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F.B. Meyer paints a beautiful picture of the scene we find in Deuteronomy 27.
“Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal were two masses of limestone rock, reaching 2700 and 2000 feet above the sea-level. Between them lay a beautiful valley, about 300 yards wide. At the foot and on the lower slopes of Gerizim stood the descendants of Rachel and Leah; on those of Ebal, the descendants of Zilpah and Bilhah, together with Zebulun and with Reuben, who had forfeited the rights of the first-born. The priests and the Levites, grouped beside the Ark in the valley, uttered both the benedictions and the solemn denunciations of the Law, each item eliciting the responsive ‘Amens.'”
F.B. Meyer
Nelson’s New Illustrated Commentary adds to this picture…
“During the covenant renewal ceremony with the second generation of Israel, the Lord used the topography of the land for dramatic visual effect. Mount Ebal, because of topographical and climatic conditions, is normally a barren peak, while Mount Gerizim is usually covered with vegetation. Consequently, Mount Ebal was an ideal place for the curses to be recited, and Mount Gerizim was suitable for the blessings. The association of the place and the word would have been unforgettable. Furthermore, the two mountains are quite close, so they would serve as a natural amphitheater for the recitation of the curses and blessings by the Levites.” –
Nelson’s New Illustrated Commentary
This is stunning! Many years ago I traveled to Colorado for training and was able to visit Red Rocks Amphitheater. It is a massive rock structure about 10 miles west of Denver where concerts are given in the open air. The atmosphere takes your breath away in more ways than one. Being so high above sea level, I was struggling to breathe once I reached the top! However, once there, the scenery and ambiance were incredible. Though I wasn’t able to hear an actual concert, I can imagine the view would substantially enhance the entire experience.
God prepared the people both audibly and visually to experience His covenant renewal. As Nelson’s Commentary states, the experience would have been unforgettable. The fact is, God still does this today. He could speak to us plainly and clearly, but there are moments when He uses His mighty creation to emphasize His message and engrain it forever in our hearts and minds. Reflecting back on those moments reinforces our faith in His promises and His attention to detail in our lives!