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Deuteronomy 27:12 - Tribes bless from Mount Gerizim?

Deuteronomy 27:12 - דברים 27:12

Hebrew Text

אֵלֶּה יַעַמְדוּ לְבָרֵךְ אֶת־הָעָם עַל־הַר גְּרִזִים בְּעָבְרְכֶם אֶת־הַיַּרְדֵּן שִׁמְעוֹן וְלֵוִי וִיהוּדָה וְיִשָּׂשכָר וְיוֹסֵף וּבִנְיָמִן׃

English Translation

These shall stand upon mount Gerizzim to bless the people, when you are come over the Yarden; Shim῾on, and Levi, and Yehuda, and Yissakhar, and Yosef, and Binyamin:

Transliteration

Ele ya'amdu levarekh et-ha'am al-har Grizim be'avrekhem et-haYarden, Shimon veLevi viYehuda veYisaskhar veYosef uVin-yamin.

Hebrew Leining Text

אֵ֠לֶּה יַֽעַמְד֞וּ לְבָרֵ֤ךְ אֶת־הָעָם֙ עַל־הַ֣ר גְּרִזִ֔ים בְּעׇבְרְכֶ֖ם אֶת־הַיַּרְדֵּ֑ן שִׁמְעוֹן֙ וְלֵוִ֣י וִֽיהוּדָ֔ה וְיִשָּׂשכָ֖ר וְיוֹסֵ֥ף וּבִנְיָמִֽן׃
אֵ֠לֶּה יַֽעַמְד֞וּ לְבָרֵ֤ךְ אֶת־הָעָם֙ עַל־הַ֣ר גְּרִזִ֔ים בְּעׇבְרְכֶ֖ם אֶת־הַיַּרְדֵּ֑ן שִׁמְעוֹן֙ וְלֵוִ֣י וִֽיהוּדָ֔ה וְיִשָּׂשכָ֖ר וְיוֹסֵ֥ף וּבִנְיָמִֽן׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse (Devarim 27:12) describes the tribes designated to stand on Har Gerizim to recite blessings upon Klal Yisrael upon entering Eretz Yisrael. This follows the mitzvah of Hakhel (assembly) and the ceremony of blessings and curses at Har Gerizim and Har Eival, as commanded by Moshe Rabbeinu.

Selection of the Six Tribes

Rashi (Devarim 27:12) explains that the six tribes chosen to stand on Har Gerizim—Shimon, Levi, Yehuda, Yissachar, Yosef, and Binyamin—were selected because they were born to Yaakov Avinu from Leah and Rachel, the primary wives. The remaining six tribes (Reuven, Gad, Asher, Zevulun, Dan, and Naftali), descended from maidservants or Leah's later children, stood on Har Eival for the curses.

Symbolism of Har Gerizim

The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim 11:29) notes that Har Gerizim was lush and fertile, symbolizing blessing, while Har Eival was barren, representing curses. The tribes standing on Har Gerizim were associated with Torah study and righteousness:

  • Levi: The tribe dedicated to Avodas Hashem.
  • Yehuda: The royal tribe, representing leadership.
  • Yissachar: Known for Torah scholarship (Divrei Hayamim I 12:33).
  • Yosef & Binyamin: Descendants of Rachel, representing purity and Divine favor.

Role of the Kohanim and Leviim

Rambam (Hilchos Beis Habechira 7:5) explains that the Leviim, including the Kohanim, played a central role in proclaiming the blessings and curses. The Ibn Ezra (Devarim 27:12) adds that their presence ensured the sanctity of the ceremony, as they were entrusted with teaching Torah to the nation.

Connection to Kabbalistic Interpretation

The Kli Yakar (Devarim 27:12) suggests that the six tribes on Har Gerizim correspond to the six sefirot (Divine attributes) of Chesed through Yesod, representing Hashem's benevolence. Their positioning on the mountain reinforced the spiritual flow of blessing to Am Yisrael.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Sotah 37a
The verse is discussed in the context of the blessings and curses pronounced on Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, detailing the tribes assigned to each mountain for this purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the meaning of Deuteronomy 27:12?
A: Deuteronomy 27:12 describes the tribes of Israel (Shimon, Levi, Yehuda, Yissachar, Yosef, and Binyamin) standing on Mount Gerizim to bless the people as they enter the Land of Israel. This was part of a ceremony where blessings and curses were proclaimed upon the nation, emphasizing the importance of following Hashem's commandments.
Q: Why were these specific tribes chosen to stand on Mount Gerizim?
A: According to Rashi and other commentators, these six tribes were descendants of Rachel and Leah, the primary wives of Yaakov (Jacob), and were chosen to represent the blessings due to their righteous lineage. The other six tribes (associated with the maidservants Bilhah and Zilpah) stood on Mount Eival for the curses, as explained in the following verses.
Q: What is the significance of Mount Gerizim in this verse?
A: Mount Gerizim was designated as the mountain of blessings, symbolizing reward for fulfilling the Torah's commandments. The Talmud (Sotah 32a) explains that this location was chosen because of its fertile and lush surroundings, representing the blessings that come from obedience to Hashem.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: This verse teaches the importance of communal responsibility in upholding Torah values. Just as the tribes stood together to affirm blessings for obedience, we too must encourage one another in mitzvah observance. The Rambam (Hilchos Melachim 9:1) emphasizes that this ceremony serves as a timeless reminder of the covenant between Hashem and the Jewish people.
Q: Why was this ceremony performed when crossing the Jordan River?
A: The Midrash (Sifrei Devarim) explains that this event marked the Israelites' formal entry into Eretz Yisrael (the Land of Israel) and was a foundational moment for establishing their spiritual commitment in the land. The blessings and curses served as a reminder that their success in the land depended on faithfulness to the Torah.