community, warranting divine judgment. Lev 20:9 If anyone curses his father or mother, he must be put to… And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ The assembled people publicly accepted the justice of this judgment and their shared responsibility to uphold God’s law, responding “Amen,” meaning “so be it” or “truly.” Their response bound the nation to the covenant obligations proclaimed at Mount Ebal. Psa 106:48 Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel,… ‘Cursed is he who moves his neighbor’s boundary stone.’ Boundary stones marked inherited family land in Israel. Removing or shifting them was a deliberate attempt to steal property and disrupt the allotments God had given to the tribes and households. Such fraud violated both justice and the covenant order of the land. Deu 19:14 You must not move your neighbor’s boundary marker… And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ The people publicly accepted the curse, acknowledging their shared duty to protect rightful inheritance and to uphold God’s law within the community. Psa 106:48 Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel,… ‘Cursed is he who lets a blind man wander in the road.’ At Mount Ebal, the Levites proclaimed covenant curses against sins often committed in secret or against those unable to defend themselves. Misleading a blind person was a deliberate act of cruelty, exploiting someone’s vulnerability for harm or amusement. Israel was responsible to protect the weak and uphold justice in daily life, recognizing that God saw wrongdoing even when human authorities did not. Lev 19:14 You must not curse the deaf or place a stumbling block… And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ The gathered tribes affirmed the curse with a unified “Amen,” meaning “so be it” or “truly,” accepting the righteousness of God’s judgment and their shared obligation to obey His law. Psa 106:48 Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel,… ‘Cursed is he who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow.’ Foreigners, orphans, and widows often lacked land, family protection, and social standing in Israel. God required His people to protect them from exploitation and to administer justice without partiality. Denying them their lawful rights was a serious covenant offense because it directly opposed God’s concern for the helpless and oppressed. Exo 22:21-24 You must not exploit or oppress a foreign resident,… And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ The assembled tribes publicly affirmed this curse, accepting responsibility to uphold justice within the nation. Their response bound the community to God’s standard and acknowledged that those who perverted justice would stand under His judgment. Neh 8:6 Then Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God… ‘Cursed is he who sleeps with his father’s wife, Sexual relations with a father’s wife violated God’s created order for marriage and dishonored both father and household. Such conduct brought shame upon the family and undermined the moral boundaries required among God’s covenant people. 1Co 5:1 It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality… for he has violated his father’s marriage bed.’ The offense was not merely private immorality but a direct violation of the father’s marriage and authority within the family. God treated this sin as a serious defilement requiring public condemnation. Gen 49:4 Uncontrolled as the waters, you will no longer excel,… And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ Israel’s united response confirmed that the judgment was righteous. By saying “Amen,” the people accepted their shared duty to uphold God’s law and preserve holiness within the community. Neh 8:6 Then Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God… ‘Cursed is he who lies with any animal.’ Bestiality violated God’s created order for human sexuality and was forbidden among Israel. Such practices were connected with the corrupt worship and fertility rites of surrounding nations, from which Israel was to remain separate. The public curse marked the offense as a serious breach of covenant holiness. Lev 18:23 You must not lie carnally with any animal,… And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ Israel’s united response affirmed the justice of the judgment and their shared obligation to uphold God’s law. By saying “Amen,” the assembly accepted the covenant’s standards and acknowledged the consequences of rebellion. 1Ch 16:36 Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel,… ‘Cursed is he who sleeps with his sister, the daughter of his father or the daughter of his mother.’ God places His curse on incest within the household, whether between full or half siblings. Such unions corrupt the family order established by God and violate the holiness required of Israel. The public curse warned that hidden sins within a family were still known to God and subject to His judgment. Lev 18:9 You must not have sexual relations with your sister,… And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ The people’s response confirms their acceptance of God’s judgment and their shared responsibility to uphold His law. By saying “Amen,” Israel binds itself to the covenant standards proclaimed before the whole nation. Neh 8:6 Then Ezra blessed the LORD, the great God… ‘Cursed is he who sleeps with his mother-in-law.’ On Mount Ebal, the Levites proclaimed covenant curses against offenses that could be concealed from public judgment. Sexual relations with a mother-in-law violated God’s order for marriage, family, and kinship, bringing dishonor upon the household and defiling relationships that were to be guarded. Lev 20:14 If a man marries both a woman and her mother,… And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ Israel’s united response accepted the justice of the curse and acknowledged its shared obligation to uphold the covenant. “Amen” publicly affirmed that God’s judgment against such sin was true and binding upon the nation. Psa 106:48 Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel,… ‘Cursed is he who strikes down his neighbor in secret.’ Secret murder violates God’s command against taking innocent life and corrupts the trust necessary for Israel’s life as a covenant people. Whether concealed to avoid judgment or carried out through treachery, such violence could not be hidden from God. The curse declares God’s judgment on those who shed blood while escaping human notice. Deu 19:11-13 If, however, a man hates his neighbor and lies… And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ The people’s response publicly affirmed the justice of God’s judgment and their shared obligation to uphold His law. Israel accepted responsibility to reject hidden violence and to preserve justice within the community. 1Ch 16:36 Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel,… ‘Cursed is he who accepts a bribe to kill an innocent person.’ Murder for payment joined greed, judicial corruption, and the shedding of innocent blood. Israel’s judges and leaders were forbidden to pervert justice through gifts or favoritism, and no financial gain could excuse the taking of a life made in God’s image. The public curse declared that anyone who arranged or carried out such a crime stood under God’s judgment, even if human courts failed to expose it. Deu 16:19 Do not deny justice or show partiality… And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ The assembled tribes affirmed the covenant curse together. By saying “Amen,” they acknowledged the justice of God’s law and accepted their shared responsibility to uphold it within the nation. Psa 106:48 Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel,… ‘Cursed is he who does not put the words of this law into practice.’ Israel’s covenant with the Lord required more than hearing the law; it demanded faithful obedience. The curses pronounced at Mount Ebal declared God’s judgment on those who rejected His commands, whether openly or in secret. Deuteronomy 28 further explains that obedience brought covenant blessing, while disobedience brought discipline, loss, and exile. The law revealed God’s holy standard and held every member of the nation accountable before Him. Gal 3:10 All who rely on works of the law are under a curse.… And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’ The people’s response publicly confirmed their agreement with God’s judgment and their acceptance of the covenant’s terms. By saying “Amen,” the tribes gathered at Mount Ebal acknowledged that the curses were just and that they were responsible to obey the Lord together. Psa 106:48 Blessed be the LORD, the God of Israel,… This is a draft of the Berean Study Bible. Please send all comments and recommendations to bereanstudybible@aol.com. Bible Hub |
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