See a video about biblical Shechem. One of the most important locations in the Holy Land.

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Location
1. Biblical Shechem is also known as Sychar in the New Testament, and as Tel Balata and Nablus, today.
2. Shechem is located about 30 miles (48 km.) north of Jerusalem and about 30 miles (48 km.) northeast of Tel Aviv.
3. It was in the Samaria region of Israel in the territory of Ephraim during Bible times.
4. It was on a main north-south travel route that linked the northern and southern parts of Israel.
5. It was also on a main east-west route that linked the coastal plain of Israel with the Jordan Valley.
6. Shechem lies between the two famous mountains of Gerizim and Ebal.
Historical Background
1. Shechem had a significant role in the Bible and is mentioned 58 times.
2. God first appeared to Abraham in Shechem and gave him the promise that he would inherit the land.
3. Abraham and Jacob lived here.
4. Joseph’s bones are buried here.
5. The blessings and curses given on Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal took place here.
6. Joshua rallied all Israel and made a covenant with them in Shechem.
7. The nation of Israel became divided in Shechem.
8. Shechem became the capital of the northern tribes of Israel under King Jeroboam’s rule.
9. On top of Mount Gerizim are substantial ruins.
• The Samaritans first built a temple here for worship in the 5th century. Later, in the 2nd century, they built walls around the temple to protect it.
• In the latter part of the 2nd century, the Hasmoneans (Jewish rule from 165–63 BC) destroyed the Samaritan’s temple on Mount Gerizim and the city at the base of the mountain (ancient Shechem).
• During the Roman occupation of Israel, the Samaritans were given permission by the Romans to rebuild their temple and city.
• In 475 AD, under Byzantine rule, the Samaritan temple was destroyed, and a Byzantine church was erected. Later, a monastery was built as well.
10. Jesus met with a Samaritan woman (John 4) at Jacob’s Well in Shechem. Today, the well is inside the Church of St. Photina, which was originally built in 380 AD. Over the years, the church was destroyed a number of times by natural and military forces. The current church building is overseen by the Greek Orthodox Church, which obtained the site in 1893.
11. The Samaritans were a small group of unfaithful Israelites who remained in the land of Israel and intermarried with foreign unbelievers after the deportation of Israel by the Assyrians in 722 BC. They established their own religion at Mount Gerizim and built their own temple. They were despised and rejected by the Jews and considered unclean. The Samaritans, likewise, despised the Jews and had few dealings with them. The Samaritans only believe in the Torah (first 5 books of the Old Testament).
Places of Interest
1. Tel Balata
• Visitor Center
• Northwest Gate
• City Wall
• Fortress Temple
• Joshua’s Stone (Erected after Joshua made a covenant with the Israelites)
• Sacred Courtyard
• Houses
• Eastern Gate
2. Mount Gerizim
• 2nd-century buildings
• Fortified enclosure
• Citadel
• Courtyards
• 2nd-century mansion
• 12 Stone Altar
• Byzantine Church
• Byzantine Gate
• 2nd-century Gate
• Byzantine Monastery
• Eastern Gate
3. Mount Ebal
• Joshua’s Rectangular Altar
• Circular Altar below Rectangular Altar (possibly that of Abraham or Jacob)
4. Jacob’s Well (120 feet, 40 m. deep)
5. Joseph’s Tomb
6. Modern Shechem (Nablus)

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