Lexical Summary Shaalbim: Shaalbim Original Word: שַׁעַלְבִים Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Shaalabbin, Shaalbim Or Sha.alabbiyn {shah-al-ab-been'}; plural from shuw'al; fox-holes; Shaalbim or Shaalabbin, a place in Palestine -- Shaalabbin, Shaalbim. see HEBREW shuw'al NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom the same as shual Definition perhaps "(haunt of) foxes," a city in Dan NASB Translation Shaalabbin (1), Shaalbim (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs שַׁעַלְבִים proper name, of a location (perhaps haunt of foxes; Arabic  , Assyrian šêlibu, fox); — in (original) territory of Dan, Judges 1:35 (compare GFM, on etymology and site), 1 Kings 4:9, Θαλαβεειν, Σαλαβειμ, Judges also αἱ ἀλώπεκες, as doublet, or (A ᵐ5L) alone; = שַׁעֲלַבִּין Joshua 19:42, Σα(α)λαβειν. שַׁעֲלַבִּין see foregoing. Topical Lexicon Geographic Setting Shaalbim (also rendered Shaalabbin, Shaalabbim) lies in the southwestern foothills of Ephraim, on the border between the Shephelah and the Aijalon Valley. The site is commonly identified with modern Shaalvim, approximately 17 miles (27 km) northwest of Jerusalem, just south of the modern Tel Aijalon. Its strategic location gave it access to the coastal plain while guarding approaches to the central highlands. Occurrences in Scripture • Joshua 19:42 lists Shaalbim among the towns allotted to the tribe of Dan. Historical Background 1. Allocation to Dan (Joshua 19) Shaalbim belonged to Dan’s inheritance, anchoring the northernmost edge of the tribal territory. Its inclusion with Aijalon, Elon, and Gibbethon points to a defensive line along a vital east–west trade route. Dan’s inability to dislodge the Amorites at Shaalbim illustrates the larger national problem of incomplete conquest. The record shows that Shaalbim remained under Canaanite influence even after initial settlement, emphasizing the cost of partial obedience. After David’s consolidation of Israel’s borders, Solomon counted Shaalbim as part of Ben-deker’s district (1 Kings 4:9). This reflects (a) population stability, (b) agricultural productivity, and (c) improved security, all of which supported the centralized provisions for Solomon’s court and the temple. Archaeological Notes Tell el-Selbit and nearby Khirbet Kefir ha-Shaalvim preserve Bronze and Iron Age remains, winepresses, and fortifications dating to the united monarchy. Pottery evidence confirms a continuous occupation from the Late Bronze Age into the Iron II period, matching the biblical timeline. The modern kibbutz Shaalvim preserves the ancient name, strengthening the identification. Theological and Ministry Implications • Obedience and Consequence: Dan’s failure at Shaalbim warns against tolerating partial obedience (Judges 1:35). Persistent pockets of resistance sap covenant blessing. Related Passages and Themes • Judges 18 narrates Dan’s later migration northward, indirectly confirming Shaalbim’s unresolved security. Summary Shaalbim traces a trajectory from promised possession, through compromise, to productive integration. It stands as a geographical and spiritual marker, reminding God’s people that neglected obedience yields lingering opposition, yet God’s redemptive purposes ultimately prevail. Forms and Transliterations וְשַֽׁעֲלַבִּ֥ין וּבְשַֽׁעַלְבִ֑ים וּבְשַֽׁעַלְבִ֖ים ובשעלבים ושעלבין ū·ḇə·ša·‘al·ḇîm ūḇəša‘alḇîm uveshaalVim veshaalabBin wə·ša·‘ă·lab·bîn wəša‘ălabbînLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Joshua 19:42 HEB: וְשַֽׁעֲלַבִּ֥ין וְאַיָּל֖וֹן וְיִתְלָֽה׃ NAS: and Shaalabbin and Aijalon and Ithlah, KJV: And Shaalabbin, and Ajalon, INT: and Shaalabbin and Aijalon and Ithlah Judges 1:35 1 Kings 4:9 3 Occurrences |
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