Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionMount Gerizim holds significant historical and religious importance, particularly in the context of Samaritan worship. Located in the region of Samaria, near the city of Shechem (modern-day Nablus), Mount Gerizim is one of the two mountains mentioned in the blessings and curses ceremony described in the Old Testament. Its association with the Samaritans, a group that emerged during the post-exilic period, highlights its enduring religious significance. Biblical References Mount Gerizim is first mentioned in the Bible in the context of the blessings and curses pronounced by the Israelites upon entering the Promised Land. In Deuteronomy 11:29 , Moses instructs the Israelites: "And when the LORD your God brings you into the land you are entering to possess, you are to proclaim the blessing on Mount Gerizim and the curse on Mount Ebal." This event is later fulfilled in Joshua 8:33 , where it is recorded that "all Israel, foreigners and citizens alike, with their elders, officers, and judges, stood on either side of the ark of the covenant of the LORD, facing the Levitical priests who carried it. Half of the people stood in front of Mount Gerizim and half in front of Mount Ebal, as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded earlier, to bless the people of Israel." Samaritan Worship The Samaritans, a group that traces its origins to the Northern Kingdom of Israel, regard Mount Gerizim as their sacred place of worship. This belief is rooted in their interpretation of the Pentateuch, which they hold as their sole scriptural authority. The Samaritans assert that Mount Gerizim, not Jerusalem, is the true location chosen by God for His temple. This conviction is evident in the encounter between Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well in John 4:20 , where she states, "Our fathers worshiped on this mountain, but you Jews say that the place where one must worship is in Jerusalem." Historical Context The division between the Jews and Samaritans can be traced back to the Assyrian conquest of the Northern Kingdom in 722 BC, which led to the intermingling of Israelites with foreign populations. The Samaritans developed distinct religious practices, including the establishment of a temple on Mount Gerizim, which was destroyed by the Hasmonean leader John Hyrcanus in the late 2nd century BC. Despite this destruction, Mount Gerizim remained central to Samaritan identity and worship. Theological Significance From a theological perspective, the worship at Mount Gerizim underscores the broader theme of covenant and chosen places of worship in the Bible. While the Samaritans held to their tradition of worshiping on Mount Gerizim, the Jewish focus remained on Jerusalem, as the site of Solomon's Temple and the center of Jewish religious life. This divergence highlights the complex interplay of tradition, scripture, and identity within the broader narrative of God's covenant with His people. Conclusion Mount Gerizim's role as a site of Samaritan worship reflects the historical and theological complexities of the region. Its mention in both the Old and New Testaments serves as a reminder of the diverse expressions of faith and the enduring significance of sacred spaces in the biblical narrative. Nave's Topical Index John 4:20Our fathers worshipped in this mountain; and you say, that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship. Nave's Topical Index Library Christ's Decision Between the Worship of the Jews and that of the ... Intercourse of Jesus with the Pagans and the Samaritans. Jesus at the Well. Jesus Sets Out from Jud??a for Galilee. In Jud??a and through Samaria - a Sketch of Samaritan History and ... Samaria. Sychem. Practical Observations. On God. Two Famous Versions of the Scriptures The Woman of Samaria Resources What is the significance of Mount Gerizim in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the significance of Mount Ebal in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What is a Samaritan? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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