The ceremony on Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal is a significant event in the history of Israel, as recorded in the Old Testament. This ceremony was commanded by God through Moses and later carried out by Joshua after the Israelites entered the Promised Land. It served as a covenant renewal and a public declaration of the blessings and curses associated with obedience and disobedience to God's Law.

Biblical Context

The instructions for this ceremony are primarily found in Deuteronomy 11:29-32, Deuteronomy 27, and Joshua 8:30-35. These passages outline the preparation and execution of the event, emphasizing the importance of the Law and the covenant relationship between God and Israel.

Location and Significance

Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal are located in the central region of the land of Canaan, near the city of Shechem. Mount Gerizim, known for its fertile land, was designated as the mountain of blessing, while Mount Ebal, more barren, was the mountain of cursing. The choice of these two mountains symbolized the stark contrast between the blessings of obedience and the curses of disobedience.

Instructions from Deuteronomy

In Deuteronomy 27, Moses provides detailed instructions for the ceremony. The Israelites were to set up large stones coated with plaster on Mount Ebal and inscribe the words of the Law on them (Deuteronomy 27:2-3). An altar was also to be built on Mount Ebal for burnt offerings and peace offerings (Deuteronomy 27:5-7).

The tribes of Israel were divided between the two mountains. Six tribes stood on Mount Gerizim to pronounce blessings, and six tribes stood on Mount Ebal to pronounce curses (Deuteronomy 27:12-13). The Levites, standing in the valley between the mountains, recited the curses, and all the people responded with "Amen" to affirm their acceptance of the covenant terms (Deuteronomy 27:14-26).

Fulfillment in Joshua

The ceremony was fulfilled under Joshua's leadership, as recorded in Joshua 8:30-35. Joshua built an altar on Mount Ebal, as Moses had commanded, and offered sacrifices to the Lord (Joshua 8:30-31). He also inscribed a copy of the Law on the stones, ensuring that the Law was visibly present for all Israel (Joshua 8:32).

The entire assembly of Israel, including women, children, and foreigners, gathered to hear the reading of the Law. Joshua read all the words of the Law, the blessings and the curses, as Moses had instructed (Joshua 8:34-35). This public reading reinforced the covenant and reminded the people of their commitment to follow God's commandments.

Theological Implications

The ceremony on Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal underscores the conditional nature of the covenant between God and Israel. It highlights the blessings that come with obedience and the severe consequences of disobedience. This event served as a powerful reminder of God's holiness, justice, and mercy, calling the Israelites to a life of faithfulness and devotion.

The ceremony also foreshadows the ultimate fulfillment of the Law in Jesus Christ, who bore the curse of the Law on behalf of humanity (Galatians 3:13). Through Christ, believers are empowered to live in obedience to God's commands, experiencing the blessings of a restored relationship with Him.