As we continue our journey, we find ourselves on top of Mount Gerizim, also known as Har Bracha. From this vantage point, we can see Mount Ebal and the ancient city of Shechem (modern-day Nablus) nestled in the valley below. These mountains hold profound significance in biblical history, serving as the backdrop for one of the most important ceremonies in the Old Testament.
The Covenant Ceremony
Shortly after the Israelites entered the Land of Canaan, God instructed them to perform a ceremony on these two mountains. As outlined in Deuteronomy 11:29,“Behold, I set before you today a blessing and a curse… And it will be, when the Lord, your God, will bring you to the land to which you come, to possess it, that you shall place the blessing upon Mount Gerizim, and the cursing upon Mount Ebal.”
This event, further detailed in Deuteronomy 27 and Joshua 8, involved the tribes of Israel standing on either mountain to recite blessings and curses.
Something interesting to note is the similarities between the covenant at Mount Sinai and that of Mount Gerizim and Ebal. Both covenants have similar procedural events as seen in Exodus 24:3-5 and Deuteronomy 37:1-7:
Moses first TELLS the people all of God’s commands
Then they need to be WRITTEN down
Then an ALTAR needs to be BUILT
12 STONES need to be used to erect a monument
Sacrifices
Why would this be the case?
Potentially because this is the NEW generation entering the promised land, and no longer the same group that left Egypt all those years ago.
To me, it also shows how the relationship has changed with the chosen nation. At Mount Sinai, the people are warned multiple times not to touch the mountain, they only speak to express the request that God stop communicating with them directly, lest they perish. In contrast, at Mounts Gerizim and Ebal, the nation is standing at the tops of the mountains, and in each verse, it shows us that the entire nation declared “Amen” after each statement. Gone is the passive experience of the generation that left Egypt. Enter - the new generation that will conquer the Land. The focus has also now shifted to the consequences of observing or violating the laws.
The revelation of the Torah is thus not an isolated event frozen in time, that we can pull off the shelf and dust off so that we can recall the memory of a story in history. Torah is ALIVE – our relationship with God is dynamic, personal, and growing constantly.
Today, Mount Gerizim is home to Har Bracha, a modern Israeli settlement, and a thriving Samaritan village, Kiryat Luza. The Samaritans, a distinct religious group, consider this mountain their holiest site. Visitors can enjoy a beautiful lookout point, where one can see Joseph's tomb, purchase delicious tahini, and learn about Samaritan culture and history.
Nablus (ancient Shechem), lies in the valley below. Some of the significant events that can be associated with Shechem are as follows:
Shechem is the first city of Canaan mentioned in the Bible. It was here that God restated His promise to Abraham (Genesis 12:6-7).
Jacob and his family settled near Shechem (Genesis 33:18).
Joseph's brothers grazed their flocks in this area (Genesis 37:12-13).
Shechem served as a city of refuge within the territory of Ephraim (Joshua 20:7; 21:21).
Joseph was buried here in land bought by Jacob (Joshua 24:32).
The Shechemites supported Abimelech in his bid to be a ruler and gave him money from their temple of Baal-Berith (Judges 8:33; 9).
After the Exile, Shechem became a major religious center of the Samaritans. Their temple was built on Mount Gerizim (John 4:20-21).
Jesus visited Jacob’s Well near Shechem (John 4).
Visiting Today
While Mount Gerizim is easily accessible, visiting Mount Ebal and ancient sites in Nablus requires careful planning. These areas are under Palestinian control, and military escorts are necessary for access. Despite the logistical challenges, the historical and spiritual significance of these locations makes them well worth the effort to visit.
Reflections on Our Journey
Our journey this week has brought biblical history to life, connecting us with the footsteps of patriarchs, judges, and even Jesus himself. As we continue on our journey, may we carry with us the lessons of Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, embracing both the blessings and responsibilities of our faith.
Shalom
Marili
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