perhaps from an unused root probably meaning to be bald; bare; Ebal, a mountain of Palestine; Ebal.
Transliteration:ʻÊybâl
Pronunciation:ay-bawl'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term עֵיבָל (ʻÊybâl, `{{H5858}}`) is primarily a proper noun, designating a specific geographical feature: Mount Ebal in the land of Canaan. Its etymology, though debated, is commonly traced to an unused root likely meaning "to be bald" or "bare." This etymological suggestion aligns with the physical characteristics often attributed to Mount Ebal, which is described as being stark and rugged, contrasting with the more fertile appearance of its adjacent peak, Mount Gerizim. Therefore, the core meaning is the name of this mountain, with an underlying semantic association of barrenness or exposed rock. The semantic range is quite narrow, being almost exclusively confined to this specific proper geographical name.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Mount Ebal is prominently featured in the book of Deuteronomy and its fulfillment in Joshua, serving as a critical location for the reaffirmation of the Mosaic covenant.
1. **[[Deuteronomy 11:29]]**: Moses commands the Israelites, upon entering the land, to set the blessing on Mount Gerizim and the curse on Mount Ebal. This initial mention establishes the symbolic pairing of the two mountains, assigning distinct spiritual significance to each.
2. **[[Deuteronomy 27:4-13]]**: This passage provides detailed instructions for actions to be taken on Mount Ebal.
* **[[Deuteronomy 27:4-8]]**: An altar of unhewn stones is to be built on Mount Ebal, plastered, and the words of the Law written upon it. Sacrifices are to be offered there. This act signifies the foundational nature of the Law and its public proclamation.
* **[[Deuteronomy 27:11-13]]**: Six tribes (Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali) are to stand on Mount Ebal to pronounce the curses, while the other six tribes stand on Mount Gerizim to pronounce the blessings. This vivid scene underscores the dual nature of the covenant: blessing for obedience and curse for disobedience.
3. **[[Joshua 8:30-35]]**: Joshua meticulously fulfills Moses' commands.
* **[[Joshua 8:30-32]]**: Joshua builds an altar of unhewn stones on Mount Ebal, as commanded by Moses. He offers burnt offerings and peace offerings, and writes a copy of the Law of Moses on the stones. This act demonstrates Israel's commitment to the covenant immediately after conquering Ai.
* **[[Joshua 8:33-35]]**: The entire assembly of Israel, including women, children, and sojourners, gathers between Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal. Joshua reads aloud "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, national affirmation of the covenant at this specific geographical location is a pivotal moment in Israel's early history in the Promised Land.
Throughout these occurrences, Mount Ebal consistently serves as the designated site for the pronouncement of divine curses and the public display of the Law's demands. Its starkness, perhaps alluded to by its name, provides a fitting backdrop for the gravity of the covenant's stipulations and the consequences of disobedience.
### Related Words & Concepts
The study of ʻÊybâl is intrinsically linked to several key biblical terms and theological concepts:
* **`{{H2029}}` Gerizim**: Mount Gerizim is the inseparable counterpart to Mount Ebal. While Ebal is associated with curses, Gerizim is the mountain of blessings. The two mountains together form a powerful geographical and theological dichotomy representing the two paths of covenant relationship.
* **`{{H8451}}` Torah**: The Law of Moses, which was written on the stones of Mount Ebal and publicly read there. Ebal is a physical manifestation of the Law's authority and its binding nature.
* **`{{H4196}}` Mizbeakh**: Altar. An altar was built on Mount Ebal, signifying a place of worship, sacrifice, and covenant renewal.
* **`{{H7045}}` Qelalah**: Curse. This word is directly associated with Mount Ebal, as the tribes stood on its slopes to pronounce the covenant curses.
* **`{{H1293}}` Berakhah**: Blessing. While pronounced from Gerizim, the concept of blessing stands in direct contrast and theological tension with the curses from Ebal.
* **Covenant**: The entire narrative surrounding Ebal is centered on the reaffirmation of the Mosaic covenant, highlighting its stipulations, promises, and warnings.
* **Obedience and Disobedience**: The choice between blessing and curse, symbolized by the two mountains, underscores the critical importance of obedience to God's commands.
* **Geographical Symbolism**: The physical landscape of Ebal and Gerizim is imbued with profound spiritual meaning, serving as a constant reminder of God's covenant with His people.
### Theological Significance
Mount Ebal holds significant theological weight within the Old Testament narrative. It represents the solemn and unyielding nature of God's covenant with Israel, particularly regarding the consequences of disobedience.
1. **The Gravity of the Law**: The act of writing the entire Law on plastered stones on Ebal (`{{H5858}}`) and publicly reading it (`{{H8451}}` Torah) emphasizes the Law's divine origin, its comprehensive nature, and its binding authority over all Israel. It was not a suggestion but a covenantal obligation with serious implications.
2. **Divine Justice and Judgment**: Ebal's association with curses (`{{H7045}}` Qelalah) serves as a stark reminder of God's justice. While God is gracious, He is also righteous, and covenant infidelity incurs severe consequences. The very landscape became a perpetual witness to the potential for divine judgment.
3. **Covenant Renewal and Commitment**: The ceremony at Ebal and Gerizim was a profound act of national covenant renewal. By standing between the mountains and listening to the blessings and curses, Israel publicly assented to the terms of the covenant, committing themselves to live according to God's will. This act solidified their identity as God's chosen people under His Law.
4. **A Call to Choice**: The vivid juxtaposition of Ebal and Gerizim, curses and blessings, highlights the fundamental choice presented to humanity: life through obedience or death through disobedience. This choice echoes throughout biblical theology, culminating in the New Testament's presentation of Christ as the way to life.
5. **Atonement and Sacrifice**: The building of an altar (`{{H4196}}` Mizbeakh) and the offering of sacrifices on Mount Ebal, even amidst the pronouncement of curses, subtly points to the need for atonement. Even as the Law's demands and the consequences of failure are proclaimed, the provision for reconciliation through sacrifice is present, foreshadowing the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.
### Summary
Mount Ebal (`{{H5858}}`, ʻÊybâl), possibly meaning "bare" or "bald," is a pivotal geographical location in biblical history, primarily known as the "mountain of curses" in contrast to Mount Gerizim, the "mountain of blessings." It was the site where Moses commanded an altar to be built, the Law (`{{H8451}}` Torah) to be written on plastered stones, and where the covenant curses (`{{H7045}}` Qelalah) were publicly pronounced to the assembled tribes of Israel. Joshua faithfully executed these commands, making Ebal a powerful symbol of covenant affirmation and the solemnity of divine justice. Theologically, Ebal underscores the gravity of God's Law, the consequences of disobedience, and the critical choice presented to God's people to live in covenant faithfulness or face judgment, all while subtly pointing to the necessity of atonement.
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