Topical Bible: Citizens: Wicked: Shechemites

◄ Citizens: Wicked: Shechemites ►

Topical Encyclopedia

The Shechemites, inhabitants of the ancient city of Shechem, are depicted in the Bible as engaging in wickedness and treachery, particularly in their interactions with the Israelites. Shechem, located in the hill country of Ephraim, holds significant historical and religious importance in biblical narratives. However, the actions of its citizens often reflect moral and spiritual corruption.

One of the most notable accounts involving the Shechemites is the account of Dinah, the daughter of Jacob and Leah. In Genesis 34, Dinah is defiled by Shechem, the son of Hamor the Hivite, the prince of the land. Shechem's act of violence against Dinah is compounded by deceit and manipulation. After the incident, Shechem expresses a desire to marry Dinah, and his father Hamor negotiates with Jacob and his sons for her hand in marriage. The sons of Jacob deceitfully agree to the marriage on the condition that all the males of Shechem be circumcised. "On the third day, when they were still in pain, two of Jacob’s sons, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brothers, took their swords, came upon the unsuspecting city, and killed every male" (Genesis 34:25). This act of vengeance highlights the treacherous nature of the Shechemites, as well as the severe consequences of their actions.

The Shechemites' wickedness is further illustrated in the narrative of Abimelech, the son of Gideon (also known as Jerubbaal). In Judges 9, Abimelech conspires with the citizens of Shechem to become king. He persuades them to support his claim by reminding them of his familial ties, as his mother was a Shechemite. The men of Shechem provide him with seventy pieces of silver from the temple of Baal-berith, which he uses to hire reckless adventurers to follow him. Abimelech then murders his seventy brothers, the sons of Gideon, on one stone, sparing only the youngest, Jotham, who escapes. This brutal act is a testament to the moral depravity of both Abimelech and the Shechemites who supported him.

The Shechemites' alliance with Abimelech ultimately leads to their downfall. After three years of Abimelech's rule, God sends an evil spirit between Abimelech and the citizens of Shechem, causing distrust and conflict. The Shechemites rebel against Abimelech, but their rebellion is crushed, and Abimelech destroys the city. "He captured the city, killed its people, and demolished it. Then he sowed it with salt" (Judges 9:45). This destruction serves as divine retribution for their wickedness and betrayal.

Throughout these narratives, the Shechemites are portrayed as a people prone to deceit, violence, and idolatry. Their actions serve as a cautionary tale of the consequences of wickedness and the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant. The Shechemites' interactions with the Israelites underscore the moral and spiritual challenges faced by God's people in maintaining their distinct identity amidst surrounding pagan cultures.