Bible Geography · Samaria, West Bank · c. 1400 BC – Present
Mount Gerizim
Description
Mount Gerizim overlooks the ancient city of Shechem and the valley of Jacob's Well in central Samaria. It rises to 881 meters and faces Mount Ebal across the narrow pass between them. The mountain has been sacred to the Samaritan people for over 2,500 years and still serves as their place of worship today.
Significance
Gerizim's role in the covenant ceremony of blessing and cursing emphasizes the two paths before God's people: obedience leading to life, or disobedience leading to judgment. The Samaritan woman's reference to worship on 'this mountain' in John 4 connects directly to the religious significance of Gerizim.
Key Events
Moses commanded six tribes to stand on Gerizim to pronounce blessings, and six on Ebal for curses, upon Israel's entry into Canaan (Deuteronomy 11:29). Joshua renewed the covenant here (Joshua 8:33). The Samaritans built their rival temple on Gerizim around 400 BC, destroyed by John Hyrcanus in 128 BC.
Modern Context
Mount Gerizim remains the holy mountain of the small Samaritan community, who still number around 800 people and celebrate Passover with animal sacrifice on its summit each year. Archaeological excavations have revealed remains of the Samaritan temple on the mountaintop. The mountain lies in the Palestinian West Bank near Nablus.