Biblical References:
Shaalim is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in 1 Samuel 9:4. The passage describes the journey of Saul, the future king of Israel, as he searches for his father's lost donkeys. The verse reads: "So Saul passed through the hill country of Ephraim and through the land of Shalishah, but they did not find them. Then they went into the land of Shaalim, but the donkeys were not there either. So he passed through the land of Benjamin, but they did not find them" (1 Samuel 9:4).

Geographical Context:
The exact location of Shaalim is not definitively known, but it is generally considered to be in the region of Benjamin, near the hill country of Ephraim. The mention of Shaalim in conjunction with other regions such as Shalishah and the land of Benjamin suggests it was part of a route or area that was traversed during Saul's search. The geographical context indicates a setting within the central highlands of ancient Israel, a region characterized by its rugged terrain and significant historical and tribal importance.

Historical and Cultural Significance:
Shaalim's mention in the narrative of Saul's search for the donkeys provides insight into the daily life and challenges faced by the Israelites during the period of the judges and the early monarchy. The search for lost livestock reflects the agrarian lifestyle and the economic importance of animals in ancient Israelite society. This episode also serves as a prelude to Saul's anointing as king, highlighting the providential guidance of God in the affairs of Israel.

Theological Implications:
The journey through Shaalim and the surrounding regions underscores themes of divine providence and guidance. Saul's seemingly mundane task of searching for lost donkeys leads to a significant turning point in Israel's history—the anointing of its first king. This narrative illustrates how God orchestrates events and uses ordinary circumstances to fulfill His purposes. It also emphasizes the importance of obedience and attentiveness to God's leading, as Saul's journey ultimately brings him to the prophet Samuel.

Linguistic Notes:
The name "Shaalim" is derived from the Hebrew root "שָׁעַל" (sha'al), which means "to ask" or "to inquire." This etymology may reflect the narrative context of seeking or searching, as Saul and his servant inquire about the whereabouts of the lost donkeys. The name itself may also suggest a place associated with inquiry or questioning, fitting the broader theme of seeking guidance and direction.

Related Entries:
· Saul: The first king of Israel, whose journey through Shaalim is part of his early narrative.
· Samuel: The prophet who anoints Saul as king, playing a crucial role in the transition from the period of the judges to the monarchy.
· Benjamin: The tribe and region associated with Saul's family and the broader geographical context of Shaalim.SHAALIM, LAND OF

sha'-a-lim ('erets sha`alim; Codex Vaticanus tes ges Easakem; Codex Alexandrinus tes ges Saaleim; the King James Version Shalim): Saul in search of his father's asses passed through Mt. Ephraim and the land of Shalishah, then through the land of Shaalim and the land of yemini. This last name English Versions of the Bible renders "Benjamin" (1 Samuel 9:4). The whole passage is so obscure that no certain conclusions can be reached. The search party may have proceeded northward from Gibeah, through the uplands of Ephraim, turning then westward, then southward, and finally eastward. We should thus look for the land of Shalishah and the land of Shaalim on the west side of the mountain range: and the latter may have been on the slopes to the East of Lydda. Possibly we ought here to read "Shaalbim," instead of "Shaalim."

W. Ewing

8171. Shealim -- an area searched by Saul
... 8170, 8171. Shealim. 8172 . an area searched by Saul. Transliteration: Shealim
Phonetic Spelling: (shah-al-eem') Short Definition: Shaalim. ...
/hebrew/8171.htm - 6k

How Samuel Found a Leader
... Then they crossed into the land of Shaalim, but the asses were not there. They
also went through the land of Benjamin, but did not find them. ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/how samuel found a leader.htm

Shaalim (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia SHAALIM, LAND OF. ... Ephraim and the land of Shalishah,
then through the land of Shaalim and the land of yemini. ...
/s/shaalim.htm - 7k

Land (19790 Occurrences)
... open. W. Ewing. SHAALIM, LAND OF. sha ... Mt. Ephraim and the land of Shalishah,
then through the land of Shaalim and the land of yemini. This ...
/l/land.htm - 21k

Sha'alim (1 Occurrence)
Sha'alim. Shaalim, Sha'alim. Shaaph . Multi-Version Concordance Sha'alim (1
Occurrence). ... (See RSV). Shaalim, Sha'alim. Shaaph . Reference Bible.
/s/sha'alim.htm - 6k

Shalishah (2 Occurrences)
... Codex Vaticanus he ge Selcha; Codex Alexandrinus he ge Salissa): If the general
indication of the route followed by Saul, given under SHAALIM, is correct, the ...
/s/shalishah.htm - 8k

Weren't (25 Occurrences)
... the hill country of Ephraim, and passed through the land of Shalishah, but they
didn't find them: then they passed through the land of Shaalim, and there they ...
/w/weren't.htm - 13k

Benjamites (24 Occurrences)
... the hill country of Ephraim, and passed through the land of Shalishah, but they
didn't find them: then they passed through the land of Shaalim, and there they ...
/b/benjamites.htm - 13k

Shalisha (1 Occurrence)
... the hill country of Ephraim, and passed through the land of Shalishah, but they
didn't find them: then they passed through the land of Shaalim, and there they ...
/s/shalisha.htm - 7k

Shaalbonite (2 Occurrences)

/s/shaalbonite.htm - 7k

Shal'ishah (1 Occurrence)
... through the hill-country of Ephraim, and passed through the land of Shalishah, but
they found them not; then they passed through the land of Shaalim, and there ...
/s/shal'ishah.htm - 6k

Passeth (100 Occurrences)
... the hill-country of Ephraim, and passeth over through the land of Shalisha, and
they have not found; and they pass over through the land of Shaalim, and they ...
/p/passeth.htm - 36k

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