Signing Off on the Covenant by Thomas Nelson Publishing

Signing Off On The Covenant

Every modern-day contract includes blanks for the principals making the contract to sign. Their signatures attest that they agree to the terms of the contract, and by signing on the line they confirm the agreement.

A much more elaborate and memorable way was devised for Israel to sign off on the agreement (or covenant, or the Law) by which it would inhabit the Promised Land as the Lord’s people. The plan involved two mountains in central Canaan, Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal (Deut. 27:12–13). Earlier, Moses had designated these two mountains as the sites for the occasion (11:26–32). Now he filled in the details for what was to happen there.

Six tribes were to stand on Mount Gerizim and six on Mount Ebal. The summits of the two hills were located about two miles apart. The valley in between was a natural amphitheater such that a speaker on either mountain can be easily heard on the other. A monument was to be erected on Mount Ebal on which the Law was to be written, and then sacrifices were to be offered (27:1–8).

After that, the blessings for obedience were to be read, which the tribes on Mount Gerizim were to affirm and agree to by saying, "Amen." Then the curses for disobedience were to be read, which the tribes on Mount Ebal were to affirm and agree to by saying, "Amen." Finally, the Levites were to state specific sins that would bring a curse, to which all the people on both mountains were to say, "Amen."

This ceremony was held after the Israelites took possession of central . Some believe that it may have been held regularly, at least during the early years in the land. Whatever the case, it must have been a spectacular sight, and one which few could have forgotten: an entire nation of perhaps several million people gathered on the two hills on either side of Shechem, shouting "Amen" as Joshua and the Levites reviewed the conditions of the Law.