Topical Encyclopedia Sha-al'bim, also referred to as Shaalabbin in some translations, is a location mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible. It is primarily noted as a town within the territory allotted to the tribe of Dan. The name Sha-al'bim is thought to mean "place of foxes" or "place of jackals," reflecting the Hebrew root "sha'al," which can mean "fox" or "jackal."Biblical References: 1. Joshua 19:40-42: Sha-al'bim is first mentioned in the context of the division of the Promised Land among the tribes of Israel. The passage states: "The seventh lot came out for the tribe of Dan according to its clans. The territory of their inheritance included Zorah, Eshtaol, Ir-shemesh, Shaalabbin, Aijalon, Ithlah..." . This indicates that Sha-al'bim was part of the inheritance of the Danites, situated in the western part of the land of Canaan. 2. Judges 1:34-35: The Book of Judges provides insight into the challenges faced by the tribe of Dan in securing their allotted territory. "The Amorites forced the Danites into the hill country and did not allow them to come down into the plain. And the Amorites were determined to dwell in Mount Heres, Aijalon, and Shaalbim; but when the power of the house of Joseph increased, they were put to forced labor." . This passage highlights the initial difficulties the Danites encountered in fully occupying Sha-al'bim due to the presence of the Amorites. 3. 1 Kings 4:9: In the administrative divisions of King Solomon's kingdom, Sha-al'bim is mentioned as part of the district overseen by one of Solomon's officials. "Ben-deker in Makaz, Shaalbim, Beth-shemesh, and Elon-beth-hanan;" . This indicates that Sha-al'bim was a recognized settlement during the united monarchy of Israel. Historical and Archaeological Context: Sha-al'bim's exact location is not definitively known, but it is generally believed to have been situated in the Shephelah, the lowland region between the central highlands and the coastal plain of Israel. Some scholars suggest it may be identified with the modern site of Selbit, near the Aijalon Valley, though this remains speculative. The town's mention alongside other significant locations such as Aijalon and Beth-shemesh suggests it was part of a network of settlements that played a role in the agricultural and military activities of the region. The reference to the Amorites in Judges indicates that Sha-al'bim was part of the contested frontier between the Israelites and the Canaanite inhabitants during the period of the Judges. Theological Significance: Sha-al'bim's inclusion in the biblical narrative underscores the challenges faced by the Israelites in settling the land promised to them by God. The struggle for control over Sha-al'bim and surrounding areas reflects the broader theme of faithfulness and reliance on divine assistance in overcoming obstacles. The eventual subjugation of the Amorites by the house of Joseph serves as a testament to God's providence and the fulfillment of His promises to the tribes of Israel. In summary, Sha-al'bim is a testament to the historical and spiritual journey of the Israelites as they established themselves in the land of Canaan, facing both external opposition and internal challenges. Its mention in the Bible serves as a reminder of the complexities of settling the Promised Land and the enduring faith required to fulfill God's covenant. Concordance Sha-al'bim (2 Occurrences)Judges 1:35 1 Kings 4:9 Thesaurus Sha-al'bim (2 Occurrences)Sha-al'bim. Shaalbim, Sha-al'bim. Sha-al'bon . Multi-Version Concordance Sha-al'bim (2 Occurrences). Judges 1:35 the Amorites persisted ... /s/sha-al'bim.htm - 6k Sha-al'bon (2 Occurrences) Shaalbim (2 Occurrences) Persisted (8 Occurrences) Ai'jalon (10 Occurrences) Rested (81 Occurrences) Heavily (17 Occurrences) Har-heres (1 Occurrence) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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