Mount Gerizim rises just south of the ancient city of Shechem (modern Nablus). Across the valley to the north stands Mount Ebal. The two ridges face each other across the narrow valley where Israel once gathered.
In the Bible, Mount Gerizim became known as the “mountain of blessings”. When Israel entered the Promised Land, the tribes assembled between these two mountains while the Law of Moses was read aloud (Deuteronomy 27; Joshua 8:33-35). Blessings were proclaimed from Mount Gerizim and curses from Mount Ebal as the covenant was renewed.
Mount Gerizim later became especially significant to the Samaritans, who believed it was the proper place to worship God. This disagreement is reflected in the conversation between Jesus and the woman at the well (a Samaritan) in John 4.
Nerd Notes:
–This is the mountain the Samaritan woman was referring to in John 4:20 when she spoke with Jesus at the well. The well itself, known as Jacob’s Well, is at the base of the mountain near Shechem.
–That building on the ridge in the photo is the Samaritan shrine on Mount Gerizim. They still hold Passover sacrifices up there. It’s like they forgot Mary had a little lamb…
