Shaaraim is a biblical location mentioned in the Old Testament, primarily associated with the tribal allotments of Judah and Simeon. The name "Shaaraim" is believed to mean "two gates" or "double gates," which may indicate a fortified city with significant defensive structures. This entry explores the biblical references to Shaaraim and its historical and theological significance.

Biblical References

1. Joshua 15:36 · Shaaraim is listed among the cities in the inheritance of the tribe of Judah. The verse states: "Shaaraim, Adithaim, and Gederah (or Gederothaim)—fourteen cities with their villages." This inclusion highlights Shaaraim as part of the southern hill country of Judah, a region known for its strategic importance and agricultural productivity.

2. 1 Samuel 17:52 · Shaaraim is mentioned in the context of the famous battle between David and Goliath. After David's victory over the Philistine giant, the Israelite army pursued the fleeing Philistines. The text reads: "Then the men of Israel and Judah rose up with a shout and pursued the Philistines to the entrance of the valley and to the gates of Ekron. The bodies of the Philistines were strewn along the Shaaraim road to Gath and Ekron." This passage suggests that Shaaraim was located along a significant route used during military campaigns, emphasizing its strategic location.

Historical and Archaeological Insights

The exact location of Shaaraim has been a subject of debate among scholars and archaeologists. Some propose that it may be identified with the archaeological site of Khirbet Qeiyafa, located in the Elah Valley. Excavations at Khirbet Qeiyafa have revealed a fortified city dating to the time of King David, with two gates, which aligns with the meaning of the name Shaaraim. This site provides valuable insights into the early kingdom of Judah and its interactions with neighboring Philistine territories.

Theological Significance

Shaaraim's mention in the context of David's victory over Goliath underscores the theme of divine deliverance and the triumph of God's chosen people over their enemies. The pursuit of the Philistines to Shaaraim and beyond illustrates the fulfillment of God's promises to Israel regarding their security and dominance over the land. It serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the importance of trusting in His power during times of conflict.

In the broader narrative of the Old Testament, Shaaraim represents the tangible reality of God's provision for His people, both in terms of land and military success. Its inclusion in the tribal allotments of Judah also reflects the fulfillment of the covenant promises made to the patriarchs regarding the inheritance of the land.

Conclusion

While the precise identification of Shaaraim remains uncertain, its biblical references provide a glimpse into the historical and spiritual landscape of ancient Israel. As a city associated with both the tribe of Judah and the dramatic events of David's early life, Shaaraim holds a place in the biblical narrative as a testament to God's enduring presence and providence for His people.Shaaraim

gates; valuation; hairs

Shaaraim

(two gates), a city in the territory allotted to Judah, (Joshua 15:36) in Authorized Version incorrectly Sharaim. (1 Samuel 17:52) Shaaraim one of the towns of Simeon, (1 Chronicles 4:31) must be a different place.

Two gates.

(1.) A city in the plain of Judah (1 Samuel 17:52); called also Sharaim (Joshua 15:36).

(2.) A town in Simeon (1 Chronicles 4:31).

SHAARAIM

sha-a-ra'-im (sha`arayim, "two gates"; Sakareim; the King James Version Sharaim):

(1) A city in the Shephelah or "lowland" of Judah mentioned (Joshua 15:36) in close association with Socoh and Azekah; the vanquished army of the Philistines passed a Shaaraim in their flight from Socoh toward Gath and Ekron (1 Samuel 17:52). It is possible that in this latter reference the "two gates" may refer-as Septuagint implies-to the two Philistine strongholds themselves. Shaaraim has been identified with Tell Zakariya (see however AZEKAH) and with Kh. Sa`ireh (PEF, III, 124, Sh XVII), an old site West of Beit `Atab. Both proposals are hazardous.

(2) One of the towns of Simeon (1 Chronicles 4:31), called (Joshua 19:6) "Sharuhen" and, as one of the uttermost cities of Judah, called (Joshua 15:32) "Shilhim." This town was in Southwestern Palestine and is very probably identical with the fortress Sharhana, a place of some importance on the road from Gaza to Egypt. Aahmes (XVIIIth Dynasty) besieged and captured this city in the 5th year of his reign in his pursuit of the flying Hyksos (Petrie, Hist, II, 22, 35), and a century later Tahutmes III, in the 23rd year of his reign, took the city of Sharuhen on his way to the siege and capture of Megiddo (Petrie, Hist, II, 104). On philological grounds Tell esh-Sheri`ah, 12 miles Northwest of Beersheba, large ruin, has been proposed, but it does not suit at all the Egyptian data (PEF, III, 399, Sh XXIV).

E. W. G. Masterman

8189. Shaarayim -- two cities in Isr.
... two cities in Isr. Transliteration: Shaarayim Phonetic Spelling: (shah-ar-ah'-yim)
Short Definition: Shaaraim. ... NASB Word Usage maid (2), Shaaraim (3). Shaaraim. ...
/hebrew/8189.htm - 6k

The Consistories of More Note: Out of the Babylonian Talmud ...
... To R. Judah Ben Betirah to Nisibin. To R. Josua to the captivity (viz. to Pombeditha).
To Rabbi to Beth-Shaaraim. To the Wise men in the chamber Gazith.". ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 96 the consistories of.htm

Shaaraim (3 Occurrences)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SHAARAIM. sha ... themselves. Shaaraim has been
identified with Tell Zakariya (see however AZEKAH) and with Kh. ...
/s/shaaraim.htm - 9k

Gederah (2 Occurrences)
... ge-de'-ra, ge-de'-ra-thit (ha-gedherah, "the enclosed place"): A town in the Shephelah
of Judah, named with Socoh, Azekah, Shaaraim and Adithaim (Joshua 15:36 ...
/g/gederah.htm - 8k

Shaara'im (1 Occurrence)
Shaara'im. Shaaraim, Shaara'im. Sha-ara'im . ... Joshua 15:36 and Shaaraim, and
Adithaim, and Gederah, with Gederothaim; fourteen cities with their villages. ...
/s/shaara'im.htm - 6k

Sha-ara'im (2 Occurrences)
... of Ekron. And the wounded of the Philistines fell down by the way to Shaaraim,
even unto Gath, and unto Ekron. (See RSV). 1 Chronicles ...
/s/sha-ara'im.htm - 7k

Shilhim (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Aqueducts, a town in the south of Judah (Joshua 15:32);
called also Sharuhen and Shaaraim (19:6). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ...
/s/shilhim.htm - 7k

Sharaim (1 Occurrence)
... Two gates (Joshua 15:36), more correctly Shaaraim (1 Samuel 17:52), probably Tell
Zakariya and Kefr Zakariya, in the valley of Elah, 3 1/2 miles north-west of ...
/s/sharaim.htm - 7k

Unwalled (39 Occurrences)
... places. (BBE). Joshua 15:36 And Shaaraim, and Adithaim, and Gederah, and
Gederothaim; fourteen towns with their unwalled places. (BBE). ...
/u/unwalled.htm - 17k

Gederotha'im (1 Occurrence)
... Gederotha'im (1 Occurrence). Joshua 15:36 and Shaaraim, and Adithaim, and Gederah,
with Gederothaim; fourteen cities with their villages. (See RSV). ...
/g/gederotha'im.htm - 6k

Gai (1 Occurrence)
... to the gates of Ekron. The wounded of the Philistines fell down by the way
to Shaaraim, even to Gath, and to Ekron. (WEB JPS ASV). ...
/g/gai.htm - 7k

Gede'rah (2 Occurrences)
... Gede'rah (2 Occurrences). Joshua 15:36 and Shaaraim, and Adithaim, and Gederah,
with Gederothaim; fourteen cities with their villages. (See RSV). ...
/g/gede'rah.htm - 6k

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