Shechem

Shechem, also known as Sichem or Sychar, is an ancient city located in the Samarian Hills of the West Bank, approximately 60 kilometers north of Jerusalem. Its significance is deeply rooted in biblical history, appearing in both the Old and New Testaments. In the Hebrew Bible, Shechem is mentioned as a place where Abraham was commanded to build an altar and where Jacob later settled, burying his idols. It also plays a crucial role in the story of Joseph, who was sent there by his father to find his brothers.

The city's strategic location at the crossroads of ancient trade routes contributed to its prominence. During the Israelite conquest of Canaan, Shechem was a significant Canaanite city. Later, after the division of the Israelite kingdom, it served as the first capital of the northern Kingdom of Israel under Jeroboam I. Its religious importance is also noted; it was a sanctuary and a site of covenant renewal ceremonies.

In the New Testament, Shechem is identified with Sychar, where Jesus encountered the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well. This event highlights the ongoing tension between Jews and Samaritans, with Shechem being a central point of Samaritan identity. The modern Palestinian city of Nablus stands on or near the site of ancient Shechem, preserving its historical legacy. Archaeological excavations have uncovered remains dating back to the Bronze Age, confirming its long and complex past.