The Altar on Mount Ebal
(Joshua 8:30–35)

1Then Moses (drawn out) and the elders of Israel (he wrestles with God) commanded the people: “Keep all the commandments I am giving you⁺ today.

2And on the day you⁺ cross the Jordan (flowing down) into the land that the LORD your God {YHWH Eloheka} is giving you, set up large stones and coat them with plaster. 3Write on them all the words of this law when you have crossed over to enter the land that the LORD your God {YHWH Eloheka} is giving you, a land flowing with milk and honey, just as the LORD, the God of your fathers, has promised you. 4And when you⁺ have crossed the Jordan (flowing down), you⁺ are to set up these stones on Mount Ebal (stone), as I am commanding you⁺ today, and you are to coat them with plaster.

5Moreover, you are to build there an altar to the LORD your God {YHWH Eloheka}, an altar of stones. You must not use any iron tool on them. 6You shall build the altar of the LORD your God {YHWH Eloheka} with uncut stones and offer upon it burnt offerings to the LORD your God. 7There you are to sacrifice your peace offerings, eating them and rejoicing in the presence of the LORD your God {YHWH Eloheka}. 8And you shall write distinctly upon these stones all the words of this law.”

9Then Moses (drawn out) and the Levitical priests spoke to all Israel (he wrestles with God): “Be silent, O Israel, and listen! This day you have become the people of the LORD your God {YHWH Eloheka}. 10You shall therefore obey the voice of the LORD your God {YHWH Eloheka} and follow His commandments and statutes I am giving you today.”

Curses Pronounced from Ebal

11On that day Moses (drawn out) commanded the people: 12“When you⁺ have crossed the Jordan (flowing down), these tribes shall stand on Mount Gerizim (cuttings off) to bless the people: Simeon (heard), Levi (joined to), Judah (praised), Issachar (there is recompense), Joseph (YHWH has added), and Benjamin (son of the right hand). 13And these tribes shall stand on Mount Ebal (stone) to deliver the curse: Reuben (behold a son), Gad (troop), Asher (happy), Zebulun (exalted), Dan (He has judged), and Naphtali (wrestling).

14Then the Levites shall proclaim in a loud voice to every Israelite (he wrestles with God):

15‘Cursed is the man who makes a carved idol or molten image—an abomination to the LORD {YHWH}, the work of the hands of a craftsman—and sets it up in secret.’

And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’

16‘Cursed is he who dishonors his father or mother.’

And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’

17‘Cursed is he who moves his neighbor’s boundary stone.’

And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’

18‘Cursed is he who lets a blind man wander in the road.’

And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’

19‘Cursed is he who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow.’

And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’

20‘Cursed is he who sleeps with his father’s wife, for he has violated his father’s marriage bed (uncovered his father’s skirt).’a

And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’

21‘Cursed is he who lies with any animal.’

And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’

22‘Cursed is he who sleeps with his sister, the daughter of his father or the daughter of his mother.’

And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’

23‘Cursed is he who sleeps with his mother-in-law.’

And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’

24‘Cursed is he who strikes down his neighbor in secret.’

And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’

25‘Cursed is he who accepts a bribe to kill an innocent person.’

And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’

26‘Cursed is he who does not put the words of this law into practice.’b

And let all the people say, ‘Amen!’