Gerizim

Gerizim

Gair´uh-zim

The bulky mountain (summit 2,800 feet above sea level) opposite Mt. Ebal in the central Samaritan highlands; in the pass between Ebal and Gerizim lies Shechem, at the intersection of main north-south and east-west roads. Some texts portray a ceremony of blessings shouted from Gerizim and curses from Ebal, the consequences of covenantal loyalty or disloyalty (Deut 11:29; Deut 27:12; Josh 8:33). In (Judg 9:7) Jotham speaks his fable from Gerizim. (Judg 9:37) mentions Tabbur-erez, the “navel” of the land, suggesting that Gerizim was for some the mythic meeting place of heaven and earth. For Samaritans, Gerizim was the site of the Samaritan temple, the place to worship God (John 4:20).