Mount Gerizim is luxuriant in grasses and trees. Flocks and herds can feed there. The lower slopes have barley and wheat crops thriving. It is called the mount of blessing. Opposite is Mount Ebal. The only signs of life here are thistle and brier and an occasional jackal loping along looking for vermin. It is called the mount of cursing. From these mountains the Law was read. Blessings were pronounced from Gerizim, and curses pronounced from Ebal. Thinking on this, we are reminded of Paul’s words in Romans 11:22 “Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God…” The gospel message is a two-edged sword. Blessings on one side and warnings of eternal destruction on the other. For example: “He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned” (Mark 16:16). Also: “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life…” (Romans 6:23). Thanks be to God for revealing to us both his goodness and his severity. It helps us prepare for eternity.
— John Wright
