As the Israelites prepare to enter the Land of Israel and the miraculous guidance of the clouds comes to an end, Moses provides precise directions for the upcoming ceremony of the blessing and the curse. Because the guiding pillar of cloud is about to depart, physical landmarks are necessary for the journey [תורה תמימה]. These directions serve as clear markers to identify mountains already familiar to the people from the historical journeys of Abraham [רש״י, בכור שור, שפתי חכמים, רש ר הירש].
The route leads deep into the Canaanite territory, extending far beyond the initial river crossing, roughly sixty miles inland [רש״י, חזקוני, גור אריה]. The travelers are instructed to head straight west, following the setting sun [אבן עזרא, רשב״ם, העמק דבר]. Along the way, the focus is drawn to the Canaanites inhabiting the flatlands, distinguishing them from those living in the mountainous regions [אבן עזרא]. There are varying perspectives on the exact proximity to Gilgal; while some view the destination as being far from it [רש״י], others understand it to be directly adjacent. This latter view notes that the reference is not to the famous Gilgal near Jericho, but to another city by the same name located near Shechem [שד״ל, הכתב והקבלה, ביאור יש״ר]. The final destination is indeed identified as the city of Shechem [רש״י, מזרחי].
Beyond mere geography, these instructions serve as both a practical guide for travelers and a spiritual compass. Practically, the people are directed to travel on established roads to avoid destroying fields, to stay within settled areas rather than braving dangerous deserts, and to walk along comfortable plains instead of climbing difficult terrain. On an allegorical level, this advocates for the moderate middle path in all areas of life. It is a call to avoid extremes and to shun the pride associated with lofty mountains [כלי יקר, פני דוד, תורה תמימה]. This guidance applies to everyone, from scholars to everyday workers, and serves as a strict warning to leaders to remain humble [כלי יקר].
The specific timing and location of this ceremony carry profound meaning. Holding it immediately upon entering the land makes it clear that their survival there is not guaranteed, but completely dependent on their daily choices [ספורנו]. Placing the blessing on one mountain and the curse on a separate one creates a striking visual representation of the vast divide between those who keep the Torah and those who abandon it [רלב״ג]. Finally, returning to this specific location closes a historical circle. This is the exact spot where God first appeared to Abraham and promised him the land. Returning here to seal their covenant emphasizes that the right to inherit the land is inextricably tied to their commitment to the Torah and its Commandments [אלשיך].