There is a great meaning in the fact that the mountains where this ceremony took place were exactly in the center of the land of Pal'es-tine. From Si'don, on the northern boundary, to Ka'deah-Bar'ne-a on the south; and from the Med'i-ter-ra'ne-an Sea on the west to the top of the mountain range of Gil'e-ad on the eastern boundary, the mountains of E'bal and Ger'i-zim are exactly at the half-way point. The renewal of the Covenant of Is'ra-el with God at this central point, and at the beginning of the conquest of Ca'naan, was a sign that the children of Is'ra-el would finally take possession of the entire land. It was also a sign of complete obedience to the Laws of God in every part of the land which He had given them.
For many centuries after this wonderful ceremony the vicinity of these two holy mountains was the chief place of worship for the children of Is'ra-el. It was at Shi'loh that the Ark of the Cov'e-nant rested for a long period. The prophets of later times often spoke of the sacrifices offered in this neighborhood. Even in the closing years of the He'brew monarchy the history, tales, and legends associated with Mount Ger'i-zim competed in glory with those of Je-ru'sa-lem. In the days of our Sav'ior upon earth, the woman of Sa-ma'ri-a, said "Our fathers worshiped on this mountain."
After the close of the ceremonies on Mount E'bal and Mount Ger'i-zim, which probably lasted for several days, the Is'ra-el-ites returnt to their encampment at Gil'gal. Josh'u-a continued his preparations for further combat with the heathen tribes which then occupied various parts of Ca'naan, and for the conquest of the entire land in the name of the LORD.
