plural of an unused noun from גָּרַז (compare גִּזְרִי), cut up (i.e. rocky); Gerizim, a mountain of Palestine; Gerizim.
Transliteration:Gᵉrizîym
Pronunciation:gher-ee-zeem'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma `{{H1630}}`, גְּרִזִים (Gᵉrizîym), refers exclusively to Mount Gerizim, a prominent mountain in central Palestine. The etymology points to an unused noun derived from the root גָּרַז (garaz), meaning "to cut up" or "to cut off." This likely alludes to the mountain's rugged, rocky, or sharply defined geological features. The plural form may be an intensive plural, emphasizing its distinctive topography, or refer to multiple peaks or ravines. As a proper noun, its semantic range is fixed to this specific geographical location, which holds profound significance within the biblical narrative due to its association with covenant blessings.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Mount Gerizim plays a crucial role in the covenant history of Israel, primarily appearing in Deuteronomy and Joshua.
* **[[Deuteronomy 11:29]]**: Moses commands the Israelites, upon entering the promised land, to "set the blessing on Mount Gerizim and the curse on Mount Ebal." This foundational instruction establishes Gerizim as the geographical locus for divine favor and prosperity, contingent upon obedience to the covenant.
* **[[Deuteronomy 27:12]]**: Specifies that six tribes—Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, Joseph, and Benjamin—were to stand on Mount Gerizim to pronounce the blessings of the law. This highlights its designated role in the solemn covenant ceremony.
* **[[Joshua 8:33]]**: Joshua fulfills Moses' command after the conquest of Ai. The tribes of Israel are divided, with half standing opposite Mount Gerizim and half opposite Mount Ebal. This act, described in [[Joshua 8:34]], involved Joshua reading "all the words of the law, the blessing and the curse, according to all that is written in the Book of the Law." This public ceremony at Gerizim and Ebal served as a foundational act of national covenant renewal and commitment to Yahweh's commands, with Gerizim serving as the physical embodiment of the promised blessings.
* **[[Judges 9:7]]**: Jotham delivers his famous parable from the top of Mount Gerizim to the citizens of Shechem. While not directly related to the covenant blessings, this passage underscores the mountain's prominence and elevation, making it an ideal platform for a public address and a symbol of authority from which significant pronouncements could be made.
### Related Words & Concepts
* **`{{H585}}` עֵיבָל (ʿÊbāl)**: Mount Ebal, the counterpart to Gerizim, designated as the mountain of the curse. The two mountains are inextricably linked in the covenant ceremony, representing the dual outcomes of obedience and disobedience.
* **`{{H1293}}` בְּרָכָה (bᵉrākāh)**: Blessing. Mount Gerizim is intrinsically associated with the pronouncement of blessings, symbolizing divine favor, prosperity, and well-being that flow from covenant faithfulness.
* **Covenant Renewal**: The ceremony at Gerizim and Ebal represents a profound act of covenant renewal, where the entire nation of Israel publicly affirmed its commitment to God's law and accepted the terms of their relationship with Yahweh.
* **Torah / Law**: The pronouncements made from Gerizim and Ebal were directly from the Law of Moses, emphasizing the centrality of God's revealed will in Israel's national life and destiny.
* **Samaritan Worship**: Though not explicitly detailed in the Hebrew Bible, it is crucial to note that Mount Gerizim later became the sacred mountain for the Samaritans, who built their temple there and considered it the true place of worship, as referenced in the New Testament (e.g., [[John 4:20]]). This development highlights the enduring sacred status of the mountain beyond the Old Testament period.
### Theological Significance
Mount Gerizim stands as a powerful theological symbol within the biblical narrative, primarily representing the locus of divine blessing and the consequences of covenant obedience.
* **The Mountain of Blessing**: Gerizim's designation as the mountain of blessing underscores God's desire to bestow favor upon His people. It serves as a tangible reminder that obedience to God's commands leads to life, prosperity, and divine favor.
* **Covenantal Accountability**: The pairing of Gerizim (blessing) with Ebal (curse) vividly illustrates the conditional nature of the Mosaic Covenant. It emphasizes human responsibility in choosing between life and death, obedience and disobedience. Gerizim represents the path God desires for His people.
* **Divine Faithfulness**: The command to establish the blessings on Gerizim demonstrates God's faithfulness in clearly outlining the terms of His relationship with Israel. He provides a clear path to blessing and warns of the consequences of straying.
* **A Witness to History**: The public ceremony at Gerizim and Ebal transformed the physical landscape into a permanent witness of Israel's covenant with Yahweh. The mountains themselves became silent testaments to the solemn vows made by the nation.
* **Prophetic Paradigm**: The pronouncements from Gerizim and Ebal set a prophetic paradigm for Israel's future. Throughout their history, their experiences of national blessing or judgment would directly correlate with their adherence to or deviation from the covenant principles established at these mountains.
### Summary
Mount Gerizim (`{{H1630}}`, Gᵉrizîym), whose name likely denotes a "rocky" or "cut" peak, is a geographically and theologically significant mountain in the biblical landscape. It is most notably identified as the mountain of blessing, a designation given by Moses in [[Deuteronomy 11:29]] and solemnly enacted by Joshua in [[Joshua 8:33-34]]. Standing in stark contrast to Mount Ebal, the mountain of cursing, Gerizim symbolizes the divine favor and prosperity promised to Israel contingent upon their obedience to the Mosaic Covenant. Its role in the national covenant renewal ceremony underscores God's faithfulness in offering blessings and life, while simultaneously highlighting human responsibility in choosing the path of righteousness. The theological significance of Gerizim lies in its function as a tangible locus for covenant affirmation, a perpetual reminder of the blessings available through obedience, and a silent witness to Israel's foundational commitment to Yahweh.
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