Deuteronomy 27:13

KJV

And these shall stand upon mount Ebal to curse; Reuben, Gad, and Asher, and Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali.

KJV (with Strong's)

And these shall stand {H5975} upon mount {H2022} Ebal {H5858} to curse {H7045}; Reuben {H7205}, Gad {H1410}, and Asher {H836}, and Zebulun {H2074}, Dan {H1835}, and Naphtali {H5321}.

Complete Jewish Bible

while these are to stand on Mount 'Eival for the curse: Re'uven, Gad, Asher, Z'vulun, Dan and Naftali.

Berean Standard Bible

And these tribes shall stand on Mount Ebal to deliver the curse: Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali.

American Standard Version

And these shall stand upon mount Ebal for the curse: Reuben, Gad, and Asher, and Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Deuteronomy 27:13 is a foundational verse within the covenant renewal ceremony, meticulously outlining the six Israelite tribes—Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali—tasked with standing on Mount Ebal to solemnly pronounce the curses for covenant disobedience. This public declaration was a critical component of Israel's national commitment to God's law, designed to impress upon the people the severe consequences of rebellion and to underscore the binding nature of their relationship with Yahweh before their entry into the Promised Land.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a pivotal section of Deuteronomy, specifically [Deuteronomy 27](/deuteronomy/27 "Deuteronomy 27 - The Covenant Ceremony at Mount Ebal and Gerizim"), which details the instructions for a grand covenant ratification ceremony to be performed immediately upon Israel's entrance into the land of Canaan. Moses explicitly commands that the nation divide into two groups: six tribes are to stand on Mount Gerizim to pronounce blessings ([Deuteronomy 27:12](/deuteronomy/27-12 "Deuteronomy 27:12 - Tribes for Blessings on Mount Gerizim")), while the remaining six, listed in verse 13, are assigned to Mount Ebal for the declaration of curses. The Levites were to lead these pronouncements, with the entire assembly responding with a resounding "Amen" to each, signifying their corporate affirmation and accountability. This elaborate ritual serves as the climactic reaffirmation of the Mosaic Covenant, preceding the narratives of conquest and settlement.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The practice of public covenant ratification, including the recitation of blessings and curses, was a common feature of suzerainty treaties in the Ancient Near East (ANE). However, Israel's covenant with Yahweh was unique in its monotheistic foundation and its profound moral and ethical demands. The chosen geographical location for this ceremony—the valley between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, near the ancient city of Shechem—held deep historical significance, being a site where Abraham first built an altar upon entering Canaan ([Genesis 12:6-7](/genesis/12-6-7 "Genesis 12:6-7 - Abram at Shechem")). Mount Ebal, often characterized as rugged and barren, stood in stark visual contrast to the more fertile Mount Gerizim. This topographical difference was not merely coincidental but served as a powerful visual aid, reinforcing the stark dichotomy between the consequences of covenant faithfulness (blessings, fertility) and covenant rebellion (curses, desolation). The communal, public nature of this declaration was designed to indelibly impress upon the entire nation the solemn and binding nature of their unique relationship with God.
* **Key Themes:** Deuteronomy 27:13 contributes significantly to several overarching themes woven throughout the book of Deuteronomy and the Pentateuch. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Covenant Accountability**, emphasizing that Israel's continued flourishing and presence in the land were directly conditional upon their diligent obedience to God's Law. The division of the tribes and the public pronouncement of both blessings and curses underscore the **Gravity of Disobedience** and the inevitable, divinely ordained consequences of straying from God's commands, echoing the foundational choice presented in [Deuteronomy 30:19](/deuteronomy/30-19 "Deuteronomy 30:19 - Choose Life or Death"). Furthermore, this ceremony highlights the **Immutability of God's Word** and the inherent justice of His character; His laws are not arbitrary but carry intrinsic authority and consequences, demonstrating His faithfulness to His declared standards. This corporate act also reinforces the theme of **Communal Responsibility**, as the entire nation was bound together in their commitment to the covenant, acknowledging that the actions of individuals and the collective would have shared repercussions.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **stand (Hebrew, _‘âmad'_):** This verb signifies a posture of standing, but in this context, it denotes a formal, authoritative, and public stance. It implies being present, being appointed, and enduring in a position of responsibility. For the tribes on Mount Ebal, their "standing" was not passive but an active participation in a solemn, legal-religious ceremony, signifying their corporate witness to and affirmation of the covenant's stipulations and the dire consequences of their violation. It speaks to a fixed, unyielding commitment to the pronouncements.
* **Ebal (Hebrew, _‘Êybâl'_):** This mountain, located in the central hill country of Canaan, is thought to derive its name from a root possibly meaning "bare" or "stone," suggesting a rugged, desolate, or bald appearance. Its stark, barren landscape stood in powerful symbolic contrast to the more fertile Mount Gerizim. This visual distinction was critical to the ceremony, as Ebal became the designated site for the pronouncement of curses. The name and its associated imagery conveyed an immediate sense of the severe consequences of disobedience—barrenness, hardship, and divine judgment—reinforcing the gravity of the spiritual and physical repercussions of covenant breaking.
* **curse (Hebrew, _qᵉlâlâh'_):** In this context, "curse" is far more than a human expression of ill will; it is a solemn, public declaration of divine judgment and the invocation of negative, divinely ordained consequences upon those who violate the covenant. As an integral part of ancient treaties, curses were designed to deter disloyalty. For Israel, these curses were a divine guarantee that rebellion against God's holy standards would inevitably lead to severe repercussions, including disease, famine, defeat, and ultimately, exile. It represented a communal affirmation of the absolute seriousness of God's Law and the certainty of His righteous judgment against sin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And these shall stand upon mount Ebal to curse;":** This clause precisely identifies the location and the solemn purpose of the six tribes mentioned subsequently. The phrase "these" refers to the specific tribes listed, highlighting their collective role. Their posture of "standing" signifies a formal, public, and authoritative participation in the covenant ceremony, underscoring their active agreement and witness. Mount Ebal is explicitly designated as the site for the pronouncement of curses, establishing a clear symbolic link between the barren mountain and the dire consequences of covenant breaking. The purpose, "to curse," denotes their active role in affirming the divine judgments against disobedience, making them co-witnesses and participants in the covenant's solemn stipulations.
* **"Reuben, Gad, and Asher, and Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali.":** This enumeration specifies the six tribes assigned to Mount Ebal. While the precise rationale for this particular grouping (as opposed to the six on Gerizim in [Deuteronomy 27:12](/deuteronomy/27-12 "Deuteronomy 27:12 - Tribes for Blessings on Mount Gerizim")) is not explicitly stated, it represents a corporate division of the nation. These tribes, as representatives of the whole, bore witness to and affirmed the curses, signifying that the entire nation was accountable for upholding the covenant, and that the consequences of disobedience would affect all. Their presence ensured that the solemnity of the occasion and the gravity of the curses were impressed upon every segment of Israel, emphasizing the corporate nature of their covenant relationship with God.

#### Literary Devices
Deuteronomy 27:13, as an integral part of the larger covenant ceremony, employs several potent literary devices to convey its profound message. **Symbolism** is paramount, with Mount Ebal serving as a stark symbol of judgment, desolation, and the severe consequences of disobedience. Its rugged, barren appearance visually reinforces the spiritual barrenness and hardship that would result from breaking the covenant. This is powerfully contrasted with the implied symbolism of Mount Gerizim (where blessings were pronounced), which was known for its fertility, representing life and prosperity. The entire ceremony utilizes **Antithesis** or **Contrast**, juxtaposing blessings and curses, obedience and disobedience, life and death, thereby highlighting the fundamental choice before Israel. The precise **Enumeration** of the six tribes provides a detailed and concrete representation of the entire nation's involvement, emphasizing the corporate and comprehensive nature of the covenant's reach. Furthermore, the command for the tribes to "stand" implies a formal, public **Ritualistic Performance**, designed to create a lasting impression and underscore the binding nature of the covenant through a memorable, participatory act that involved the entire community.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Deuteronomy 27:13, by assigning specific tribes to pronounce curses, powerfully underscores the unyielding nature of God's holiness and the absolute seriousness of sin. It reveals a God who is not indifferent to human conduct but who has established a moral order with inherent consequences. The curses are not arbitrary threats but a divine declaration of the just outcomes for a people who would willfully reject the covenant of their loving God. This passage reminds us that while God is merciful and patient, He is also perfectly righteous, and His justice demands a response to rebellion. It highlights the profound truth that actions have consequences, a principle woven into the very fabric of creation and redemption. The ceremony at Ebal served as a perpetual reminder to Israel that their flourishing and security in the Promised Land were inextricably linked to their faithfulness, and that spiritual rebellion would inevitably lead to a withdrawal of divine favor and protection, culminating in judgment.

* [Deuteronomy 30:19](/deuteronomy/30-19 "Deuteronomy 30:19 - Choose Life or Death")
* [Galatians 3:10](/galatians/3-10 "Galatians 3:10 - Under the Curse of the Law")
* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "Romans 6:23 - The Wages of Sin is Death")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The solemn scene on Mount Ebal, with tribes publicly affirming curses, serves as a profound and enduring reminder of the gravity of our choices and the unchanging nature of God's moral law. While believers in Christ are no longer under the condemnation of the law, having been redeemed by grace, the principles of God's holiness and the seriousness of sin remain eternally true. This passage calls us to a sober reflection on the consequences of disobedience, not as a means to earn salvation, but as an understanding of the divine order and the inherent repercussions of rebellion against a holy God. It compels us to recognize that spiritual rebellion, whether individual or corporate, carries real, often painful, consequences in this life, even for those under grace. Furthermore, it highlights the importance of communal accountability and shared commitment within the body of Christ, reminding us that our collective faithfulness profoundly impacts our shared spiritual health, witness, and effectiveness in the world. We are called to a corporate "Amen" to God's truth, embracing His commands not out of fear of curses, but out of profound love and gratitude for the One who redeemed us from them.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the solemnity of the Mount Ebal ceremony deepen our understanding of God's holiness and the gravity of sin in our lives today?**
* **In what ways do we, as individuals or as a community of faith, need to acknowledge and respond to the "curses" (i.e., the natural consequences or divine discipline) of disobedience in our contemporary context?**
* **How does this passage highlight the importance of communal accountability and shared commitment within the body of Christ, and how can we better embody this in our churches and ministries?**

### FAQ

**Why were these specific tribes chosen for Mount Ebal, and others for Mount Gerizim?**

Answer: The biblical text in Deuteronomy does not explicitly state the precise criteria for the division of the tribes between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim. Various theories have been proposed by scholars, including: geographical proximity of their future tribal allotments to the mountains, the maternal lineage of their founders (e.g., some suggest tribes descended from Leah's sons were on Gerizim, while those from Rachel, Bilhah, and Zilpah were on Ebal, though this is not perfectly consistent across all tribes), or simply for the purpose of an even numerical division to represent the whole nation. The key emphasis of the passage is not *why* these specific tribes were chosen, but *that* the entire nation, represented by these two groups, corporately participated in affirming the covenant's blessings and curses. This ensured that every segment of Israel bore witness to and assented to the covenant stipulations, making it a truly national commitment.

**Was this ceremony actually performed by the Israelites, or was it only a prophetic instruction?**

Answer: Yes, the Bible explicitly records that this momentous ceremony was indeed performed by the Israelites after they entered the Promised Land, under the leadership of Joshua. [Joshua 8:30-35](/joshua/8-30-35 "Joshua 8:30-35 - The Mount Ebal and Gerizim Ceremony Performed") provides a detailed account of Joshua building an altar on Mount Ebal, writing a copy of the Law on stones, and then assembling all Israel—including their elders, officers, and judges, along with resident foreigners—for the blessing and cursing ceremony, just as Moses had commanded in [Deuteronomy 27](/deuteronomy/27 "Deuteronomy 27 - The Covenant Ceremony at Mount Ebal and Gerizim") and [Deuteronomy 28](/deuteronomy/28 "Deuteronomy 28 - Blessings and Curses"). This historical fulfillment underscores the profound importance of the covenant and Israel's initial, corporate commitment to its terms upon entering the land of promise.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The solemn pronouncement of curses from Mount Ebal, affirmed by the tribes of Israel, vividly portrays humanity's dire predicament under the Law. The Law, holy and just, perfectly reveals sin and brings a curse upon all who fail to perfectly keep its every command, as the Apostle Paul powerfully declares in [Galatians 3:10](/galatians/3-10 "Galatians 3:10 - Under the Curse of the Law"), stating that "all who rely on the works of the law are under a curse." This Old Covenant ceremony, therefore, foreshadows the ultimate need for a deliverer from this inescapable curse. Jesus Christ, the perfect Lamb of God and the embodiment of perfect obedience, stands as the glorious fulfillment of this profound theological tension. He did not come to abolish the Law but to fulfill it in every jot and tittle ([Matthew 5:17](/matthew/5-17 "Matthew 5:17 - Jesus Fulfills the Law")). More profoundly, He became the curse for us, taking upon Himself the full weight of divine judgment that Mount Ebal symbolized. As [Galatians 3:13](/galatians/3-13 "Galatians 3:13 - Christ Redeemed Us from the Curse") triumphantly proclaims, "Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: 'Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.'" Through His crucifixion, Jesus bore the just consequences of humanity's rebellion, allowing those who believe in Him to receive the blessing of Abraham and the promised Spirit ([Galatians 3:14](/galatians/3-14 "Galatians 3:14 - That We Might Receive the Promise of the Spirit")). Thus, the terrifying pronouncements from Mount Ebal find their ultimate resolution and reversal in the person and redemptive work of Christ, who transforms the curse into eternal blessing, life, and reconciliation with God for all who trust in His finished work.

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

Deuteronomy 27:4

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.

Genesis 30:20

And Leah said, God hath endued me [with] a good dowry; now will my husband dwell with me, because I have born him six sons: and she called his name Zebulun.

Genesis 49:3

Reuben, thou [art] my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power:

Genesis 49:4

Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father's bed; then defiledst thou [it]: he went up to my couch.

Genesis 29:32

And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me.

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.

Genesis 30:6

And Rachel said, God hath judged me, and hath also heard my voice, and hath given me a son: therefore called she his name Dan.