Mount Ebal in the Bible
The mountain of curses — where Joshua built an altar and read the Law to all Israel.
Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim stand on either side of Shechem. Moses commanded that the curses of the Law be proclaimed from Ebal. After the conquest of Ai, Joshua built an altar on Ebal and read the entire Law to all Israel — the blessings and the curses.
Modern Location
Near Nablus, West Bank
Key Biblical Events
- 1Moses commands curses to be proclaimed from Ebal (Deuteronomy 11:29; 27:13)
- 2Joshua builds an altar on Ebal (Joshua 8:30–31)
- 3Joshua reads the Law to all Israel (Joshua 8:34–35)
Key KJV Scriptures
"And these shall stand upon mount Ebal to curse; Reuben, Gad, and Asher, and Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali."
"Then Joshua built an altar unto the LORD God of Israel in mount Ebal."
"There was not a word of all that Moses commanded, which Joshua read not before all the congregation of Israel."
Spiritual Significance
Mount Ebal reminds us that God's covenant includes both blessings and consequences. The altar Joshua built there shows that even on the mountain of curses, God provides a place of worship and atonement.
Why Mount Ebal Matters
Mount Ebal holds a unique place in Scripture because it stands at the crossroads of God's covenant promises to His chosen people. With 3 major biblical events connected to this site — and key figures like Moses, Joshua linked to its story — Mount Ebal is far more than a point on an ancient map. It is a place where God acted decisively in human history.
Rooted in the Old Testament narrative, Mount Ebal is referenced in 3 key scriptures that reveal God's faithfulness across generations. Mount Ebal reminds us that God's covenant includes both blessings and consequences. The altar Joshua built there shows that even on the mountain of curses, God provides a place of worship and atonement.
For today's believer, studying Mount Ebal is more than a geography lesson — it is an invitation to see God's faithfulness written across real places and real people. Every mountain, city, and river in Scripture reminds us that God works within history, not apart from it. When you read about Mount Ebal, you are standing on the same spiritual ground where Moses encountered the living God.
Related Bible Characters
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were curses on Ebal and blessings on Gerizim?
This was Moses' instruction to dramatize the covenant's two outcomes: obedience leads to blessing (Gerizim); disobedience leads to cursing (Ebal).
Was an ancient altar found on Mount Ebal?
Archaeologist Adam Zertal discovered a large stone structure on Mount Ebal that he identified as Joshua's altar, though this identification remains debated.
Explore Related Content
Related Bible Locations
Shechem
An ancient city where God first promised Canaan to Abraham and where Joshua renewed the covenant.
Ai
The city Israel failed to conquer because of Achan's sin — then defeated after repentance.
Gilgal
First camp in the Promised Land — where Israel set up memorial stones after crossing the Jordan.
Ai
City where Israel's overconfidence led to defeat — then victory after repentance.
Ai
The small Canaanite city whose conquest taught Israel the cost of disobedience.
Gilgal
Israel's first camp in the Promised Land — where circumcision was renewed and manna ceased.
Where to go next
Finished reading about Mount Ebal? Keep exploring the places and people of Scripture.
- Explore the full Bible locations mapEvery place in Scripture, by region.Continue
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Related Reading
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Mount Ebal in the Bible
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Mount Gerizim & Mount Ebal in the Bible
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