Joshua 8:31

Mount Ebal. Mt. Ebal was only about 20 miles from Ai. Leaving their encampment at Gilgal, probably in charge of a guard, all Israel journeyed to Mt. Ebal and Mt. Gerizim for this sacred service and the renewal of the covenant. Though they were anxious to obtain settlement in their homes, the work of conquest had to come to a standstill while they made the long march, attended this solemn ceremony, and returned to Gilgal. Thus they were taught that the way to prosper is to make God first. Jesus later reiterated this great principle in the words, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33). Mt. Ebal is situated on the north, and Mt. Gerizim on the south. The valley between them is about one third of a mile wide, and runs east and west. The summits of the two mountains are about 2 miles apart. Where the two mountains face each other, at the point of their closest proximity, there is a green valley of about 500 yards in width. The limestone stratum of each mountain is broken into a succession of ledges forming a natural amphitheater on either side. Here Abraham had erected his first altar in the Land of Promise. Here the people now congregated, six of the tribes on one side and six on the other — the six on Mt. Gerizim to respond with an Amen after each blessing was read and the six on Mt. Ebal as each curse was read. Spurs jut out from each of these mountains forming natural pulpits from which the speaker’s voice could be heard throughout the valley. According to directions, an altar was erected on Mt. Ebal, the mount of cursing (Deuteronomy 27:4, 5). But why on the mount of cursing? This was fitting. In that place from which the curses of the law were read against sinners, there must also be an indication of the means of grace and forgiveness. The sacrifices on that altar prefigured Christ.