1. Can you figure out where it was taken?

The hill on the left is Mt. Gerizim, the hill on the right is Mt. Ebal and Shechem (modern Nablus) is in the middle.

 

2. Can you imagine a more beautiful time of year?

No.  May 1 is a perfect time of year in the Samarian hills.

 

3. What are most of the trees in this photo (and in the entire region)?

Olive trees.

 

4. Can you name at least 7 events of biblical significance that happened within the view of this photo?

1. God promises Abraham the land of Canaan (Gen 12)

2. Jacob purchased land, set up his tent, and built an altar here.  His daughter was raped and his sons slew the Shechemites (Gen 34-35).

3. The twelve tribes recited the blessings and curses here (Josh 8)

4. Joshua renewed the covenant with the tribes here before he died (Josh 24)

5. Joseph’s bones were buried here (Josh 24)

6. Abimelech proclaimed himself king here (Judg 9)

7. Rehoboam’s rule was rejected by the northern tribes (1 Ki 12)

8. The Samaritans built their temple here

9. Jesus met the woman at the well here (John 4)

 

5. What common theme characterizes this area from biblical times until present?

The area has a history of rebelliousness, from the slaughter of the Shechemites by Simeon and Levi (Gen 34) to the battle of Abimelech to the rejection of Rehoboam to the restlessness by the inhabitants in the 20th century against the Turkish, British, Jordanian and now Israeli authorities.