shechem was in a valley between
Today the spot is known in Hebrew as Kever Yosef, “Joseph’s Tomb.” It is a Jewish holy site and Yeshiva (Jewish school) that thousands of Jewish people visited each year. Come, and I will send you to them." 6. Mount Gerizim sits directly opposite Mount Ebal with the biblical city of Shechem resting in the pass between the two elevations. Later God gave Jacob’s brother, Esau, Mt. Genesis 37:13 Israel said to Joseph, "Aren't your brothers feeding the flock in Shechem? 24). Serve the men of Hamor the father of Shechem: but why should we serve him? The Levites then proclaimed curses on those who performed various sins (such as idolatry) and blessings on those who obeyed the LORD. they are the greatest tribe and the chosen ones! Ebal, approximately 40 miles (65 km.) Acts 7:16 and they were brought back to Shechem, and laid in the tomb that Abraham bought for a price in silver from the children of Hamor of Shechem. The point here is that his physical grave is still known today, reinforcing and confirming the complete accuracy of the Bible. Trace any civilization back to its origin, and geography takes … And it was outside Shechem where the Jewish nation then buried the bones of the patriarch Joseph, within the boundaries of the land God had promised to the children of Israel, “in a plot of ground which Jacob bought from the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem, for an hundred pieces of silver” (Josh. The city lies close to the foot of Gerizim. Shechem had a significant role in the Bible and is mentioned 58 times. I celebrate grace sir. “Shechem ” means back or shoulder An important city in central Palestine, in the valley between mounts Ebal and Gerizim, 34 miles north of Jerusalem and 7 miles southeast of Samaria. Thank you so much for reading IMg and for your very insightful question. Shechem [N] [E] [H] (back or shoulder). It became the central city of the Samaritans, whose shrine was built on Mt. In 2017 Nablus was enduring a real shortage of water Apparently, due to the age of the buildings, and their poor upkeep 1/3 of all the water that should be available is lost due to faulty pipes and plumbing. Modern Shechem:The modern town contains about 20,000 inhabitants, the great body of them being Moslems. In the time of the kings we find that the city was once more a gathering-place of the nation. Shechem is located some 40 miles north of Jerusalem and, because of the mountainous terrain, controls all roads through the central hill country of Israel. Its present name, Nablus , is a corruption of Neapolis, which succeeded the more ancient Shechem, and received its new name from Vespasian. Genesis 37:12 His brothers went to feed their father's flock in Shechem. A city in Samaria (Gen. 33:18), called also Sichem (12:6), Sychem (Acts 7:16). This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Explore the reasons for such failure—both then and now. It was initially called Sichem (Genesis 12:6) and was Abraham's first encampment in Canaan after he left Haran. Shechem (back or shoulder). That potential conflict spills over two generations later in Jacob’s day. 27:9, 12–13). 4. He recounted Abraham crossing “from the other side of the river [Euphrates]” (Josh. (3.) Has God used The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry in your life? It is traversed by the carriage road leading to Jaffa and the sea. Later Jacob settled there upon his return to Canaan (Genesis 33:19) and bought the land from Hamor the Hivite, the father of a man named Shechem.This Shechem took a liking to Jacob's only daughter Dinah, the daughter of Leah, who was also the mother … Your email address will not be published. 24:3) hundreds of years earlier and arriving in Canaan. It stood in the narrow sheltered valley between Ebal on the north and Gerizim on the south, these mountains at their base being only some 500 yards apart. Ebal is 3077 ft. and Gerizim 2849 ft. above the sea. Ebal approximately 65 km North of Jerusalem (see Map 1). Nablus has become a very difficult area to live and is not a place that receives much tourist attention. Benjamin was not destroyed… only humbled! Historical Background . Through Joshua, God brought Israel back to its beginnings. Judges 9:31 He sent messengers to Abimelech craftily, saying, "Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his brothers are come to Shechem; and behold, they constrain the city to take part against you. Apparently there were Israelites in it after the captivity, some of whom on their way to the house of the Lord at Jerusalem met a tragic fate at the hands of Ishmael ben Nethaniah (Jeremiah 41:5). The Kohanim and the Levites, along with the Ark of the Covenant, stood in the valley in between. To the South of the vale is the traditional Well of Jacob; see JACOB'S WELL. Such insights! At the oak of Moreh in the vicinity he reared his first altar to the Lord in Palestine (Genesis 12:6 f). Located between Mt. Genesis 37:14 He said to him, "Go now, see whether it is well with your brothers, and well with the flock; and bring me word again." on a different note, I was reading about the tribe of Benjamin and how they were destroyed. Hosea 6:9 As gangs of robbers wait to ambush a man, so the company of priests murder in the way toward Shechem, committing shameful crimes. An important city in central Palestine, in the valley between mounts Ebal and Gerizim, 34 miles north of Jerusalem and 7 miles southeast of Samaria. Backing up Joseph just happens to find someone who just happened to hear his brothers in Shechem, who, by the way, doesn’t choose to kill Joseph since he does belong to the family that killed all the men in Shechem in the not too distant past. “Everything,” say some people whose voices grow stronger every day. SHECHEM, a town in the valley between the mountains Ebal and Gerizim, now Nablous, and supposed to be 2200 ft. above the Mediterranean. Where the easiest ground to travel lies, there also a wayfarer walks—and so a highway begins. Some (e.g. I have a question about the location of Joseph’s bones…”And the bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel brought up out of Egypt, buried they in Shechem, in a parcel of ground which Jacob bought of the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for an hundred pieces of silver: and it became the inheritance of the children of Joseph.” An important city in central Palestine, in the valley between mounts Ebal and Gerizim, 34 miles north of Jerusalem and 7 miles southeast of Samaria. Judges 9:6 All the men of Shechem assembled themselves together, and all the house of Millo, and went and made Abimelech king, by the oak of the pillar that was in Shechem. The Jewish writer Josephus writing about AD 90 placed the city between Mts. It was also on a main east-west route that linked the coastal plain of Israel with the Jordan Valley. It was strategically located controllingmajor North-South and East-West roads, but lacked natural defenses and for thatreason required heavy fortification. Thus, ancient Shechem and its modern counterpart, Nablus, are in a very strategic location along the watershed road between Judah, the Jordan Valley, Transjordan, and the Galilee. Until 1903 the exact location of Shechem had been uncertain. Eastward the valley opens upon the plain of Makhneh. Isn't he the son of Jerubbaal? The main center of interest in the town is the synagogue of the Samaritans, with their ancient manuscript of the Pentateuch.3. Historical:This place is first mentioned in connection with Abraham's journey from Haran. It was here—nearly four thousand years ago—that Jehovah promised Abraham: “To your seed I am going to give this land.”—Genesis 12:6, 7. The ancient city of Shechem lies in the valley between the two. Seir; “but Jacob and his children went down into Egypt” (v. 4). Near the city the Law was promulgated (Deuteronomy 27:11 Joshua 8:33). Ebal, approximately 40 miles (65 km.) Its present name, Nablus, is a corruption of Neapolis, which succeeded the more ancient Shechem, and received its new name from Vespasian. Under the Romans it became Flavia Neapolis. north of Jerusalem. Of course the mayor of this Palestinian city blames Israel, while the rank and file people blame the Palestinians. Just goes go to show that to those who follow after GOD, even the smallest details matters! Under the oak in the neighboring sanctuary he set up the stone of witness (24:26). Tom, Your email address will not be published. And as God promised, He multiplied Abraham’s seed and gave him a son, Isaac. Then follows the story of Dinah's defilement by Shechem, son of the city's chief; and of the treacherous and terrible vengeance exacted by Simeon and Levi (Genesis 34). Under Joshua it became both a Levitical city and a city of refuge. Joshua did this, and dividing the nation, “Half of them stood in front of Mount Gerizim and half of them in front of Mount Ebal” (Joshua 8:33). The valley between them is about 1900 ft. above the sea and in this valley is the town of Shechem which is 5/8 of a mile in length. It was in the territory of Ephraim; it was made a city of refuge, and assigned to the Kohathite Levites (Joshua 20:7; Joshua 21:21). Since Palestine destroyed the site in In addition to Jacob's Well (400m tothe South East) it is thought that the city derived its water supply via aconduit from a cave in Mt. Hi Sherry, The terraced slopes of the mountain rise steeply on the South. To the East of the city, in a recess at the base of Gerizim, is the sanctuary known as Rijal el-`Amud, literally, "men of the column" or "pillar," where some would locate the ancient "oak of Moreh" or "of the pillar." 5. Joshua took Israel back to its roots, physically as well as historically, in a powerful object lesson to reinforce the nation’s ties to generations past and all God had done. Along this line runs the great road which from time immemorial has formed the easiest and the quickest means of communication between the East of the Jordan and the sea. The copious springs which supply abundance of water rise at the base of Gerizim. In later times it was the seat of a bishopric; the names of five occupants of the see are known.2. T he name of this city first appears in Genesis 33:18 . In the place where water gushes from the ground, there also a man drives his tent stake—and so lays the foundation of a city. Thank you, once again, for your interest in FOI and for reading Israel My Glory. He reminded them of the unbelievable military victories God gave their forefathers and how God gave them cities they did not build and “vineyards and olive yards which ye planted not” (v. 13). When Abram entered Canaan for the first time, Shechem is the first place he stops, at the oak of Moreh. On coins still extant it is called Flavia Neapolis. Judges 9:57 and all the wickedness of the men of Shechem did God requite on their heads: and on them came the curse of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal. After a reign of three years Abimelech was rejected by the people. At the disruption Jeroboam fortified the city and made it his residence (2 Chronicles 10:25; Ant, VIII, viii, 4). A considerable trade is done in cotton and wool. Thanks! Across the valley, musical with the sound of running water, the great bulk of Ebal rises on the North, its sides, shaggy with prickly pear, sliding down into grain fields and orchards. Abimelech, whose mother was a native of the city, persuaded the men of Shechem to make him king (Judges 9:1-6), evidently seeking a certain consecration from association with "the oak of the pillar that was in Shechem." Tom Simcox thank you so very much this awesome teaching. Judges 21:19 They said, "Behold, there is a feast of Yahweh from year to year in Shiloh, which is on the north of Bethel, on the east side of the highway that goes up from Bethel to Shechem, and on the south of Lebonah.". The land promise to Abraham was restated here (Genesis 12:6-7). Site of excavated ruins of biblical Shechem—satellite view / The modern city of Nabulus is biblical Shechem. Joshua learned what really counts. Shechem is the first city of Canaan mentioned in the Bible. In a touching goodbye, Joshua reviewed Israel’s history and issued both a warning and a challenge that are still relevant today. But the Succoth of Jacob's dwelling was the place given to the Gadites (Josh. The entire area was experiencing a serious drop in rainfall annually. Judges 9:23 God sent an evil spirit between Abimelech and the men of Shechem; and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech: Judges 9:24 that the violence done to the seventy sons of Jerubbaal might come, and that their blood might be laid on Abimelech their brother, who killed them, and on the men of Shechem, who strengthened his hands to kill his brothers. ; the King James Version gives "Sichem" in Genesis 12:6; and "Sychem" in Acts 7:16):1. Of course the the Tribe of Judah would ultimately be the tribe of King David, after Saul’s failures. Gerizim and Ebal (Antiquities, 4.8.44). On the slope of the mountain beyond is the village of `Askar; see SYCHAR. In Hebrew shechem means “shoulder,” an apt description of the town’s location in the narrow valley between Mt. David. 2 Chronicles 10:2 It happened, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat heard of it, (for he was in Egypt, where he had fled from the presence of king Solomon), that Jeroboam returned out of Egypt. An important city in central Palestine, in the valley between mounts Ebal and Gerizim, 34 miles north of Jerusalem and 7 miles southeast of Samaria. The Hebrew name is probably derives from the word for "back" or"shoulder" - an apt description of its location in the narrow valley betweenMt. Tom Simcox is the Church Ministries training coordinator and a Bible teacher for The Friends of Israel Gospel Ministry and Word of Life Bible Institute. Judges 9:26 Gaal the son of Ebed came with his brothers, and went over to Shechem; and the men of Shechem put their trust in him. These shall stand upon Mount Gerizim to bless the people,…and these shall stand upon Mount Ebal to curse (Dt. . Ebal (right), Shechem is preeminent in the biblical record, beginning with God’s promise of the land to Abraham. Ephraim, Ebal and Gerizim, guarding it on the North and South respectively. He said to him, "Here I am.". You are correct that Shechem was located in what would have been the Northern Kingdom of Israel’s territory. You are correct when you say Benjamin was not destroyed. 2. north of Jerusalem. But when it comes to God’s work, the “odds” don’t matter. They became the inheritance of the children of Joseph. Gerizim and Mt. Learn how your comment data is processed. The fruitful and well-wooded valley winds westward among the hills. He captured the city, razed it to the foundations, and sowed it with salt. Today the world calls it Nablus, a Palestinian Authority city in the so-called West Bank and destined to become Judenrein, “clean of Jews,” in a future Palestinian state. It functioned as a base for worship (Abraham and Jacob) and as a base for political operations (Abimelech, Jeroboam I). The revelation behind it is very deep. 1 Kings 12:25 Then Jeroboam built Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and lived in it; and he went out from there, and built Penuel. Judges 9:1 Abimelech the son of Jerubbaal went to Shechem to his mother's brothers, and spoke with them, and with all the family of the house of his mother's father, saying, Judges 9:2 "Please speak in the ears of all the men of Shechem,'Is it better for you that all the sons of Jerubbaal, who are seventy persons, rule over you, or that one rule over you?' To the East of the city Jacob pitched his tent in a "parcel of ground" which he had bought from Hamor, Shechem's father (Genesis 33:19). by Renald Showers, *Complete Access to Our Growing Archive—Eventually Back Through Our Inaugural Issue In 1942, *Free Full-Issue PDF Downloads of Current Issues and Select Archives. . They were therefore removed by authority, and their place taken by the prickly pears mentioned above.W. Here also he raised an altar and called it El-Elohe-Israel, "God, the God of Israel" (Genesis 33:20). The place was originally called Shechem, and it was the first spot where Abraham pitched his tent after entering Canaan. Shechem—The City in the Valley. Eusebius, in Onomasticon, here identifies Shechem with Shalem; but see SHALEM. Smith, DB, under the word) would identify it with Sychar of John 4:5; but see SYCHAR. Jotham's parable was spoken from the cliff of Gerizim overhanging the town (Judges 9:7). It was then the seat of Canaanite idolatry, the temple of Baal-berith being here (Judges 9:4, 46). Remember also that I am your bone and your flesh. Benjamin can claim one of the most significant Apostles – the Apostle Paul. Joshua 17:7 The border of Manasseh was from Asher to Michmethath, which is before Shechem. Ancient Shechem lies at the east entrance of this valley, and modern Nablus stands in the narrow valley between the two mountains. To the rich pasture land near Shechem Joseph came to seek his brethren (Genesis 37:12). All of the twelve tribes were … The name Shechem is ascribed to two or three men and a location. Genesis 33:18 Jacob came in peace to the city of Shechem, which is in the land of Canaan, when he came from Paddan Aram; and encamped before the city. It is 30 ms. n. of Jerusalem. Tanning and the manufacture of leather goods are also carried on. Its present name, Nablus, is a corruption of Neapolis, which succeeded the more ancient Shechem, and received its new name from Vespasian. Chapter 21 declares how the rest of the tribes remained true to their oath, “Now the men of Israel had sworn an oath saying, “none of us shall give his daughter to Benjamin as a wife…” (Jud. Still farther to the East and near the base of Ebal is the traditional tomb of Joseph, a little white-domed building beside a luxuriant orchard. and Zebul his officer? Why was Shechem so important? Pop. Keep waxing stronger In God’s word. An important city in central Palestine, in the valley between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, 34 miles north of Jerusalem, and 7 miles southeast of Samaria. The Mountains are Located Near Shechem Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal stand opposite each other, in what would have been the heart of Israel at the time of the Israelites ’ entry. in 1880 about 10,000. I have been checking to see if the modern day Nablus (Biblical Shechem) has been experiencing any “problems of issues” since they built that mosque. Judges 9:28 Gaal the son of Ebed said, "Who is Abimelech, and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? It appears in the New Testament only in the speech of Stephen (Acts 7:16, King James Version "Sychem"). Joseph’s brothers had gone from Bethlehem to near Shechem to graze their flocks (Genesis 37:12-13). + An important city in central Palestine, in the valley between mounts Ebal and Gerizim, 34 miles north of Jerusalem and 7 miles southeast of Samaria. Jerome (345-420 AD) repeated Eusebius’ location, but elsewhere made it clear that he doubted that Shechem was anything other than the predecessor of Neapolis. And, most amazing of … Its present name, Nablus, is a corruption of Neapolis, which succeeded the more ancient Shechem, and received its new name from Vespasian. Sure, that’s absolutely possible, it’s also possible that his grave was located outside the actual town that developed, as there are many graves that were originally located around the towns in that day. Judges 9:39 Gaal went out before the men of Shechem, and fought with Abimelech. Joshua 20:7 They set apart Kedesh in Galilee in the hill country of Naphtali, Shechem in the hill country of Ephraim, and Kiriath Arba (the same is Hebron) in the hill country of Judah. An important city in central Palestine, in the valley between mounts Ebal and Gerizim, 34 miles north of Jerusalem and 7 miles southeast of Samaria. To the Southwest of the city is a small mosque on the spot where Jacob is said to have mourned over the blood-stained coat of Joseph. The ancient city may have lain somewhat farther East than the modern Nablus, in which the Roman name Neapolis survives. Jacob and his family settled at Shechem (Genesis 33:18). Its present name, Nablûs, is a corruption of Neapolis, which succeeded the more ancient Shechem, and received its new name Gerizim (left) and Mt. Hi Terri, Its present name, Nablus, is a corruption of Neapolis, which succeeded the more ancient Shechem, and received its new name from Vespasian. Geography affects history. — Joshua 24:32 (KJV) It was doubtless by this oak that Jacob, on his return from Paddan-aram, buried "the strange (the American Standard Revised Version "foreign") gods" (Genesis 35:4). Others would find it in a little village farther East with a fine spring, called BalaTa, a name which may be connected with balluT, "oak." Although Jacob came peacefully to Shechem (Genesis 33:18), the local prince violates Jacob’s daughter, Dinah, and in one of the more violent Old Testament p… 1 Chronicles 7:28 Their possessions and habitations were Bethel and its towns, and eastward Naaran, and westward Gezer, with its towns; Shechem also and its towns, to Azzah and its towns; 2 Chronicles 10:1 Rehoboam went to Shechem; for all Israel were come to Shechem to make him king. The place is still the market for a wide district, both East and West of Jordan. Shechem lies between the two famous mountains of Gerizim and Ebal. Shechem (back or shoulder) An important city in central Palestine, in the valley between mounts Ebal and Gerizim, 34 miles north of Jerusalem and 7 miles southeast of Samaria. It is mentioned as lying to the West of Michmethath (el-Makhneh) on the boundary of Manasseh (Joshua 17:7). 2 In 1903, a group of German scholars under the direction of H. Tiersch examined Tell Balata and concluded it was ancient Shechem. Gerizim (W… Joshua 21:21 They gave them Shechem with its suburbs in the hill country of Ephraim, the city of refuge for the manslayer, and Gezer with its suburbs. Judges 19:1-21:25 contain the Biblical account of the Benjamite War. All Content © 2021 Israel My Glory is an outreach ministry of the friends of israel gospel ministry, Archaeology Confirms the Walls ‘Fell Flat’, *Free PDF Book Download - What on Earth is God Doing? Location and Physical Features:There is no doubt as to the situation of ancient Shechem. Although God promised success, the Israelites suffered a crushing defeat at Ai. (Ant., XIII, ix, 1; BJ, I, ii, 6). The treacherous conduct of Simeon and Levi forced him to leave it; but, before he departed for Bethel, he collected the false gods of his family and their ear-rings, and buried them under the oak which was by Shechem, perhaps the very same tree under which Abraham between 180 or … Joshua 24:25 So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day, and made for them a statute and an ordinance in Shechem. The situation is one of great beauty. We are in touch with one of your reps for Friends of Israel in Western Australia and he did a wonderful job presenting on PESACH/PASSOVER recently at our ministry. Its present name, Nablus, is a corruption of Neapolis, which succeeded the more ancient … The border went along to the right hand, to the inhabitants of En Tappuah. Judges 9:7 When they told it to Jotham, he went and stood on the top of Mount Gerizim, and lifted up his voice, and cried, and said to them, "Listen to me, you men of Shechem, that God may listen to you. After entry into the Promised Land, the Israelites came to the place of Shechem to confi… Mt. Gerizim (Sirach 50:26; Ant, XI, viii, 6; XII, i, 1; XIII, iii, 4). Then came Moses and the miraculous Exodus, which Joshua had experienced firsthand. In October 2000 the Palestinians destroyed it, set it on fire, and built a mosque in its place. 1 Kings 12:1 Rehoboam went to Shechem: for all Israel were come to Shechem to make him king. Thus Joshua brought them back to the very spot where God had warned them to obey or be chastened. On coins still extant, it is called Flavia Neapolis. His brothers have gone to Shechem, the last place Jacob’s sons should be on account of their massacre of the city’s residents (33:18–34:31). These indications are substantiated by Josephus, who says that the city lay between Mount Ebaland Mount Gerizim, and b… Judges 9:41 Abimelech lived at Arumah: and Zebul drove out Gaal and his brothers, that they should not dwell in Shechem. I am so moved by how Abraham, Moses, Joshua all KNEW the significance of SHECHEM! The name seems to occur in Travels of a Mohar (Max Muller, Asien u. Europa, 394), "Mountain of Sahama" probably referring to Ebal or Gerizim. On coins still extant it is called Flavia Neapolis. ", Judges 9:3 His mother's brothers spoke of him in the ears of all the men of Shechem all these words: and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech; for they said, "He is our brother.". In old times the slopes of Ebal were covered with vineyards; but these formed a source of temptation to the "faithful." Shechem stood in the valley between. 1. Who hasn’t heard of the Battle of Jericho? Joshua 24:32 They buried the bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel brought up out of Egypt, in Shechem, in the parcel of ground which Jacob bought of the sons of Hamor the father of Shechem for a hundred pieces of money. SICHEM, same as Shechem. Shechem's position is indicated in the Hebrew Bible: it lay north of Bethel and Shiloh, on the high road going from Jerusalem to the northern districts (Judges xxi, 19), at a short distance from Michmethath (Joshua 17:7) and of Dothain (Genesis 37:12–17); it was in the hill-country of Ephraim (Joshua 20:7; 21:21; 1 Kings 12:25; 1 Chronicles 6:67; 7:28), immediately below Mount Gerizim (Judges 9:6–7).