Shechem
An early centre of Israel, between Mounts Ebal and Gerizim.
What we know — and how we know it
Bible — stated in scripture (with verse) · 1
Archaeology — physical evidence · 2
Life, role & deeds
BibleWhere God first promised Abraham the land, Joshua renewed the covenant, and Abimelech seized power.
Genesis 12:6–7; Joshua 24:1; Judges 9:6
TrickyH — CC BY-SA 4.0 (via Wikimedia Commons)
ArchaeologyTell Balata (Shechem) preserves a great fortress-temple, most likely the 'tower of Shechem' burned in the tale of Abimelech.
Tell Balata (Shechem): the Fortress-Temple (migdol temple), excavated by Ernst Sellin (German expedition, 1913-34) and G. Ernest Wright (Drew-McCormick/ASOR expedition, 1956-64), identified with the temple of El/Baal-berith and the 'tower of Shechem' of Judges 9:46; G.E. Wright, 'Shechem: The Biography of a Biblical City' (New York: McGraw-Hill, 1965).
ArchaeologyErnst Sellin and G. Ernest Wright excavated a massive Middle-Bronze 'fortress temple' (Migdal temple) at Tell Balata — identified with the temple of Baal-berith that Abimelech's men sheltered in and he burned down (Judges 9:46–49).
G. E. Wright, 'Shechem: The Biography of a Biblical City' (McGraw-Hill, 1965); E. Sellin, excavation reports (ZDPV, 1920s–30s).
Events here
On these journeys
- The journey of Abraham — Abraham
- The wanderings of Jacob — Jacob
