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time that they were just then traveling along what would become the great highway
from Galilee to Jerusalem, so memorable in after-history. Leaving the sanctuary of
Shiloh a little aside, they would climb a rocky ridge. Before them a noble prospect
spread. This was the future rich portion of Ephraim: valleys covered with corn, hills
terraced to their tops, the slopes covered with vines and olive-yards. On wards the host
moved, till it reached a valley, bounded south and north by mountains, which run from
west to east. This was the exact spot on which Abram had built his first altar (Genesis
12:7); here, also, had Jacob's first settlement been (Genesis 33:19). Not a foe molested
Israel on their march right up the middle of the land, partly, as previously explained,
from the division of the land under so many petty chieftains, but chiefly because God
had a favor unto them and to the work to which they had set their hands. Travelers
speak in rapturous terms of the beauty of the valley of Shechem, even in the present
desolateness of the country. It is a pass which intersects the mountain-chain, that runs
through Palestine from south to north. To the south it is bounded by the range of
Gerizim, to the north by that of Ebal. From where the priests with the Ark took up their
position on the gentle rise of the valley, both Gerizim and Ebal appear hollowed out,
forming, as it were, an amphitheater,^94 while the "limestone strata, running up in a
succession of ledges to the top of the hills, have all the appearance of benches."
Here, occupying every available inch of ground, were crowded the tribes of Israel: men,
women, and children, "as well the strangers, and he that was born among them." As
they stood close together, the humblest in Israel by the side of the "officers," "elders,"
and "judges," all eagerly watching what passed in the valley, or solemnly responding to
blessing or curse, a scene was enacted, the like of which had not before been witnessed
upon earth, and which could never fade from the memory.^95 It is noteworthy that, on
Mount Ebal, whence came the responses to the curses, the great stones were set up on
which "the law" was written, and that there also the sacrifices were offered. This is in
itself characteristic. Perhaps even the circumstance is not without significance, that they
who stood on Mount Ebal must have had their view bounded by the mountains of
Benjamin. Not so they who occupied Gerizim, the mount whence came the responses to
the blessings. For the view which greeted those who at early morn crowded the top of
the Mount of Blessings, was only second to that vouchsafed to Moses from the summit
of Pisgah. If less in extent than the latter, it was more distinct and detailed.^96
All Central Palestine lay spread like a map before the wondering gaze of Israel. Tabor,
Gilboa, the hills of Galilee rose in succession; in the far-distance snow-capped Hermon
bounded the horizon, with sweet valleys and rich fields intervening. Turning to the
right, they would descry the Lake of Galilee, and follow the cleft of the Jordan valley,
marking beyond it Bashan, Ajalon, Gilead, and even Moab; to their left, the
Mediterranean from Carmel to Gaza was full in view, the blue outline far away dimly
suggesting thoughts of the "isles of the Gentiles," and the blessings in store for them. as
far as the eye could reach -and beyond it, to the uttermost bounds of the earth - would
(^)