Jesus & the Samaritan Woman at Jacob's Well - Full Video in Description

Location
1. Biblical Shechem is also known as Sychar in the New Testament, and as Tel Balata and Nablus, today.
2. Shechem is located about 30 miles (48 km.) north of Jerusalem and about 30 miles (48 km.) northeast of Tel Aviv.
3. It was in the Samaria region of Israel in the territory of Ephraim during Bible times.
4. It was on a main north-south travel route that linked the northern and southern parts of Israel.
5. It was also on a main east-west route that linked the coastal plain of Israel with the Jordan Valley.
6. Shechem lies between the two famous mountains of Gerizim and Ebal.

Historical Background
1. Shechem had a significant role in the Bible and is mentioned 58 times.
2. God first appeared to Abraham in Shechem and gave him the promise that he would inherit the land.
3. Abraham and Jacob lived here.
4. Jacob lived here and built a well.
5. Joseph’s bones are buried here.
6. The blessings and curses given on Mount Gerizim and Mount Ebal took place here.
7. Joshua rallied all Israel and made a covenant with them in Shechem.
8. Abimelech, son of Gideon, reigned wickedly over Shechem for three years. It was he who burned down the fortress temple here called, "El-Berith," and killed 1,000 people who had taken refuge in it. Later, he was killed by a woman who threw a millstone down on his head.
9. The nation of Israel became divided in Shechem.
10. Shechem became the capital of the northern tribes of Israel under King Jeroboam’s rule.
11. The Samaritans worshiped on top of Mount Gerizim and there are substantial ruins there today.
The Samaritans