1. The altar on Mount Ebal (1-8)

After entering the land God had promised them, God's people were to carry out a ceremony to confirm them as God's people. They are special because they have the word of God: they are blessed if they obey it, cursed if they do not. The word of God was to be written on large stones covered with plaster. Then, the people were to offer a burnt offering to God. They were to eat and rejoice in the presence of God. Burnt offerings were for the forgiveness of sin. The fellowship meal symbolizes peace with God, and peace and oneness with each other.

2. A sacred promise (9-26)

The people were to divide into 2 groups: 6 tribes would stand on Mt. Gerizim to pronounce the blessings, and 6 tribes on Mt. Ebal to pronounce curses (see 11:26-31). The Levites were to read the Bible lesson, based on the 10 commandments, and the people were to say 'Amen,' thus committing themselves to God and promising to obey his word.

Application: Lord, help us to obey your word so that we may be your blessed people.
One Word: Obey God's word and be blessed