(REFLECTIONS ON Deuteronomy 27:1-26)
12 When you have crossed the Jordan, these tribes shall stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people: Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph and Benjamin. 13 And these tribes shall stand on Mount Ebal to pronounce curses: Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan and Naphtali.
In today’s Scripture, we see the tribes were instructed to separate into two groups after crossing the Jordan. One group is to stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people, representing the blessings of the Lord for those who keep all of the Lord’s commandments. The other group is to stand on Mount Ebal for the curse, representing the curses that will fall upon those that do not keep all of the Lord’s commandments.
Although we may want to try to separate the tribes into those that will be blessed and those that will be cursed, but as the list of curses are presented by the Levites, all the people shall say, “Amen.” Both sides will acknowledge that these are the consequences of unfaithfulness. Both sides will agree to adhere to these words whether for blessing or for curse.
These two mountains represent a choice for Israel, which one will they choose? Will they choose Mount Gerizim or Mount Ebal? Will they dwell in the Promised Land with the blessings of the Lord, or will they be crushed in their unfaithfulness by these curses?
In the end, we know that all of Israel will symbolically stand together on Mount Ebal, that is they will be unfaithful to God, and live in the curses. What looks like an even choice between two paths, and two ways of living, we see in the life of Israel is only one path, and that path is the curse and death.
Although we may think that these mountains also represent for Christians a choice, whether to choose faithfulness and blessing, or unfaithfulness and curse, but what is so amazing about Jesus Christ is that He changed the equation.
Jesus Christ took the curses of Mount Ebal upon Himself, and so all the world is now just staring at Mount Gerizim, and the choice the world makes is whether to believe in the faithfulness of Jesus Christ, or to bear the burden of Mount Ebal on their own.
He changed the equation so the question no longer is which mountain will we stand on, but whether we believe in Jesus Christ absorbing Mount Ebal into Himself in His death and resurrection, and choosing to stand firm with Him on Mount Gerizim.
If we try to take upon ourself the responsibility of the blessing and curse, we will find ourselves in the same situation as Israel. However, He changed the equation, and if we accept the grace of Jesus Christ to take the curse, then what will be left for us is blessing and freedom in Him.
Pastor Michael Lu
Enduring Word Bible Commentary: Deuteronomy 27
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