Topical Bible: Roads: from Beth-El to Shechem

◄ Roads: from Beth-El to Shechem ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The journey from Beth-El to Shechem is a significant route in biblical history, traversing through the heart of the land of Canaan. This path not only connects two pivotal locations in the narrative of the Israelites but also serves as a backdrop for numerous biblical events and theological themes.

Beth-El

Beth-El, meaning "House of God," is first mentioned in Genesis when Abram builds an altar to the LORD between Beth-El and Ai (Genesis 12:8). It later becomes a central site for Jacob, who dreams of a ladder reaching to heaven and receives God's promise of land and descendants (Genesis 28:10-19). Beth-El is a place of divine encounter and covenant, marking the beginning of Jacob's transformation and the reaffirmation of God's promises to the patriarchs.

Shechem

Shechem holds a prominent place in biblical history as a city of refuge and a site of covenant renewal. It is here that Abram first receives the promise of the land from God (Genesis 12:6-7). Later, Jacob settles near Shechem, purchasing land and erecting an altar (Genesis 33:18-20). Shechem is also the setting for the dramatic events involving Jacob's daughter Dinah (Genesis 34) and the subsequent actions of Simeon and Levi.

The Road Between

The road from Beth-El to Shechem is more than a physical path; it is a journey through the spiritual and covenantal history of Israel. This route would have been traveled by the patriarchs, linking their experiences and the unfolding of God's promises. The road symbolizes the movement from divine encounter to covenant fulfillment, reflecting the journey of faith and obedience.

Historical and Geographical Context

The road from Beth-El to Shechem traverses the central hill country of Canaan, an area characterized by its rugged terrain and strategic significance. This region was a vital corridor for trade and communication, connecting the northern and southern parts of the land. The journey would have taken travelers through valleys and over hills, offering both challenges and opportunities for reflection on God's faithfulness.

Theological Significance

Theologically, the road from Beth-El to Shechem represents the continuity of God's covenantal relationship with His people. It underscores the themes of promise, faith, and divine presence. As Jacob journeys from Beth-El, where he encounters God, to Shechem, where he establishes his household, the narrative highlights the unfolding of God's plan and the importance of obedience and worship.

Biblical Events Along the Route

Several key biblical events occur along this route, including Jacob's return to Canaan and his reconciliation with Esau (Genesis 33). The journey also foreshadows the future significance of Shechem as a place of covenant renewal under Joshua, where the Israelites reaffirm their commitment to serve the LORD (Joshua 24:1-25).

In summary, the road from Beth-El to Shechem is a path rich in biblical history and theological depth. It connects two significant locations in the narrative of God's people, serving as a reminder of His enduring promises and the call to faithfulness.

Nave's Topical Index

Judges 21:19
Then they said, Behold, there is a feast of the LORD in Shiloh yearly in a place which is on the north side of Bethel, on the east side of the highway that goes up from Bethel to Shechem, and on the south of Lebonah.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

A Nation's Struggle for a Home and Freedom.
... Kelt ran past the villages of Ai and Bethel. ... The other roads led through the wilderness
southwestward to ... in the strong Canaanite city of Shechem, Hebrews and ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study xii a nations struggle.htm

The Census and the Journey of the Holy Family
... Before Jacob went to Bethel, to sacrifice to the Lord ... was about an hour's journey
to the south-east of Shechem. ... now they have not taken any high-roads, but have ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/x the census and the.htm

Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest
... and, in the neighbourhood of the roads which led ... Shechem is not mentioned in the
Egyptian geographical lists ... and Maspero, is more probably Bethel, written Bit ...
/.../chapter iisyria at the beginning.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... and consequently place it between Rama and Bethel, in the ... them, and upon the men
of Shechem, which strengthened ... passage, into which all the roads leading from ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ...
... He groups his characters round Bethel and Shechem, the sanctuaries of Israel; even
Abraham is represented as residing, not at Hebron in Judea, but at Beersheba ...
/.../chapter iitiglath-pileser iii and the.htm

"This Thing is from Me"
... Then Jeroboam built Shechem in mount Ephraim, and dwelt therein ... the altar which he
had made in Beth-el the fifteenth ... came to the turning of the roads, and took ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 42 1896/this thing is from me.htm

How Joshua, the Commander of the Hebrews, Made War with The
... they immediately pursued them along those roads which they ... and from thence he went
to Shechem, together with ... it was bounded by Jerusalem and Bethel; and this ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 1 how joshua the.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... Syria and Asia Minor.** To the north it commanded the passes which opened on to
the basins of the Upper Euphrates and Tigris; it protected the roads leading to ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

References
... its political divisions, its climate, its roads, and its ... a mile and three-quarters
from Nablus (Shechem), and half ... it at et Taiyibeh, 4 m. NE of Bethel, and 14 ...
//christianbookshelf.org/rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/references.htm