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Deuteronomy 27:13 - Tribes proclaim divine justice.

Deuteronomy 27:13 - דברים 27:13

Hebrew Text

וְאֵלֶּה יַעַמְדוּ עַל־הַקְּלָלָה בְּהַר עֵיבָל רְאוּבֵן גָּד וְאָשֵׁר וּזְבוּלֻן דָּן וְנַפְתָּלִי׃

English Translation

and these shall stand on mount ῾Eval to curse; Re᾽uven, Gad, and Asher, and Zevulun, Dan, and Naftali.

Transliteration

Ve'eleh ya'amdu al-haklala be'Har Eival, Re'uven, Gad ve'Asher uZvulun, Dan veNaftali.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֵ֛לֶּה יַֽעַמְד֥וּ עַל־הַקְּלָלָ֖ה בְּהַ֣ר עֵיבָ֑ל רְאוּבֵן֙ גָּ֣ד וְאָשֵׁ֔ר וּזְבוּלֻ֖ן דָּ֥ן וְנַפְתָּלִֽי׃
וְאֵ֛לֶּה יַֽעַמְד֥וּ עַל־הַקְּלָלָ֖ה בְּהַ֣ר עֵיבָ֑ל רְאוּבֵן֙ גָּ֣ד וְאָשֵׁ֔ר וּזְבוּלֻ֖ן דָּ֥ן וְנַפְתָּלִֽי׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Devarim 27:13) describes the division of the tribes of Israel upon entering Eretz Yisrael, with six tribes standing on Har Eival to proclaim the curses for violating the Torah's commandments. This follows the mitzvah of Hakhel (Devarim 27:11-26), where blessings and curses were declared upon the nation.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Devarim 27:13) notes that the tribes designated to stand on Har Eival were descendants of the maidservants (Bilhah and Zilpah) as well as Reuven and Zevulun. He explains that Reuven, though a son of Leah, was included here due to his sin with Bilhah (Bereishit 35:22), which diminished his status. Zevulun, though a full son of Leah, was paired with Dan (son of Bilhah) because Zevulun supported Dan's Torah study through commerce (Midrash Tanchuma, Vayechi 11).

Symbolism of Har Eival

The Maharal (Gur Aryeh, Devarim 27:13) explains that Har Eival, the "mountain of curses," represents the potential for sin and its consequences. The tribes standing there symbolize the need for vigilance against transgression. Their presence demonstrates that even those of lesser stature (descendants of maidservants) or those who stumbled (like Reuven) have a role in upholding the Torah's warnings.

Order of the Tribes

  • Reuven, Gad, Asher: Represent tribes with past struggles (Reuven's sin, Gad and Asher's later hesitation in war - see Rashi Bamidbar 32:16).
  • Zevulun, Dan, Naftali: Represent tribes who balanced material pursuits (Zevulun's commerce, Dan's craftsmanship) with spiritual devotion.

Midrashic Insight

The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 27:13) teaches that the curses were proclaimed by the Levi'im to emphasize that Torah accountability applies to all—even the most learned. The tribes on Har Eival, though not the primary bearers of Torah leadership (like Yehudah or Levi), were equally responsible for heeding its warnings.

Rambam's Perspective

In Hilchos Melachim (9:3), Rambam cites this verse as proof that the entire nation—regardless of tribe or status—must participate in the covenant of blessings and curses. This underscores the unity of Klal Yisrael in accepting Torah obligations.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 37a
The verse is cited in the discussion about the tribes standing on Mount Ebal to pronounce the curses, as part of the broader discussion on the blessings and curses in Deuteronomy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the tribes standing on Mount Eival to pronounce curses?
A: In Deuteronomy 27, the tribes were divided between Mount Gerizim (for blessings) and Mount Eival (for curses) to affirm their commitment to the Torah. Rashi explains that this public declaration reinforced the seriousness of keeping the commandments. The six tribes on Mount Eival represented a balance to the six on Mount Gerizim, showing that both reward and consequence are integral to the covenant with Hashem.
Q: Why were these specific tribes chosen to stand on Mount Eival?
A: The selection of Reuven, Gad, Asher, Zevulun, Dan, and Naftali is not explicitly explained in the Torah. However, the Midrash suggests that the tribes were arranged based on their maternal lineage (children of Leah and Rachel’s maidservants) or their geographical locations in the camp. Ramban notes that this division was divinely ordained to fulfill the covenant ceremony.
Q: How does this verse apply to Jewish life today?
A: This verse teaches the importance of publicly affirming our commitment to Torah values. Just as the tribes stood together to accept accountability, Jews today reaffirm their dedication to mitzvot through study, prayer, and community. The Talmud (Sotah 37b) highlights that this event set a precedent for collective responsibility in upholding the Torah.
Q: What is the connection between Mount Eival and the curses mentioned in the Torah?
A: Mount Eival symbolizes the consequences of straying from Torah, as the curses listed later in Deuteronomy 28 were proclaimed there. Rashi explains that the stark landscape of Mount Eival (compared to the fertile Mount Gerizim) visually reinforced the message: choosing Torah leads to blessing, while abandoning it brings hardship.