The people of Shechem hold a significant place in biblical history, with their city serving as a backdrop for pivotal events in the Old Testament. Shechem, located in the hill country of Ephraim, is one of the oldest and most important cities in the biblical narrative. It is first mentioned in Genesis and continues to play a role throughout the history of Israel.

Historical Background

Shechem is first introduced in Genesis 12:6-7, where Abram (later Abraham) travels to the land of Canaan and builds an altar to the LORD. The city is situated between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, making it a central location for the Israelites. It is here that God promises the land to Abram's descendants, marking Shechem as a place of divine encounter and covenant.

The Hivites and the Incident with Dinah

The people of Shechem are initially identified as Hivites, a Canaanite tribe. In Genesis 34, Shechem, the son of Hamor the Hivite, defiles Dinah, the daughter of Jacob. This incident leads to a violent retaliation by Dinah's brothers, Simeon and Levi, who deceive the men of Shechem into circumcising themselves and then attack the city while the men are incapacitated. This act of vengeance is recounted in Genesis 34:25-26 : "On the third day, when they were 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. They killed Hamor and his son Shechem with the sword, took Dinah from Shechem’s house, and went away."

Joshua's Covenant Renewal

Shechem later becomes a site of covenant renewal for the Israelites. In Joshua 24, Joshua gathers all the tribes of Israel at Shechem and recounts the history of God's faithfulness to them. He challenges the people to serve the LORD faithfully, and they renew their covenant with God. Joshua 24:25 states, "On that day Joshua made a covenant for the people, and there at Shechem he established for them a statute and ordinance."

The Division of the Kingdom

In the period of the Judges, Shechem is mentioned as a place of political intrigue. Abimelech, the son of Gideon, seeks to establish himself as king and persuades the people of Shechem to support him. This leads to a brief and violent reign, as recounted in Judges 9. The people of Shechem ultimately turn against Abimelech, resulting in their own destruction when Abimelech razes the city.

Rehoboam and the United Monarchy

Shechem also plays a role in the division of the united monarchy. After the death of Solomon, Rehoboam goes to Shechem to be crowned king over all Israel. However, the northern tribes, led by Jeroboam, reject Rehoboam's harsh policies, leading to the split of the kingdom into Israel and Judah (1 Kings 12:1-19).

Religious Significance

Shechem's religious significance is underscored by its association with the patriarchs and its role as a center for covenant renewal. It is a place where God's promises are affirmed and where the Israelites are called to faithfulness. The city is also linked to the blessings and curses pronounced on Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, as instructed in Deuteronomy 11:29 and Joshua 8:33.

Conclusion

The people of Shechem, through their interactions with the patriarchs and the nation of Israel, illustrate themes of covenant, faithfulness, and the consequences of sin. Their city serves as a witness to God's unfolding plan and the complex history of His chosen people.