Topical Encyclopedia The Shechemites, or descendants of Shechem, are a group mentioned in the Old Testament, primarily associated with the city of Shechem, a significant location in biblical history. Shechem, both a person and a place, holds a notable position in the narrative of the Israelites.Shechem, the Person: Shechem was the son of Hamor the Hivite, a prince of the land (Genesis 34:2). The city of Shechem, named after him, became a central location in the narratives of the patriarchs. Shechem's most infamous act was his defilement of Dinah, the daughter of Jacob and Leah, which led to a violent retaliation by her brothers Simeon and Levi (Genesis 34:25-26). This incident set a precedent for the strained relations between the Israelites and the inhabitants of Shechem. Shechem, the City: The city of Shechem is first mentioned in Genesis 12:6, where Abram (later Abraham) passed through the land and built an altar to the LORD. It was a place of divine promise, as God appeared to Abram and promised the land to his descendants (Genesis 12:7). Later, Jacob purchased a plot of land near Shechem, which became a burial site for Joseph's bones (Joshua 24:32). Historical and Religious Significance: Shechem was a city of refuge and a Levitical city (Joshua 21:21). It was here that Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to renew their covenant with God, emphasizing the city's role as a spiritual center (Joshua 24:1). The city also served as the first capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel under King Jeroboam (1 Kings 12:25). The Shechemites in the Time of the Judges: In the period of the Judges, Shechem was the backdrop for the account of Abimelech, the son of Gideon. Abimelech, seeking power, convinced the leaders of Shechem to support him as king, leading to a violent and tumultuous reign (Judges 9:1-6). His rule ended in disaster when the people of Shechem turned against him, and he was ultimately killed by a millstone dropped by a woman (Judges 9:53). Cultural and Theological Implications: The Shechemites, as descendants of Shechem, represent a complex relationship with the Israelites. They were often seen as both allies and adversaries, reflecting the broader theme of Israel's interactions with surrounding peoples. The narratives involving Shechem highlight themes of covenant, judgment, and the consequences of sin, serving as moral and theological lessons for the Israelites. Legacy: The legacy of the Shechemites is intertwined with the city of Shechem itself, a place of both promise and conflict. The accounts associated with Shechem and its inhabitants underscore the importance of faithfulness to God's covenant and the dangers of moral compromise. The Shechemites, through their interactions with the Israelites, provide a backdrop for understanding the complexities of Israel's history and their relationship with God. Nave's Topical Index Numbers 26:31And of Asriel, the family of the Asrielites: and of Shechem, the family of the Shechemites: Nave's Topical Index Strong's Hebrew 7930. Shikmi -- descendant of Shechem... of Shechem NASB Word Usage Shechemites (1). Shichemites. Patronymic from Shekem; a Shikmite (collectively), or descendants of Shekem -- Shichemites. ... /hebrew/7930.htm - 6k Library Chapter xxxiv Chapter xxxv The Census and the Journey of the Holy Family The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs. Chapter xlix The Flight into Egypt and St. John the Baptist in the Desert The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Resources What can we learn from the tribe of Levi / the Levites? | GotQuestions.orgWhat can we learn from the tribe of Simeon? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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