Bible Dictionaries
Ebal

Holman Bible Dictionary

(ee' buhl) Personal and place name possibly meaning, “bare.” 1. Grandson of Seir and son of clan leader Shobal among the Horite descendants living in Edom (Genesis 36:23 ). 2 . Son of Joktan in line of Shem (1 Chronicles 1:22 ). He is called Obal in Genesis 10:28 through a scribal copying change.

3. Mountain near Shechem on which Moses set up the curse for the covenant ceremony (Deuteronomy 11:29; Deuteronomy 27:13 ). An altar was also on Ebal (Deuteronomy 27:4-5 ). Ebal rises 3100 feet with its stark rock, bare of vegetation, giving the appearance of curse. On the north of Shechem, it stands opposed to the fruitful Mount Gerazim, the mount of blessing to the south. Joshua carried out the covenant ceremony on Ebal and Gerazim (Joshua 8:30-35; compare Joshua 24:1-27 ), building an altar on Ebal. Later the Samaritans built their temple on Mount Ebal (compare John 4:20 ). See Gerazim and Ebal.