In the Book of Deuteronomy, which mountain is also known as the Mount of Blessing?

In the Book of Deuteronomy, Mount Gerizim is also known as the Mount of Blessing. Deuteronomy instructs the Israelites to pronounce blessings on Gerizim and curses on the neighboring Mount Ebal after entering the land of Canaan.

The two mountains stand near the ancient city of Shechem, in the central hill country of present-day Palestine. Their opposing roles create a vivid physical illustration of the covenant choices described in Deuteronomy: obedience brings blessing, while disobedience brings curse. Deuteronomy 27 names the tribes associated with each declaration.

The ceremony is echoed in Joshua 8, where the Israelites gather near Gerizim and Ebal after the conquest of Ai. Mount Gerizim also became especially important to the Samaritans, who regard it as their holiest mountain and as the place chosen by God for worship.

A common mix-up is to reverse the two names. Mount Ebal is the Mount of Cursing; Mount Gerizim is the Mount of Blessing. The mountains’ close proximity is part of what makes the biblical ceremony so memorable.