Albert Barnes Commentary Deuteronomy 27:4

"And it shall be, when ye are passed over the Jordan, that ye shall set up these stones, which I command you this day, in mount Ebal, and thou shalt plaster them with plaster." — Deuteronomy 27:4 (ASV)

In Mount Ebal – Compare the marginal references. The Samaritan Pentateuch and Version read Gerizim here instead of Ebal; but the original text was probably altered, as nearly all modern authorities hold, in order to lend a show of scriptural sanction to the Samaritan temple on Mount Gerizim.

The erection of the altar, the offering on it of burnt offerings and peace offerings (Deuteronomy 27:6–7), and the publication of the Law in writing, collectively form a solemn renewal of the covenant when the people entered the promised land, recalling the ceremonies observed at the original granting of the covenant at Sinai . And Ebal (the mount of “barrenness”), the mount of cursing, was the fitting spot on which to celebrate these events. For the curses were the penalties under which the children of Israel bound themselves to keep the Law. Suitably, the same place was also selected for setting up both the monumental stones containing the Law and the altar at which the covenant was to be renewed. We must also note that Deuteronomy 27:15 and following set out verbatim the curses only, the blessings being omitted.

The law, because of human sinfulness, brings upon a person first and foremost a curse: compare Deuteronomy 31:16-17; Galatians 3:10.