In many ways, Yaakov's journey in Canaan is very similar to Avraham's journey. But Yaakov seems to stay in Shechem for too long. Why does Yaakov stay in Shechem? By comparing the stories of Yaakov's and Avraham's journeys, and noting echoes in the Book of Yehoshua, we gain insight into the purpose of inheriting the Land of Israel: it is not only to develop a national homeland, but to disseminate a national idea-- the Divine mission of the People of Israel.