Biblical References:
Shalisha is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the narrative concerning Saul, the first king of Israel. The primary reference to Shalisha is found in 1 Samuel 9:4: "So Saul passed through the hill country of Ephraim and through the land of Shalishah, but they did not find them. They also went through the land of Shaalim, but they were not there. Then he went through the land of the Benjamites, but they did not find them."

Geographical Context:
Shalisha is described as a region or district in ancient Israel. Its exact location is not definitively known, but it is generally considered to be in the vicinity of the hill country of Ephraim. The mention of Shalisha in the context of Saul's search for his father's lost donkeys suggests it was a recognizable area during the time of the early monarchy in Israel.

Historical and Cultural Context:
The narrative involving Shalisha occurs during a pivotal moment in Israel's history, as the nation transitions from a loose confederation of tribes to a centralized monarchy. Saul's journey through Shalisha is part of the divine orchestration leading to his anointing as king by the prophet Samuel. This event underscores the providential guidance of God in the establishment of Israel's monarchy.

Theological Significance:
The mention of Shalisha, though brief, is part of a larger narrative demonstrating God's sovereignty and involvement in the affairs of His people. Saul's journey, which includes passing through Shalisha, is marked by a series of divinely orchestrated events that lead to his encounter with Samuel. This reflects the biblical theme of God's guidance and provision, even in seemingly mundane circumstances.

Linguistic Notes:
The name "Shalisha" is derived from the Hebrew root "שלש" (shalash), which means "three" or "third." Some scholars suggest that the name could imply a division of land or a third part, though the exact significance of the name in this context remains uncertain.

Related Biblical Themes:
· Divine Providence: The account of Saul's journey, including his passage through Shalisha, highlights the theme of divine providence. God uses ordinary events, such as the search for lost donkeys, to fulfill His purposes.
· Leadership and Kingship: The narrative surrounding Shalisha is part of the larger account of Saul's rise to kingship, illustrating the biblical principles of leadership and the role of divine selection in appointing leaders.
· Obedience and Faithfulness: Saul's obedience to his father's request to search for the donkeys, even when the task seems fruitless, serves as an example of faithfulness in small duties, which ultimately leads to greater responsibilities.

Archaeological Insights:
While there is no direct archaeological evidence pinpointing the exact location of Shalisha, the general area of the hill country of Ephraim has been the subject of various archaeological studies. These studies provide insights into the settlement patterns and cultural practices of the time, offering a broader understanding of the historical context in which the biblical narrative unfolds.Shalisha

three; the third; prince; captain

Shalisha

A district adjoining Mount Ephraim on the west, 1 Samuel 9:4. Baal-shalisha is placed by Eusebius fifteen miles from Lydda, towards the north.

Shalisha, Land of

Probably the district of Baal-shalisha (2 Kings 4:42), lying about 12 miles north of Lydda (1 Samuel 9:4).

1190. Baal Shalishah -- "Baal of Shalishah," a place in Palestine
... Baal-shalisha. From Ba'al and Shalishah; Baal of Shalishah, Baal-Shalishah, a place
in Palestine -- Baal-shalisha. see HEBREW Ba'al. see HEBREW Shalishah. ...
/hebrew/1190.htm - 6k

8031. Shalishah -- an area of Isr. searched by Saul
... searched by Saul NASB Word Usage Shalishah (1). Shalisha. Feminine from shalash;
trebled land; Shalishah, a place in Palestine -- Shalisha. see HEBREW shalash. ...
/hebrew/8031.htm - 6k

Shalisha (1 Occurrence)
...Shalisha, Land of. Probably the district of Baal-shalisha (2 Kings 4:42), lying
about 12 miles north of Lydda (1 Samuel 9:4). ...Shalisha (1 Occurrence). ...
/s/shalisha.htm - 7k

Baal-shalisha (1 Occurrence)
Baal-shalisha. Baalshalisha, Baal-shalisha. Baalshalishah . Easton's Bible
Dictionary ... Multi-Version Concordance Baal-shalisha (1 Occurrence). ...
/b/baal-shalisha.htm - 7k

Baalshalisha (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Lord of Shalisha, a place from which a man came with
provisions for Elisha, apparently not far from Gilgal (2 Kings 4:42). ...
/b/baalshalisha.htm - 7k

Shalim (1 Occurrence)
... 1 Samuel 9:4 And he passed through mount Ephraim, and passed through the land of
Shalisha, but they found them not: then they passed through the land of Shalim ...
/s/shalim.htm - 7k

Shalishah (2 Occurrences)

/s/shalishah.htm - 8k

Baalshalishah

/b/baalshalishah.htm - 7k

Saul (371 Occurrences)
... of God"), Saul and his servant went toward the north-west over Mount Ephraim, and
then turning north-east they came to "the land of Shalisha," and thence ...
/s/saul.htm - 76k

Benjaminites (32 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 9:4 And he passed through mount Ephraim, and passed through the land of
Shalisha, but they found them not: then they passed through the land of Shalim ...
/b/benjaminites.htm - 16k

Passeth (100 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 9:4 And he passeth over through the hill-country of Ephraim, and passeth
over through the land of Shalisha, and they have not found; and they pass ...
/p/passeth.htm - 36k

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