Moses and the elders told all of Israel what to do as soon as they crossed into the promised land. They were to set up large stones and cover them with plaster. Then they would write every word of God's law on those stones. This was to be done on Mount Ebal, one of two mountains near the middle of the land. They were also to build an altar there using stones that had not been cut with iron tools. They would offer burnt offerings and peace offerings on it and celebrate before God.
Moses then gave instructions for a special ceremony. Six tribes would stand on Mount Gerizim to represent blessings. The other six would stand on Mount Ebal to represent curses. The Levites would read out loud a list of twelve curses. After each one, all the people would say 'Amen,' which meant they agreed and accepted the terms.
The twelve curses were for things like making idols in secret, treating parents badly, moving a neighbor's landmark, cheating the blind or helpless, taking bribes in court, and breaking God's law. Many of the sins on the list were things people might try to do in secret, thinking no one would see. The curses reminded Israel that God always sees, even what is done in the dark.
Historical Context
Moses gave these instructions while Israel was still east of the Jordan River. When Israel actually crossed over into the land, their leader Joshua carried out this ceremony, just as Moses commanded (Joshua 8:30-35). The two mountains, Gerizim and Ebal, stand next to each other in the middle of Canaan. They were a natural place to gather the whole nation.
The twelve curses covered things that are hard for human courts to catch, secret sins, private corruption, and quiet injustice. By having the whole nation say Amen, everyone agreed that God had authority over those hidden areas of life too. This ceremony was a powerful way of starting life in the new land under God's law.
