Mount Ebal in the Bible
The mountain of curses where Joshua built an altar and read the law to all Israel.
Mount Ebal, rising above the city of Shechem, was the mountain designated by Moses for the pronouncement of curses for disobedience to God's law. After the conquest of Ai, Joshua built an altar on Mount Ebal and read the entire law — blessings and curses — before all Israel, fulfilling Moses' command.
Modern Location
Located near modern Nablus in the northern West Bank, opposite Mount Gerizim.
Key Biblical Events
- 1Moses designated it as the mountain of curses
- 2Joshua built an altar of uncut stones here
- 3The entire law was read to all Israel from this mountain
- 4Part of the great covenant renewal ceremony
Key KJV Scriptures
"Therefore it shall be when ye be gone over Jordan, that ye shall set up these stones, which I command you this day, in mount Ebal, and thou shalt plaister them with plaister."
"Then Joshua built an altar unto the LORD God of Israel in mount Ebal."
Spiritual Significance
Mount Ebal shows that worship and covenant faithfulness go together. Joshua built an altar on the very mountain of curses, signifying that obedience and sacrifice are the answer to the consequences of sin. The law read here confronted Israel with the choice between blessing and curse.
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 4 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 2 key scriptures that reveal God's faithfulness across generations. Mount Ebal shows that worship and covenant faithfulness go together. Joshua built an altar on the very mountain of curses, signifying that obedience and sacrifice are the answer to the consequences of sin. The law read here confronted Israel with the choice between blessing and curse.
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 was Mount Ebal the mountain of curses?
Moses designated Mount Ebal for the pronouncement of curses for disobedience (Deuteronomy 27:13), while Mount Gerizim opposite it was for blessings.
What did Joshua build on Mount Ebal?
Joshua built an altar of uncut stones on Mount Ebal and offered sacrifices, then read the entire law to all Israel (Joshua 8:30-35).
Explore Related Content
Related Bible Locations
Shechem
An ancient city where God first promised Canaan to Abraham and where Joshua renewed the covenant.
Gilgal
First camp in the Promised Land — where Israel set up memorial stones after crossing the Jordan.
Gilgal
Israel's first camp in the Promised Land — where circumcision was renewed and manna ceased.
Shechem
Where Abraham first received God's promise in Canaan and Joshua renewed Israel's covenant.
Mount Gerizim
The mountain of blessings — sacred to the Samaritans and the site where Jesus spoke of true worship.
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
- See where this fits on the Bible timelineFrom creation to the early church.Continue
- Meet the people of the BibleProfiles with verses for every major figure.Continue
- Test yourself with a Bible quizFree quizzes — every answer cites a verse.Continue
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Mount Ebal in the Bible
The mountain of curses — where Joshua built an altar and read the Law to all Isr
Mount Ebal in the Bible
The mountain of curses where Joshua built an altar and read the law to all Israe
The Walls of Jericho Fall
Israel marched around Jericho for seven days and the walls fell flat at a shout.
Mountain (הַר (har))
A high place of divine encounter — where heaven meets earth in revelation and covenant.
Strong's H2022 — Mountain
הַר (har) • A high place of divine encounter — where heaven meets earth in revelation and covenant.
Mountains
Bible verses about mountains — KJV Scripture on the theme of mountains with devo