Topical Bible: Benedictions by Half the Tribes, Who Stood on Mount Gerizim

Bible > Topical > Benedictions by Half the Tribes, Who Stood on Mount Gerizim

◄ Benedictions by Half the Tribes, Who Stood on Mount Gerizim ►

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, the event of the benedictions pronounced by half of the tribes of Israel on Mount Gerizim is a significant moment that underscores the covenantal relationship between God and His people. This event is recorded in the Book of Deuteronomy and is part of the larger ceremony of blessings and curses that the Israelites were to observe upon entering the Promised Land.

Biblical Context

The instructions for this ceremony are found in Deuteronomy 11:29 and Deuteronomy 27. Moses, under divine guidance, commanded the Israelites that upon crossing the Jordan River into the land of Canaan, they were to hold a ceremony on Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal. This event was to reaffirm the covenant and the laws given by God.

Deuteronomy 11:29 states: "And when the LORD your God brings you into the land you are entering to possess, you are to proclaim the blessing on Mount Gerizim and the curse on Mount Ebal."

The Tribes on Mount Gerizim

According to Deuteronomy 27:12, six tribes were designated to stand on Mount Gerizim to pronounce blessings. These tribes were Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin. The choice of these tribes is significant, as they represent a cross-section of the sons of Jacob, with both Leah and Rachel's descendants included.

Significance of Mount Gerizim

Mount Gerizim, located in the central region of ancient Israel, near Shechem, holds a place of prominence in biblical history. It is often associated with blessings, in contrast to Mount Ebal, which is associated with curses. The physical act of standing on these mountains symbolized the spiritual reality of the blessings and curses that would follow obedience or disobedience to God's commandments.

The Ceremony

The ceremony involved the Levites, who stood in the valley between the two mountains, reciting the blessings and curses. The people responded with "Amen" to affirm their acceptance of the covenant terms. This public declaration served as a powerful reminder of the consequences of their choices and the importance of adhering to God's law.

Theological Implications

The event on Mount Gerizim highlights the conditional nature of the blessings promised to Israel. It underscores the principle that obedience to God's commandments brings blessings, while disobedience results in curses. This duality is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament, emphasizing the holiness and justice of God.

Furthermore, the ceremony reflects the communal aspect of the covenant. The entire nation participated, illustrating that the covenant was not just with individuals but with the collective people of Israel. This communal responsibility is a key element in understanding the corporate identity of Israel as God's chosen people.

Legacy and Later References

The significance of Mount Gerizim and the blessings pronounced there continued to be recognized in later Jewish tradition. The Samaritans, a group that emerged after the Babylonian exile, revered Mount Gerizim as a holy site, further attesting to its enduring importance.

In summary, the benedictions by half the tribes on Mount Gerizim serve as a profound reminder of the blessings that flow from obedience to God and the communal nature of the covenant relationship between God and His people.

Nave's Topical Index

Deuteronomy 11:29,30
And it shall come to pass, when the LORD your God has brought you in to the land where you go to possess it, that you shall put the blessing on mount Gerizim, and the curse on mount Ebal.
Nave's Topical Index

Deuteronomy 27:11-13
And Moses charged the people the same day, saying,
Nave's Topical Index

Joshua 8:33
And all Israel, and their elders, and officers, and their judges, stood on this side the ark and on that side before the priests the Levites, which bore the ark of the covenant of the LORD, as well the stranger, as he that was born among them; half of them over against mount Gerizim, and half of them over against mount Ebal; as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded before, that they should bless the people of Israel.
Nave's Topical Index