Shechem was an important Canaanite city in the land of Israel during biblical times. It is mentioned over 60 times in the Bible, indicating its significance. Here is an overview of the importance of Shechem in the Bible:
Location and History
Shechem was located in the hill country of Ephraim, about 30 miles north of Jerusalem. It sat between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim near an important east-west trade route. Shechem dates back to around 1900 BC, making it one of the oldest Canaanite cities. Abraham camped near Shechem when he first arrived in Canaan (Genesis 12:6). After the conquest of Canaan, Shechem was allocated to the tribe of Ephraim as a Levitical city and city of refuge (Joshua 20:7, 21:21). It later became the first capital of the northern kingdom of Israel under King Jeroboam I. Shechem was mostly destroyed by the Assyrians in 722 BC.
Covenant Renewals
Shechem was the location of key covenant renewal ceremonies between God and his people. After promising Abraham the land of Canaan, God appeared to Jacob at Shechem and reiterated this covenant promise (Genesis 35:1-15). Upon entering Canaan, Joshua gathered the Israelites at Shechem where they recommitted to following God’s law (Joshua 8:30-35, 24:1-28). These covenant renewals made Shechem a sacred place associated with Israel’s fundamental relationship with God.
Central Events in Patriarchal Narratives
Several pivotal events occurred at Shechem during the time of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob:
– Abraham built an altar at Shechem and called on the name of the Lord there (Genesis 12:6-7)
– Jacob purchased land at Shechem, pitching his tent and building an altar there (Genesis 33:18-20)
– Dinah, Jacob’s daughter, was violated by the prince of Shechem, leading to Levi and Simeon’s revenge (Genesis 34)
– Joseph was sold by his brothers to Midianite traders on their way to Egypt while near Shechem (Genesis 37:12-28)
These key stories all happened at or near Shechem, making it a central location in the patriarchal narratives.
Significance as First Capital of Northern Kingdom
After the united monarchy split following Solomon’s reign, Jeroboam I established Shechem as the first capital of the new northern kingdom of Israel (1 Kings 12:25). Jeroboam expanded Shechem’s fortifications, likely using it as the center of his efforts to consolidate power in the north. Shechem’s selection reflects its historic and strategic importance up to that time.
Destroyed by Assyrians in 722 BC
The Assyrian king Shalmaneser V conquered the northern kingdom of Israel in 722 BC after a 3-year siege of Samaria. The Bible records that the Assyrians likely also destroyed Shechem at this time, dismantling it as a capital city (2 Kings 17:5-6). Shechem’s destruction was part of the Assyrian strategy to subdue the region and scatter the northern tribes.
Biblical Mention After the Exile
After the northern tribes were exiled from the land, Shechem continued to be mentioned in the Bible. Some returning from exile settled in Shechem (1 Chronicles 7:28). Later, Shechem was repopulated by foreigners brought in by the Assyrians (2 Kings 17:24). In the 1st century BC, Josephus recorded Shechem as still existing but in ruins. Nevertheless, its memory and sacred history persisted.
The Detailed Story of Dinah in Genesis 34:
One of the most well-known stories involving Shechem is the account of Jacob’s only daughter, Dinah, in Genesis 34. Here is a detailed look at this narrative:
– Dinah went out to visit the women of Shechem (v. 1)
– Shechem the prince saw her, took her, and raped her, but he loved her and wanted to marry her (v. 2-3)
– Shechem’s father Hamor suggested to Jacob they arrange a marriage between Dinah and Shechem (v. 4-12)
– Jacob’s sons said they would agree only if all the men of Shechem got circumcised (v. 13-17)
– Eager to make the marriage happen, the men of Shechem agreed and got circumcised (v. 18-24)
– On the third day after the circumcisions, when the men were still in pain, Simeon and Levi killed all the men, looted the city, and took all their wealth and people (v. 25-29)
– This brought trouble on Jacob and his other sons (v. 30)
– Jacob rebuked Simeon and Levi for their rash and violent actions (v. 31)
– But Simeon and Levi saw it as justified revenge for their sister’s rape (v. 31)
This story shows the historically volatile and bloody relations between the Israelites and Canaanites during the patriarchal period. It also reveals key dynamics within Jacob’s family, including reactions to intermarriage and tensions between the brothers that later erupt. The story highlights Shechem’s strategic location and the moral complexities involved in the Israelites’ living alongside Canaanite cities.
Abraham’s Oaks of Moreh at Shechem:
Genesis 12:6 mentions that at Shechem, Abram traveled to the site of the great tree of Moreh. Moreh means “teacher” so this was likely a famous oak tree where instruction or divination occurred in Canaanite religious practices. By going to this site, Abraham was perhaps declaring Israel’s God as supreme over Canaan’s gods and religious sites.
Jacob’s Well near Shechem:
Though not mentioned in Genesis, Jacob’s well later became a key site near Shechem. John 4 records Jesus meeting the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well. This well was given Jacob’s name because of the land he purchased in Shechem (John 4:5). The well testified to Jacob and the patriarchs’ historical connection to Shechem. Jesus used the well to illustrate the living water of salvation he offered, superseding the history of conflict between Jews and Samaritans in Shechem.
Mount Gerizim Overlooking Shechem:
Mount Gerizim stands just south of Shechem, towering over 2,500 feet above the city. After entering Canaan, the Israelites ascended Mount Gerizim as commanded by Moses to proclaim the blessings that would come from obeying God (Deuteronomy 11:29, 27:12). Mount Gerizim later became the sacred mount of the Samaritans (John 4:20). Its high elevation overlooking Shechem added to the city’s strategic importance.
Shechem’s Legacy as First Israelite Settlement in Canaan:
Though other places like Hebron were also sites of God’s early promises to the patriarchs in Canaan, Shechem occupies a unique place as the first town where Abram settled when he arrived in the land (Genesis 12:6). All later covenant renewals and stories of the patriarchs built on this foundation. Shechem was a microcosm of Israel’s layered history in relation to the Canaanites – from early settlement to later capital city to destroyed and rebuilt town. Regardless of its ultimate destruction, Shechem was integral to God’s people gaining their first foothold in the Promised Land.
In summary, Shechem was significant in the Bible as:
– A strategic settlement on key routes in central Canaan
– The location of sacred trees/sites tied to Canaanite religion
– The first place Abraham camped in Canaan
– A significant setting in patriarchal narratives
– The site of covenant renewal ceremonies
– Israel’s first capital under Jeroboam
– A destroyed and rebuilt city inhabited by mixed peoples
– A place embodying the complex history of Israel’s occupation of Canaan
Studying Shechem provides insight into the history of Israel’s occupation of the Promised Land, relationships between key biblical figures, Israel’s covenant identity, and God’s promises to Abraham and his descendants.