Abstract
The remains of the sanctuary of Yahweh, which probably existed in the Persian and Hellenistic periods, have been discovered on Mt. Gerizim, near Shechem.
In the first and second parts of the article, the author summarizes the history of the sanctuary from the 5th to the 2nd centuries BCE, and some of the discoveries, mainly the Aramaic and Hebrew inscriptions. In the third part, the author evokes some questions related to the origin of the sanctuary that emerge when we confront the archaeological evidence with some biblical texts.
Mt. Gerizim is referred to in the Torah; it was probably originally the place - according to Deut 27:4 - where the altar inscribed with the Law shall be built.
But the silence about the site in the Deuteronomistic history is surprising. Sanctuaries are usually founded on places with some religious past.
The author evokes a possible connection with the high places of the ancient Israel.