Shechem, Israel (Overview)
City:
Nablus
State, Province, Region, or District:
West Bank
Country:
Israel
Overview
Ancient Shechem, located about 40 miles north of Jerusalem in the West Bank, is a vital biblical crossroads.
Shechem is mentioned over 60 times in the scriptures. The city, whose name means "shoulder" or "back" in Hebrew, is nestled physically and symbolically between the two towering peaks of Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim.
It is the first specific location the Bible mentions Abraham stopping at after arriving in Canaan. Here, God promised him the land, and Abraham built the first altar to the Lord (Genesis 12:6-7). Later, Jacob settled here, bought a plot of land, and built an altar. It is also the region where Joseph's brothers were tending flocks, which eventually led to him being sold into slavery (Genesis 37:12-14).
After the Exodus, Joshua led the twelve tribes to the valley between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim. They recited the blessings (from Mt. Gerizim) and curses (from Mt. Ebal) of the Mosaic law, solidifying the Israelites' dedication to God (Joshua 8). Later, Joshua gathered the Israelites at Shechem to renew their covenant with God (Joshua 24). Joshua also designated Shechem as one of the official Cities of Refuge and a Levitical city for the Kohathie Levites (Joshua 20:7; 21:20-21; 1 Chronicles 6:67).
Shechem served as a political and religious hub. Abimelech was made king here (Judges 9), and after King Solomon's death, the northern tribes gathered at Shechem to rebel against Rehoboam, establishing the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Although Shechem itself is not heavily featured in the New Testament, John's Gospel famously describes Jesus encountering the Samaritan woman at "Jacob's well," which sits a short distance from the ancient city (John 4).
The archaeological site of ancient Shechem, known in Arabic as Tell Balata, sits right on the eastern edge of the modern city of Nablus. Modern urban sprawl encroaches on the site, but the main archaeological park is accessible and features several prominent historical layers, including the Cyclopean Walls, the East Gate, the Fortress Temple, and Jacob's Well.
Alternate Names
Shechem; Nablus; Tel/Tell Balatah; Nabulus; Neapolis; Shakim; Shekhem; Sichem; Sychar; Sychem
Geography & Location
Shechem is located about 30 miles (48 km) north of Jerusalem and about 30 miles (48 km) northeast of Tel Aviv.
Biblical, Historical, & Archaeological Background Information
Historical Timeline
Architecture
Ancient Shechem (biblical Tell Balata, near modern Nablus) is a key site in Levantine archaeology. Originally established as a Canaanite stronghold and first capital of the northern Kingdom of Israel, it is most famous for its heavy Middle Bronze Age fortifications and monumental fortress-temple.
Biblical & Historical References
Abram arrives in Canaan, stops at the great tree of Moreh at Shechem, and receives God’s first promise of the land. He builds his first altar here. (Genesis 12:4-7).
Spiritual Lessons and Application
Of all the events that happened at Shechem, Jesus summed up God’s desire for us when He told the woman at the well, “The hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth” (John 2:23–24).
Etymology
Ancient sources, particularly the Greek Septuagint (LXX) and New Testament, transliterate the biblical city of Shechem (שְׁכֶם) into several distinct Koine Greek variants. The primary Greek spellings and their historical contexts include:
Planning a Visit
Disclaimer: The information provided below may not be current. Travel details, entry requirements, and business operations are subject to frequent change due to holidays, seasonal fluctuations, maintenance, staffing levels, weather, and safety considerations. Always double-check with official sources before you go.
Places of Interest
Tel Balata
Virtual Visit
Tel Balata is the site of the remains of an ancient Canaanite/Israelite city located in the West Bank, right next to the Church of Saint Photini (the site of Jacob’s Well).