Leave Shechem and go up to Bethel
Genesis 35:1-5
Christian faith is about growing steadily toward God against the currents of the world; however, if there is one thing to be most careful about when walking the path of faith, it is the “Shechem phenomenon”—the tendency to settle in a comfortable place.
Within the territory of Israel, the region of Shechem was a fertile and blessed land sufficient to entice people. In particular, it provided an unparalleled environment for livestock farming, so it was eye-catching, and one could not help but feel a desire to settle there peacefully for a long time. With its vast green pastures and abundant clear water, it seemed as though staying there would undoubtedly lead to success, and it appeared to be a place where one could live with their head held high.
Jacob and his children thought that if they stayed in this land, shepherding would be easy and they would become very wealthy before long. However, what was intended to be a brief stay ended up becoming a place where they settled for 15 years. During his 15 years in Shechem, Jacob amassed countless flocks of sheep and herds of cattle, and he accumulated great wealth. His sons and daughters had also all grown up. However, one day, a serious problem arose. Jacob’s daughter Dinah was taken from her by Shechem, the son of Hamor. Enraged by this, Jacob’s sons committed a terrible act: they used the holy law of circumcision given by God to deceive the people of Shechem and then annihilated them.
Through this incident, Jacob came to God and realized that God was not pleased with his life in Shechem and desired him to go up to Bethel, the place where He had promised to him.
“God said to Jacob, ‘Arise, go up to Bethel and dwell there, and build an altar there to God, who appeared to you when you fled from your brother Esau’ (Genesis 35:1).”
From a religious perspective, Shechem symbolizes a world without God, while Bethel symbolizes the place where God dwells. Through this event, Jacob realized God’s will and repented of his wrongdoing.
“Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, ‘Put away the foreign gods that are among you, and be clean and change your clothes’ (Genesis 35:2).”
Then, remembering the place where he had promised God, he tells his family to return there.
“Let us arise and go up to Bethel. There I will build an altar to God, who answered me in the day of my trouble and was with me on my journey (Genesis 35:3).”
There are two themes in the Bible: ‘Shuma’ and ‘Shema.’ Shuma means that if you return, a way to life opens. Shema means that if you hear (the Word), a way to life opens.
Even today, if we repent, leave Shechem, and return to Bethel, God will always accept us with love, restore us, renew us, and anoint and bless us. If you repent, you will be restored. If you pray, miracles will happen. If you return to God and hear His Word, a way to life opens.
By Rev. Jaewoong Chang
