Lexical Summary Eybal: Ebal Original Word: עֵיבָל Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Ebal Perhaps from an unused root probably meaning to be bald; bare; Ebal, a mountain of Palestine -- Ebal. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrences and Contexts 1. Genealogical: Genesis 36:23 and 1 Chronicles 1:40 list Ebal as a son of Shobal, a Horite chieftain in Seir, placing the name among the early Edomite clans. Historical Setting of Mount Ebal Mount Ebal rises more than 900 meters above sea level, towering over the northern side of the Shechem pass. Its rocky, relatively barren slopes contrast markedly with the more fertile Gerizim opposite. The two mountains formed a natural “amphitheater” perfectly suited for the covenant ceremony Moses prescribed and Joshua later fulfilled. Covenant Ceremony and Theological Significance Deuteronomy 11:29 foretells that blessing would be proclaimed on Mount Gerizim and the curse on Mount Ebal when Israel entered the land. Six tribes—Reuben, Gad, Asher, Zebulun, Dan, and Naphtali—stood on Ebal (Deuteronomy 27:13), while the remaining six stood on Gerizim. The visual separation underscored the fundamental biblical polarity between obedience and disobedience. Joshua 8:33 relates that “half of the people stood in front of Mount Gerizim and half of them in front of Mount Ebal, just as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded,” symbolizing the corporate responsibility of the nation. In the center of the valley the Levites read “all the words of the law—the blessings and the curses” (Joshua 8:34). The setting fixed in Israel’s memory the truth that covenant loyalty brings life and blessing, while rebellion results in judgment. Construction of the Altar Moses directed Israel to erect an altar of uncut stones on Mount Ebal, plaster its surface, and inscribe upon it “all the words of this law” (Deuteronomy 27:4–8). Joshua executed the command: “At that time Joshua built an altar to the LORD, the God of Israel, on Mount Ebal” (Joshua 8:30). Burnt offerings and peace offerings were presented, uniting atonement and fellowship. That act demonstrated that even in the place of the curse, God provided the means of reconciliation—anticipating the greater atoning work to come. Archaeological Note Near the modern Jabal ‘Aibal, an early Iron Age structure matching the biblical specifications of an unhewn-stone altar has been uncovered. Its dimensions, construction style, and associated cultic materials commend it as a plausible witness to the altar Joshua built, although its identification is debated. The possibility lends tangible support to the historicity of the covenant renewal event. Genealogical Ebal among the Horites The separate occurrence of the name in the Edomite genealogy (Genesis 36:23) illustrates that Ebal was not exclusively Israelite territory or identity. The Horites, later absorbed into Edom, inhabited the Seir highlands south of the Dead Sea. Their chieftains, including Ebal, remind readers that God’s redemptive plans unfolded amid a tapestry of ancient peoples, yet Israel held the unique covenant privilege. Prophetic and Typological Insights 1. Curse and Redemption: Mount Ebal’s connection with the curse prefigures the New Testament declaration that “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us” (Galatians 3:13). The altar—place of sacrifice—stood on the very mountain associated with judgment, foreshadowing the cross where judgment and mercy met. Lessons for Ministry Today • Corporate Worship and Commitment: Joshua gathered “all Israel—alien as well as native” (Joshua 8:33) to renew covenant. Congregational reading of Scripture and reaffirmation of faith remain vital for God’s people. Summary Ebal stands in Scripture both as the name of an early Edomite leader and, more significantly, as the mountain where Israel confronted the solemn choice between blessing and curse. The altar erected there, inscribed with every word of the law, magnified God’s holiness while offering atonement. Through Mount Ebal the narrative of redemption advances—from covenant renewal under Joshua to the ultimate curse-bearing sacrifice of Christ—calling every reader to faithful obedience and confident hope in God’s gracious provision. Forms and Transliterations וְעֵיבָ֑ל וְעֵיבָ֖ל ועיבל עֵיבָ֑ל עֵיבָ֥ל עֵיבָֽל׃ עיבל עיבל׃ ‘ê·ḇāl ‘êḇāl eiVal veeiVal wə‘êḇāl wə·‘ê·ḇālLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 36:23 HEB: עַלְוָ֥ן וּמָנַ֖חַת וְעֵיבָ֑ל שְׁפ֖וֹ וְאוֹנָֽם׃ NAS: and Manahath and Ebal, Shepho KJV: and Manahath, and Ebal, Shepho, INT: Alvan and Manahath and Ebal Shepho and Onam Deuteronomy 11:29 Deuteronomy 27:4 Deuteronomy 27:13 Joshua 8:30 Joshua 8:33 1 Chronicles 1:22 1 Chronicles 1:40 8 Occurrences |
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