The term "Shechemite" refers to the inhabitants or descendants of Shechem, an ancient city located in the hill country of Ephraim, which holds significant historical and theological importance in the biblical narrative. Shechem is first mentioned in the Bible in Genesis 12:6, where Abram (later Abraham) passed through the land and built an altar to the LORD. The city is situated between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim and is often associated with pivotal events in Israel's history.

Historical Background

Shechem was a Canaanite city before the arrival of the Israelites. It is named after Shechem, the son of Hamor the Hivite, who was the prince of the land (Genesis 34:2). The Shechemites, therefore, were originally Canaanites, and the city played a significant role during the patriarchal period. In Genesis 34, the Shechemites are involved in a tragic incident with Jacob's daughter, Dinah, which led to the violent retaliation by her brothers, Simeon and Levi.

Covenantal Significance

Shechem is notably the site where Joshua renewed the covenant between God and Israel. In Joshua 24, Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel at Shechem and recounted the mighty acts of God, urging the people to serve the LORD faithfully. The people of Israel responded affirmatively, and Joshua made a covenant with them, setting up a stone as a witness under the oak in the sanctuary of the LORD (Joshua 24:25-26).

Division and Conflict

The city of Shechem also played a role during the period of the Judges and the early monarchy. In Judges 9, Abimelech, the son of Gideon, sought to establish himself as king over Israel by appealing to his mother's relatives in Shechem. The Shechemites supported Abimelech, leading to a brief and tumultuous reign marked by treachery and bloodshed. This episode highlights the political instability and moral decline during the time of the Judges.

Shechem in the United Monarchy

During the reign of King Solomon, Shechem was part of the northern kingdom of Israel. After Solomon's death, Rehoboam, his son, went to Shechem to be made king, as all Israel had gathered there (1 Kings 12:1). However, due to Rehoboam's harsh policies, the ten northern tribes rebelled, leading to the division of the united monarchy. Jeroboam, the first king of the northern kingdom, fortified Shechem and made it his initial capital (1 Kings 12:25).

Spiritual and Theological Themes

Shechem's history is intertwined with themes of covenant, faithfulness, and the consequences of sin. It serves as a backdrop for the reaffirmation of Israel's commitment to God and the repercussions of disobedience. The Shechemites, as part of the broader Canaanite culture, often stood in contrast to the covenantal ideals that God set before Israel. The city's repeated mention in Scripture underscores its role as a place of decision and transformation for the people of God.

Archaeological Insights

Modern archaeological excavations at the site of ancient Shechem, known today as Tell Balata, have uncovered significant remains that corroborate its biblical history. These findings include fortifications, gates, and a temple, providing a glimpse into the city's prominence and its role in the ancient Near East.

In summary, the Shechemites and the city of Shechem occupy a crucial place in biblical history, serving as a focal point for covenantal renewal, political intrigue, and divine judgment. The narrative of Shechem and its inhabitants offers profound lessons on the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant and the enduring consequences of human actions.1170. Baal Berith -- "Baal of (the) covenant," a Shechemite god
... "Baal of (the) covenant," a Shechemite god. Transliteration: Baal Berith Phonetic
Spelling: (bah'-al ber-eeth') Short Definition: Baal-berith. ...
/hebrew/1170.htm - 6k

1286. Berith -- a Shechemite deity.
... 1285, 1286. Berith. 1287 . a Shechemite deity. Transliteration ... Berith. Word
Origin short. form of Baal Definition a Shechemite deity. Berith ...
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Celsus, Moreover, Sneers at the "Hatred" of Esau to Which...
... and Levi, who sallied out (on the Shechemites) on account of the insult offered
to their sister, who had been violated by the son of the Shechemite king, he ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter xlvi celsus moreover sneers.htm

The Deputation from Jerusalem - the Three Sects of the Pharisees ...
... repeat the well-known description, both in the Jerusalem and the Babylon Talmud,
of the seven kinds of Pharisees,' of whom six (the Shechemite,' the stumbling ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter ii the deputation from.htm

Shechemite (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Shechemite (1 Occurrence). Numbers 26:31 and of
Asriel, the family of the Asrielites; and of Shechem, the ...
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Zebul (5 Occurrences)
... Zebul is, according to them, head of the Shechemite community, and Wellhausen and
Kittel (History of Hebrew, II, 85) believe him to have had something to do ...
/z/zebul.htm - 12k

Shechemites (1 Occurrence)

/s/shechemites.htm - 7k

Shechem (61 Occurrences)

/s/shechem.htm - 38k

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