Topical Encyclopedia Historical and Geographical ContextShechem holds a significant place in biblical history, both as a geographical location and as a site of pivotal events in the narrative of Israel. Situated in the hill country of Ephraim, Shechem lies between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim. It is one of the oldest cities in the land of Canaan and is first mentioned in the context of Abraham's journey, where he built an altar to the LORD (Genesis 12:6-7). Biblical Significance Shechem is notably the site where Joshua, the successor of Moses, gathered all the tribes of Israel for a covenant renewal ceremony. This event is recorded in the Book of Joshua, chapter 24. Joshua summoned the elders, leaders, judges, and officials of Israel to present themselves before God. This assembly at Shechem was a moment of reaffirmation of the covenant between God and the Israelites, emphasizing their commitment to serve the LORD exclusively. Covenant Renewal at Shechem In Joshua 24, Joshua recounts the history of Israel, from the call of Abraham to the deliverance from Egypt and the conquest of Canaan. He challenges the people to choose whom they will serve, famously declaring, "But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (Joshua 24:15). The people respond by affirming their allegiance to the LORD, rejecting the gods of their ancestors and the gods of the Amorites. Joshua then makes a covenant with the people at Shechem, setting up a stone as a witness under the oak near the holy place of the LORD (Joshua 24:25-26). This stone served as a physical reminder of their commitment to God, symbolizing the enduring nature of the covenant. Theological Implications The assembly at Shechem underscores the importance of covenant fidelity in the life of Israel. It highlights the necessity of choosing to serve the LORD amidst the temptations of idolatry and cultural assimilation. The event serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the call for His people to respond with loyalty and obedience. Legacy of Shechem Shechem's role as a site of covenant renewal continued to resonate throughout Israel's history. It became a place associated with decision-making and spiritual commitment. The gathering at Shechem set a precedent for future generations to remember their identity as God's chosen people and their responsibility to uphold His commandments. In summary, Shechem is a place of profound historical and spiritual significance, where Joshua's assembly of the tribes of Israel marked a defining moment in their collective journey with God. The covenant renewal at Shechem remains a powerful testament to the enduring call to faithfulness and the centrality of God's covenant in the life of His people. Nave's Topical Index Joshua 24:1-28And Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem, and called for the elders of Israel, and for their heads, and for their judges, and for their officers; and they presented themselves before God. Nave's Topical Index Library How Joshua, the Commander of the Hebrews, Made War with The The Historical Books. Formation and History of the Hebrew Canon. The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Letter cviii. To Eustochium. Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... The Flight into Egypt and St. John the Baptist in the Desert The Polity Settled by Moses; and How He Disappeared from among ... Resources What is the importance of Samaria in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Levi in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Simeon in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Shechem: Also Called Sychar, a City of Refuge in Mount Ephraim Shechem: Also Called Sychar, a City of Refuge in Mount Ephraim: Abimelech Made King At Shechem: Also Called Sychar, a City of Refuge in Mount Ephraim: Destroyed by Abimelech Shechem: Also Called Sychar, a City of Refuge in Mount Ephraim: Jesus Visits; Disciples Made In Shechem: Also Called Sychar, a City of Refuge in Mount Ephraim: Joshua Buried At Shechem: Also Called Sychar, a City of Refuge in Mount Ephraim: Men of, Killed by Ishmael Shechem: Also Called Sychar, a City of Refuge in Mount Ephraim: Rebuilt by Jeroboam Shechem: Also Called Sychar, a City of Refuge in Mount Ephraim: Rehoboam Crowned At Shechem: Ancestor of the Shechemites Shechem: Joshua Assembled the Tribes of Israel At Shechem: Son of Hamor; Seduces Jacob's Daughter; Killed by Jacob's Sons Shechem: Son of Hamor; Seduces Jacob's Daughter; Killed by Jacob's Sons: Called Sychem Shechem: The Flocks and Herds of Jacob Kept In Related Terms Treacherously (42 Occurrences) |
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