The Valley of Shechem
The Valley of Shechem Leaving Samaria the Holy Family would pass through beautiful valleys until they reached the entrance to the Valley of Shechem—now Nablous. In all Palestine, from Dan to Beersheba, there is no finer spot, as far as natural scenery is concerned, than this verdant valley, sparkling with fountains and streams. It opens westward from the plain of Mukhna. It is about two hundred yards in width, shut in on the north and the south by the rocky ascents of Ebal and Gerizim. As you approach from the plain the valley ascends gently and is full of cornfields for a half mile. For another half mile the road curves through a belt of olive orchards, their gray tints contrasting with the delicate green of the cornfields. Then you come upon the fruit orchards, with here and there the white dome of a dwelling among them, until the town is reached. Nablous (the ancient Shechem) lies chiefly on the south side of the valley, running up into a bay or nook in the...