Bible Dictionary
Ebal
Ebal was the name of Mount Ebal near Shechem and also the name of two men in the genealogical records. Mount Ebal was the place where Israel’s covenant curses were proclaimed and an altar was built to the Lord.
Definition
Ebal is the name of Mount Ebal and of several men in biblical genealogies. Mount Ebal was a bare or stony mountain north of Shechem. Other bearers of the name include a descendant of Eber and a descendant of Seir the Horite.
Biblical Usage
Mount Ebal was appointed as the place where six tribes stood while the law’s curses were proclaimed. Israel also erected an altar to Jehovah there and read the law before the people.
Historical Background
The mountain rises above the valley of Shechem. It stood opposite Mount Gerizim, where the blessings associated with obedience were localized.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Stony. (1.) A mountain 3,076 feet above the level of the sea, and 1,200 feet above the level of the valley, on the north side of which stood the city of Shechem (q.v.). On this mountain six of the tribes (Deut. 27:12, 13) were appointed to take their stand and respond according to a prescribed form to the imprecations uttered in the valley, where the law was read by the Levites (11:29; 29:4, 13). This mountain was also the site of the first great altar erected to Jehovah (Deut. 27:5-8; Josh. 8:30-35). After this the name of Ebal does not again occur in Jewish history. (See GERIZIM.) (2.) A descendant of Eber (1 Chr. 1:22), called also Obal (Gen. 10:28). (3.) A descendant of Seir the Horite (Gen. 36:23).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(stone, bare mountain).