Introduction

Shechem, an ancient city located in the hill country of Ephraim, holds significant historical and theological importance in the biblical narrative. It is a place of covenant, conflict, and divine encounter. One of the notable events associated with Shechem is its connection to the patriarch Jacob and his flocks and herds.

Biblical Context

Shechem first appears in the biblical narrative in Genesis 12:6, where Abram (later Abraham) travels through the land and builds an altar to the LORD. This initial mention sets the stage for Shechem's recurring role as a site of divine promise and human interaction.

Jacob's Connection to Shechem

Jacob, the grandson of Abraham, is intricately linked to Shechem. After his reconciliation with Esau, Jacob journeys to Shechem and purchases a plot of land from the sons of Hamor, Shechem's father (Genesis 33:18-19). This acquisition marks a significant moment, as it is one of the first instances of the patriarchs owning land in Canaan, the land promised by God.

The Flocks and Herds

The narrative of Jacob's flocks and herds in Shechem is intertwined with his broader account of prosperity and divine blessing. Jacob's wealth in livestock is a testament to God's favor and the fulfillment of His promises. Genesis 30:43 states, "Thus Jacob became exceedingly prosperous. He owned large flocks, maidservants and menservants, and camels and donkeys."

While the specific mention of Jacob's flocks and herds being kept in Shechem is not detailed in the biblical text, the region's fertile land and strategic location would have made it an ideal place for grazing and sustaining livestock. The presence of water sources and pastures in the area would have supported the growth and maintenance of Jacob's wealth in flocks and herds.

Shechem's Role in Jacob's Family

Shechem also plays a pivotal role in the lives of Jacob's children. It is here that Dinah, Jacob's daughter, is violated by Shechem, the son of Hamor (Genesis 34:1-2). This tragic event leads to a violent retaliation by Simeon and Levi, two of Jacob's sons, who deceive and destroy the men of Shechem (Genesis 34:25-29). This incident underscores the complex interplay of family dynamics, honor, and justice in the patriarchal narratives.

Covenantal Significance

Shechem's significance extends beyond its association with Jacob's flocks and herds. It is a place where covenants are made and renewed. Joshua later gathers all the tribes of Israel at Shechem to renew their covenant with the LORD, emphasizing the city's enduring role as a site of spiritual commitment and national identity (Joshua 24:1-25).

Conclusion

Shechem's connection to Jacob and his flocks and herds highlights the city's multifaceted role in the biblical narrative. As a place of divine promise, familial conflict, and covenantal renewal, Shechem serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through the patriarchs and their descendants.Genesis 37:12-14
And his brothers went to feed their father's flock in Shechem.
Nave's Topical Index

Chapter xxxiv
... specifically mentioned by name, "Hamor and Shechem, his son." Dinah their sister;
who must have been kept by Shechem in his ... "Flocks" and "herds" and "asses ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxiv.htm

Chapter xxxiii
... tender age, and that flocks and herds that are ... men moving along parallel with Jacob's
flocks""parallel with ... seem as though the name Shechem already belonged ...
/.../leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxiii.htm

Scriptural Poems; Being Several Portions of Scripture Digested ...
... Now Jacob's sons did feed their flocks in Shechem, And he desired Joseph ... feeding
cattle altogether, And that you've brought your flocks and herds all hither ...
/.../scriptural poems being several portions.htm

The Census and the Journey of the Holy Family
... Anna, who possessed pastures with flocks and herds, was well-to-do. ... This terebinth
was a very old and sacred tree, of the grove of Moreh near Shechem. ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/x the census and the.htm

Joseph and his Brethren
... he sent him out of the vale of Hebron, and he came to Shechem. ... thou, and thy children,
and thy children's children, and thy flocks, and thy herds, and all ...
/.../select masterpieces of biblical literature/i joseph and his brethren.htm

Six Cities
... and enter the gates of this city SHECHEM, and remember ... which the famous "bulls of
Bashan" (herds of wild ... roamed at large; while more peaceful flocks browsed on ...
/.../macduff/the cities of refuge or the name of jesus/ii six cities.htm

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
... which for a few weeks furnishes the flocks of the ... punishment, that the remembrance
of it kept them within ... covered by large forests in which herds of elephants ...
/.../chapter ithe first chaldaean empire.htm

Covenanting Provided for in the Everlasting Covenant.
... place: Hebron, society, friendship, the end of a covenant: Shechem, a part or ... head,
represent the rich who should present of their flocks and herds to the ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter vi covenanting provided for.htm

The Flight into Egypt and St. John the Baptist in the Desert
... was hailed here as king by the people of Shechem. ... across the branches; then at his
call flocks of bright ... on a journey to the Temple with herds for sacrifice to ...
/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xvi the flight into egypt.htm

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
... sheepfolds,"to hear the pipings for the flocks?"At the ... in the open air, or lead his
herds to pasture ... them, and upon the men of Shechem, which strengthened ...
/.../chapter iiithe hebrews and the.htm

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