Shechem (Tel Balata) is one of the most important biblical cities in Israel, the first place in the land of Canaan where Abraham stopped and received God’s promise: “The Lord appeared to Abram and said, ‘To your offspring I will give this land.’ So he built an altar there to the Lord” (Genesis 12:7). Shechem later became the first capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, the site where the nation split in two, and the center of Samaritan worship on Mount Gerizim above.
Abraham and Jacob
Shechem was Abraham’s first stop in the Promised Land, at Alon Moreh. Jacob later purchased land near Shechem and dug a well that is still venerated today: “Jacob’s Well” is preserved inside a Greek Orthodox church and is one of the few biblical sites whose identification is virtually certain. Jesus met the Samaritan woman at this well: “Jesus said to her, ‘Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst’” (John 4:13-14).
Division of the Kingdom
After Solomon’s death, the tribes of Israel gathered at Shechem to crown his son Rehoboam. They asked for a reduction in taxes and forced labor. Rehoboam, following the advice of his young advisors, replied: “My father made your yoke heavy; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions” (1 Kings 12:14). The northern tribes revolted, choosing Jeroboam as their king, and the kingdom was permanently divided. Shechem became the first capital of the Northern Kingdom.
Tel
The archaeological site of Tel Balata preserves the remains of one of the largest and most fortified cities in the ancient Levant. The Canaanite city gate, the massive walls, and the temple (the “Tower of Shechem” mentioned in Judges 9) have been excavated and are visible. The temple is one of the largest Canaanite temples ever found, with walls over 5 meters thick.
Visit with Hoshen Tours
Shechem is where the story of Israel in the land begins. Hoshen Tours visits the tel, Jacob’s Well, and tells the story from Abraham’s altar to the division of the kingdom.