Deuteronomy 27:12

KJV

These shall stand upon mount Gerizim to bless the people, when ye are come over Jordan; Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Joseph, and Benjamin:

KJV (with Strong's)

These shall stand {H5975} upon mount {H2022} Gerizim {H1630} to bless {H1288} the people {H5971}, when ye are come over {H5674} Jordan {H3383}; Simeon {H8095}, and Levi {H3878}, and Judah {H3063}, and Issachar {H3485}, and Joseph {H3130}, and Benjamin {H1144}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"These are the ones who are to stand on Mount G'rizim and bless the people after you have crossed the Yarden: Shim'on, Levi, Y'hudah, Yissakhar, Yosef and Binyamin;

Berean Standard Bible

“When you have crossed the Jordan, these tribes shall stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people: Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin.

American Standard Version

These shall stand upon mount Gerizim to bless the people, when ye are passed over the Jordan: Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Joseph, and Benjamin.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 27:12 initiates a profound and dramatic covenant renewal ceremony mandated by Moses, detailing the specific six tribes—Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin—who were designated to stand upon Mount Gerizim. Their solemn role was to pronounce blessings upon the people of Israel immediately after their entry into the Promised Land across the Jordan River, thereby publicly affirming the nation's commitment to the Mosaic covenant and the conditional nature of divine favor in the land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Deuteronomy 27:12 is situated within Moses' final discourses to the Israelites on the plains of Moab, just before their entry into Canaan. Chapters 27 and 28 form a pivotal unit, outlining the covenant ceremony at Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, which serves as a grand, public affirmation of the Mosaic Law. Verse 12 specifically names the first six tribes appointed to pronounce blessings, setting the stage for the subsequent listing in [Deuteronomy 27:13](/deuteronomy/27-13 "Deuteronomy 27:13 - Tribes on Mount Ebal") of the tribes assigned to pronounce curses from Mount Ebal. This entire ceremony, culminating in the extensive blessings and curses of [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"), underscores the foundational choice presented to Israel: obedience leading to life and prosperity, or disobedience leading to judgment and exile. The command given here is later fulfilled in [Joshua 8:30-35](/joshua/8-30 "Joshua 8:30-35 - Altar and Covenant Renewal at Ebal and Gerizim"), demonstrating the importance of adherence to Moses' instructions.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The ceremony at Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal was to take place near Shechem, a strategically and historically significant location. It was here that Abraham first built an altar upon entering Canaan ([Genesis 12:6-7](/genesis/12-6 "Genesis 12:6-7 - Abraham at Shechem")), making it a sacred site for covenant remembrance. In the ancient Near East, covenant renewal ceremonies were common, often involving public declarations, rituals, and the establishment of physical markers. This particular event was unique in its dramatic staging, utilizing the natural amphitheater formed by the two mountains. Mount Gerizim, generally more fertile and verdant, symbolized blessing and life, contrasting with the more barren Mount Ebal, which represented curses and judgment. The act of crossing the Jordan River ([Joshua 3](/joshua/3 "Joshua 3 - Crossing the Jordan")) marked a critical transition from wilderness wandering to settling in the land, making this covenant reaffirmation a foundational act for their new national life.

* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Deuteronomy and the broader Pentateuch. Firstly, it highlights **Covenant Affirmation and Renewal**, emphasizing Israel's ongoing commitment to the covenant established at Sinai. The public, national act of declaring blessings and curses underscored the conditional nature of their continued enjoyment of the Promised Land, contingent upon their obedience to God's law, as elaborated in [Deuteronomy 28:1-14](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28:1-14 - Blessings for Obedience"). Secondly, the theme of **Divine Blessing and Human Responsibility** is prominent, with Mount Gerizim specifically designated as the site for pronouncing God's promised favor for obedience. This reinforces the idea that God's blessings are not automatic but are received through faithful adherence to His commands. Lastly, the division of the tribes and their assigned roles underscores **Corporate Unity and Collective Responsibility**. While specific tribes were chosen for each mountain, the entire nation was present and participated, emphasizing that the covenant was a communal responsibility and that the well-being of the whole depended on the faithfulness of its parts.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Stand (Hebrew, _ʿāmāḏ_):** This verb signifies not merely a physical posture but also a position of readiness, authority, or steadfastness. In this context, it implies that these tribes were to take their designated place with solemnity and purpose, prepared to act as agents in the pronouncement of divine blessings. Their "standing" underscored the gravity and official nature of the ceremony, indicating a firm and unyielding commitment to the covenant.
* **Bless (Hebrew, _bārak_):** The root meaning of _bārak_ is "to kneel," often associated with bowing in reverence or receiving a gift. In its active form, as here, it means "to confer favor, prosperity, or divine enablement." The tribes were not creating the blessings themselves but were acting as conduits, pronouncing the blessings that God would bestow upon His obedient people. This act of blessing was a declaration of God's good will and the positive consequences of covenant faithfulness.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"These shall stand upon mount Gerizim":** This clause provides the geographical and positional instruction for the first group of tribes. "Mount Gerizim" is identified as the specific location for the pronouncement of blessings, setting it apart from Mount Ebal. The act of "standing" denotes a formal, public, and authoritative posture for the ceremony.
* **"to bless the people":** This specifies the primary purpose of the tribes' presence on Mount Gerizim. Their role was to articulate the blessings promised by God to Israel for their obedience to the covenant. This was not a passive observation but an active, vocal participation in the covenant renewal.
* **"when ye are come over Jordan;":** This temporal marker indicates that the ceremony was to occur immediately after Israel's successful entry into the Promised Land. It signifies a foundational act for their new life in Canaan, establishing the terms of their dwelling there from the outset. The crossing of the Jordan itself was a miraculous act of divine faithfulness, making the subsequent covenant renewal a fitting response.
* **"Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Joseph, and Benjamin:":** This enumeration lists the six specific tribes assigned to Mount Gerizim. The selection of these tribes is notable; Levi, as the priestly tribe, was naturally involved in sacred ceremonies. Judah, the tribe from which kings would come, and Joseph (representing Ephraim and Manasseh), the largest and most prominent northern tribes, also held significant positions. The specific arrangement of tribes likely held symbolic or practical significance, possibly relating to their historical encampment positions or future tribal territories, ensuring broad representation in the act of blessing.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 27:12, as part of a larger pericope, employs several significant literary devices. **Enumeration** is clearly present in the precise listing of the six tribes, providing a detailed and authoritative instruction. This specificity emphasizes the divine order and the importance of each tribal unit's participation. The verse also functions as a form of **Foreshadowing**, anticipating the actual performance of this ceremony as recorded later in [Joshua 8](/joshua/8 "Joshua 8 - Altar and Covenant Renewal"). This literary technique builds narrative tension and demonstrates the reliability of Moses' prophetic commands. Furthermore, the very concept of two mountains, Gerizim and Ebal, representing blessings and curses respectively, employs powerful **Symbolism** and **Antithesis**. While only Gerizim is mentioned here, its inherent contrast with Ebal (mentioned in the subsequent verse) creates a dramatic backdrop, visually and conceptually reinforcing the stark choice between obedience and disobedience that lay before the nation of Israel.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 27:12 underscores the profound theological principle that divine blessing is intrinsically linked to covenant faithfulness. The solemn assembly at Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal was not merely a ritual but a public, national commitment to the terms of God's covenant, establishing the framework for Israel's relationship with Yahweh in the Promised Land. It highlights God's desire to bless His people, but also His expectation of their responsive obedience. This act served as a perpetual reminder that their prosperity, security, and well-being in the land were not inherent rights but gracious provisions contingent upon their adherence to His laws. The division of tribes and their collective participation emphasized that covenant keeping was a corporate responsibility, affecting the entire community.

* [Deuteronomy 11:26-28](/deuteronomy/11-26 "Deuteronomy 11:26-28 - Blessing and Curse Set Before You")
* [Joshua 8:33-35](/joshua/8-33 "Joshua 8:33-35 - Reading of the Law at Ebal and Gerizim")
* [Psalm 1:1-3](/psalms/1-1 "Psalm 1:1-3 - The Blessed Man")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Deuteronomy 27:12, while rooted in an ancient covenant ceremony, offers timeless principles for contemporary believers. It reminds us that God's blessings are often contingent upon our posture of obedience and faithfulness to His revealed will. Just as the tribes were called to a public declaration of commitment, so too are believers called to openly confess their faith and align their lives with Christ's teachings. This passage encourages us to consider the "mount Gerizim" moments in our own lives—opportunities to embrace and declare God's truth, knowing that spiritual prosperity and flourishing flow from walking in His ways. It also highlights the communal aspect of faith; our individual obedience contributes to the spiritual health of the wider body of Christ, and collectively, we are called to uphold and proclaim God's truth in the world. The stark choice between blessing and curse, though fulfilled differently in the New Covenant, still resonates as a call to discern and choose the path of life found in Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the concept of "standing to bless" resonate with our role as believers in proclaiming God's goodness and truth today?**
* **In what ways do we, individually and corporately, publicly affirm our commitment to God's covenant in Christ?**
* **What "blessings" are contingent upon our obedience and faithfulness in the New Covenant, and how do these differ from the Old Covenant blessings?**

### FAQ

**Why were these specific six tribes chosen to stand on Mount Gerizim to pronounce blessings?**

Answer: The text does not explicitly state the criteria for the selection of these specific tribes for Mount Gerizim, nor for the other six tribes for Mount Ebal. However, biblical scholars suggest several possibilities. The selection likely ensured a broad representation of the nation, perhaps reflecting their historical encampment positions around the Tabernacle or their future tribal territories. It's also notable that Levi, the priestly tribe, is among those on Gerizim, which aligns with their role in sacred ceremonies and teaching the law. Joseph (representing Ephraim and Manasseh) and Judah were also prominent tribes. The division may have been pragmatic, ensuring a balanced and representative participation from across the Israelite confederation in this foundational covenant ceremony.

**What is the significance of Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal in this ceremony?**

Answer: Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal are two prominent mountains in the central hill country of Canaan, located near the ancient city of Shechem. Their significance is primarily symbolic and geographical. Mount Gerizim is generally more fertile and verdant, visually representing the blessings of life and prosperity that come from obedience to God's covenant. In contrast, Mount Ebal is more rugged and barren, symbolizing the curses and desolation that result from disobedience. The natural amphitheater formed by these two mountains allowed for the entire nation to hear the blessings and curses pronounced, making the ceremony a powerful and unforgettable public declaration of the covenant's terms. This dramatic setting underscored the clear choice set before Israel: the path of life through obedience or the path of death through rebellion, as outlined in [Deuteronomy 30:19](/deuteronomy/30-19 "Deuteronomy 30:19 - Choose Life").

**Was this covenant renewal ceremony actually performed by the Israelites?**

Answer: Yes, the historical fulfillment of this command is explicitly recorded in the book of Joshua. After the conquest of Ai, Joshua led the Israelites to the very location Moses commanded. [Joshua 8:30-35](/joshua/8-30 "Joshua 8:30-35 - Altar and Covenant Renewal at Ebal and Gerizim") describes Joshua building an altar on Mount Ebal, writing a copy of the Law on stones, and then assembling the entire nation, including women, children, and sojourners, between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal. There, half the tribes stood opposite Mount Gerizim and half opposite Mount Ebal, and Joshua read all the words of the Law, including the blessings and the curses, just as Moses had commanded. This fulfillment underscores the importance of Moses' instructions and Israel's commitment to the covenant upon entering the Promised Land.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Deuteronomy 27:12, with its focus on the pronouncement of blessings contingent upon covenant obedience, finds its ultimate fulfillment and transformation in Jesus Christ. While the Old Covenant blessings were largely temporal and tied to land and physical prosperity, Christ inaugurates a New Covenant, sealed by His blood, which offers spiritual and eternal blessings. He is the true source of all blessings, not merely a conduit. The "blessings" pronounced from Mount Gerizim pointed to a righteousness that Israel could not perfectly achieve, leading to a cycle of obedience and failure. However, in Christ, the perfect Son of God, all the promises of God find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All Promises are Yes in Christ")). He perfectly fulfilled the Law, becoming the obedient Lamb who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")), thereby securing for believers not a conditional blessing based on their performance, but an unconditional, spiritual inheritance. Through faith in Him, we are blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places ([Ephesians 1:3](/ephesians/1-3 "Ephesians 1:3 - Blessed in Christ")), redeemed from the curse of the law ([Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse")), and brought into an everlasting covenant of grace. The dramatic scene at Gerizim foreshadows the ultimate blessing that flows from the cross, where Christ, our High Priest and Mediator, secured eternal life and reconciliation with God for all who believe ([Hebrews 9:15](/hebrews/9-15 "Hebrews 9:15 - Christ, Mediator of the New Covenant")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Judges 9:7

¶ And when they told [it] to Jotham, he went and stood in the top of mount Gerizim, and lifted up his voice, and cried, and said unto them, Hearken unto me, ye men of Shechem, that God may hearken unto you.

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 bare 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.

Joshua 8:35

There was not a word of all that Moses commanded, which Joshua read not before all the congregation of Israel, with the women, and the little ones, and the strangers that were conversant among them.

Deuteronomy 11:26

¶ Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse;

Deuteronomy 11:29

And it shall come to pass, when the LORD thy God hath brought thee in unto the land whither thou goest to possess it, that thou shalt put the blessing upon mount Gerizim, and the curse upon mount Ebal.

Genesis 30:18

And Leah said, God hath given me my hire, because I have given my maiden to my husband: and she called his name Issachar.

Genesis 30:24

And she called his name Joseph; and said, The LORD shall add to me another son.