The Division of Tribes at Har Gerizim and Har Eival: Why Not Leave it to Chance?
At the end of Sefer Devarim, we encounter one of the most dramatic moments in the Torah. As the Jewish people prepare to enter the Land of Israel, Moshe commands the nation to gather on two mountains—Har Gerizim and Har Eival—where blessings will be pronounced for those who keep the Torah, and curses for those who do not. Six tribes are to stand on each mountain: six on Har Gerizim for the blessings, and six on Har Eival for the curses.
But this raises a fascinating question: Why were the tribes divided this way? Wouldn't it have made more sense to decide which tribes go where by lottery, as we find in other areas of the Torah? Why were entire tribes specifically assigned to the mountains of blessings or curses? And why not allow individuals to choose, much like the practice in some synagogues where no one is directly called to read the tochacha (the Torah’s section of rebuke)?
Let’s explore various perspectives to uncover the deeper significance behind this dramatic moment in Jewish history.
1. The Peshat Perspective: Deliberate Assignment
From a straightforward reading of the Torah (peshat), the division of the tribes is not left to chance but is a deliberate choice made by God through Moshe. The tribes were assigned to their respective mountains, with specific roles in mind.
The tribes of Shimon, Levi, Yehudah, Yissachar, Yosef, and Binyamin stood on Har Gerizim for the blessings, while Reuven, Gad, Asher, Zevulun, Dan, and Naftali stood on Har Eival for the curses.
This choice seems to symbolize collective responsibility rather than randomness. Each tribe represents a segment of the nation and its role in the broader covenant with Hashem. Dividing the nation ensures that the responsibility for blessings and curses is shared by the entire people, not just by individuals. This reinforces the idea that living according to the Torah is a communal responsibility, not something that can be left to the whims of fate, as a lottery might suggest.
2. The Midrashic Approach: A Reflection of Tribal Character
Looking through the lens of midrash, the division of the tribes may correspond to their spiritual characteristics or histories. Some Midrashim suggest that the tribes standing on Har Gerizim, the mountain of blessing, had generally maintained stronger spiritual and moral trajectories. For instance, Levi represents the priestly class, deeply devoted to Torah study and worship, while Yehudah’s lineage would eventually bring forth the Davidic kingship.
On the other hand, the tribes standing on Har Eival, the mountain of curses, may reflect tribes with more turbulent histories. Reuven, for example, had earlier lost his birthright due to his involvement with Bilhah (Genesis 35:22). Dan and Asher would later become associated with idolatrous practices in later periods of Jewish history (see Judges 18).
Thus, the division is not random; it represents each tribe’s spiritual challenges and responsibilities, highlighting the different paths and struggles within the nation.
3. A Philosophical Perspective: Choice and Consequence
From a moral and philosophical viewpoint, the act of standing on these mountains is a profound statement about human responsibility. The Torah is built upon the premise that actions have consequences—blessings for those who follow the divine path and curses for those who stray.
Had the tribes been assigned by lottery, it could have undermined this important lesson. A lottery implies randomness, while blessings and curses are determined by moral choice and behavior. By assigning specific tribes to each mountain, the Torah emphasizes that every part of the nation must take responsibility for both the positive and negative outcomes of their collective actions.
In synagogue practice, we are sensitive not to single out individuals to read the tochacha (the section of rebuke), reflecting our care not to link specific people with difficult portions. But in the context of the covenant at Har Gerizim and Har Eival, the tribes stand not as individuals but as representatives of the entire nation. Each one embodies the collective fate of Israel, underscoring the importance of unity in accepting both the blessings and consequences of Torah observance.
4. The Kabbalistic View: Cosmic Forces at Play
Kabbalistic teachings often explore the symbolic meanings behind events in the Torah, viewing them as reflections of cosmic forces or spiritual realities. According to the Kabbalah, the tribes on each mountain represent different divine emanations or sefirot.
The tribes on Har Gerizim, associated with blessings, could symbolize the forces of chesed (loving-kindness), while those on Har Eival, associated with curses, might represent gevurah (strict justice). This cosmic balance is necessary for the functioning of the world, and each tribe plays its role in this grand design.
A lottery wouldn’t fit within this framework, as it would suggest randomness in the spiritual structure of the universe. The division on these mountains is deliberate and intentional, reflecting the balance of divine attributes that govern reality.
5. Social and Communal Responsibility: Standing Together
Another way to view the division is through a social lens. The tribes standing together on their respective mountains symbolize the communal responsibility of the nation. The blessings and curses are not directed at individuals alone but at the entire people. Every tribe, whether it stands on the mountain of blessings or curses, must realize that the fate of the entire nation is interconnected.
Leaving it to chance or allowing individuals to choose would fragment this sense of collective responsibility. By standing together as tribes, the nation demonstrates its unity and shared destiny. The entire nation, from the scholars to the warriors, is bound by the Torah’s demands, and every tribe has its role in upholding this covenant.
6. Halachic Precision: Following Divine Instruction
Lastly, from a halachic (Jewish legal) perspective, the Torah is often precise in its commands, especially when it comes to matters of national significance. The division of the tribes into two groups is not something left to human discretion. It is part of a mitzvah (commandment) in the Torah that involves the public declaration of the blessings and curses.
In halacha, a lottery is used in certain situations, such as dividing the Land of Israel among the tribes or determining which goat is sacrificed on Yom Kippur. But here, the division of the tribes reflects divine justice and order. The deliberate nature of the Torah’s instruction emphasizes the seriousness of the moment and the need to follow God’s command exactly as given.
Conclusion: More than Just Symbolism
In conclusion, the division of the tribes on Har Gerizim and Har Eival reflects a deeper layer of meaning in the Torah’s narrative. Whether we look at it from the peshat (simple) perspective, the midrashic tradition, philosophical and moral reasoning, Kabbalistic insights, social unity, or halachic precision, this division speaks to the larger themes of responsibility, collective destiny, and spiritual balance.
The idea of using a lottery, which might be fitting in other contexts, would diminish the sense of purpose and intentionality that this event represents. Each tribe’s place on the mountain is symbolic of the role they play in the larger covenantal drama between the Jewish people and Hashem.
If you're interested in exploring this topic more in-depth or reviewing the original conversation that inspired this analysis, feel free to check out this shared version of our original discussion.