The She'chemites were the inhabitants of the ancient city of Shechem, a significant location in biblical history. Shechem is situated in the hill country of Ephraim, near Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal, and it holds a prominent place in the narratives of the Old Testament.

Historical and Biblical Significance

Shechem first appears in the biblical narrative in Genesis 12:6, where Abram (later Abraham) passed through the land and built an altar to the LORD. This act marked Shechem as a place of worship and covenant. The city is also notable for its association with Jacob, who purchased a plot of land there (Genesis 33:18-19) and later buried the foreign gods under the oak near Shechem (Genesis 35:4).

The She'chemites are perhaps most infamously known for the incident involving Dinah, the daughter of Jacob and Leah. In Genesis 34, Shechem, the son of Hamor the Hivite, defiled Dinah, leading to a violent reprisal by her brothers Simeon and Levi, who killed all the males in the city. This event highlights the complex and often tumultuous relationships between the Israelites and the Canaanite inhabitants of the land.

Covenant Renewal and Division

Shechem was also the site of significant covenantal events. In Joshua 24, Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel at Shechem to renew their covenant with the LORD. It was here that Joshua famously declared, "But as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD" (Joshua 24:15). The people of Israel affirmed their commitment to serve the LORD, and Joshua set up a stone as a witness under the oak in the sanctuary of the LORD (Joshua 24:26-27).

In the period of the Judges, Shechem was a center of political intrigue. Abimelech, the son of Gideon, sought to establish himself as king over Israel by appealing to his maternal relatives in Shechem (Judges 9). The She'chemites supported Abimelech, but his reign was marked by treachery and violence, ultimately leading to his downfall and the destruction of Shechem.

Shechem in the United Monarchy and Beyond

During the united monarchy, Shechem was a city of refuge and a Levitical city within the territory of Ephraim (Joshua 21:21). After the death of Solomon, Shechem briefly became the capital of the northern kingdom of Israel when Rehoboam went there to be crowned king (1 Kings 12:1). However, the ten northern tribes rejected Rehoboam's harsh policies, leading to the division of the kingdom and the establishment of Jeroboam as king over Israel.

Archaeological and Theological Insights

Archaeological excavations at Shechem have revealed significant findings, including fortifications and a large temple, which provide insights into the city's historical and cultural context. Theologically, Shechem represents a place of covenant, choice, and consequence. It serves as a reminder of the blessings and responsibilities of following the LORD and the dangers of turning away from His commandments.

The She'chemites, through their interactions with the patriarchs and the nation of Israel, illustrate the broader narrative of God's unfolding plan and the complex dynamics between His chosen people and the surrounding nations.She'chemites (1 Occurrence)

Numbers 26:31
and of Asriel, the family of the Asrielites; and of Shechem, the family of the Shechemites;
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