Gerizim And Ebal (11:1-32)
Neal Pollard
Moses addresses a principle that will be repeated throughout several literature type of Scripture, including poetry (Ps. 62:12; Prov. 24:12), Old Testament prophesy (Isa. 62:11), gospels (Matt. 16:27), epistles (Rom. 2:6; 2 Co. 5:10), and New Testament prophesy (Rev. 2:23; 22:12). In short, the principle is that God rewards man according to his work. That does not nullify the grace, patience, or goodness of God, nor does it suggest that we can ever merit either His blessings or His salvation. Yet, through Moses, God is teaching the people of the vital importance of obedience and the dire consequence of disobedience.
Bratcher and Hatton write, “Chapter 11 serves as an introduction to the long section that deals mainly with the rules and regulations the people are to obey after settling in the land of Canaan” (UBS Handbook Series, 207). Their simple outline for this chapter is the greatness of God (1-7) and the blessings of the promised land (8-32). I also like the summary of Eugene Merrill, who says: “The blessing and curse here follow in accordance to Israel’s attitude toward (1) the Lord’s dealings with his people in the past (vv. 1–7), (2) his promise to them of a good land (vv. 8–17), and (3) their adherence to and instruction of the covenant requirements to their offspring yet to come (vv. 18–25)” (The New American Commentary, 206). Here is my breakdown of this chapter which introduces the rules and regulations which follow in the next 15 chapters.
THE FAITHFULNESS OF GOD (1-7). God’s faithfulness is seen in His character and work. His discipline was beneficial (2). His greatness, might, and outstretched arm was obvious in His works and signs dispatching the opposition of Egypt (3-4). His provision and punishment during the wilderness wandering (5-6) is summarized with the statement, “your own eyes have seen all the great work of the Lord which He did” (7). His faithful character was incentive for them to choose wisely and follow the instructions of the Lord (1).
THE FURNISHING OF GOD (8-17). His blessings were prolonged life (9), an abundantly producing land (10-12), and sustaining and favorable weather which produce good crops and sustenance (14-15). He warns that these provisions are conditioned upon their fidelity in their relationship with Him (16-17). Otherwise, God would furnish grief and famine.
THE FUTURE OF ISRAEL (18-25). God turns His focus on their hearts and their descendants (18-19). The future of the nation depended on their being spiritually literate, knowing and practicing God’s Word. He reiterates the emphasis of the Shema (6:4-9), the need for constant review of the Law and its teaching. This knowledge, put to proper use, would lead to their victory over their enemies (22-25). Through God, they would overcome every foe!
THE FREEDOM OF CHOICE (26-32). Moses says something in verse 26 that he will repeat throughout the book, the idea of blessing and cursing (23:5; ch. 27; ch. 28; 30:1, 19; etc.). These would be symbolized by two mountains, positioned against each other–Gerizim (blessing) and Ebal (cursing). It was up to them to choose, but they would live in the wake of either choice. Obedience meant blessing and disobedience meant curse, so he summarizes, “you shall be careful to do all the statutes and the judgments which I am setting before you today” (32).
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