Topical Bible: Shiloh: City of Ephraim, North of Beth-El: Tabernacle Located At

◄ Shiloh: City of Ephraim, North of Beth-El: Tabernacle Located At ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Geographical and Historical Context:
Shiloh was an ancient city located in the hill country of Ephraim, north of Beth-El. It holds significant historical and religious importance in the biblical narrative, particularly during the period of the Judges and the early monarchy of Israel. The city is situated approximately 20 miles north of Jerusalem and served as a central place of worship for the Israelites.

Biblical Significance:
Shiloh is most renowned for being the site where the Tabernacle, the portable dwelling place for the Divine Presence, was set up after the Israelites entered the Promised Land. This made Shiloh the religious center of Israel before the establishment of Jerusalem as the capital. The Tabernacle remained in Shiloh for several centuries, serving as the focal point for Israelite worship and the location of major religious festivals.

Scriptural References:
The Book of Joshua records the initial establishment of the Tabernacle at Shiloh: "The whole congregation of the Israelites assembled at Shiloh and set up the Tent of Meeting there. The land was subdued before them" (Joshua 18:1). This event marked the beginning of Shiloh's prominence as a spiritual center.

Shiloh is also mentioned in the context of the distribution of the land among the tribes of Israel. The remaining land was divided by lot at Shiloh, as described in Joshua 18:8-10. This underscores the city's role as a place of governance and decision-making for the nascent nation.

Religious and Cultural Role:
Shiloh served as the home of the Ark of the Covenant and the center of Israelite worship during the time of the Judges. It was here that Hannah prayed for a son, leading to the birth of Samuel, one of Israel's greatest prophets. The account in 1 Samuel 1:9-20 highlights Shiloh's role as a place of prayer and divine encounter.

The city is also associated with the priest Eli and his sons, who served at the Tabernacle. The narrative of 1 Samuel 2-4 details the moral and spiritual decline of Eli's household and the eventual capture of the Ark by the Philistines, signaling a period of crisis for Israel.

Prophetic and Symbolic References:
Shiloh is mentioned in prophetic literature as a symbol of God's judgment and the consequences of Israel's unfaithfulness. In Jeremiah 7:12, the prophet warns the people of Judah by referencing Shiloh: "Go now to My place that was in Shiloh, where I first made a dwelling for My Name, and see what I did to it because of the wickedness of My people Israel" . This serves as a reminder of the conditional nature of God's presence and blessing.

Archaeological Insights:
Modern archaeological excavations at the site of ancient Shiloh have uncovered remains that corroborate its historical and biblical significance. Findings include remnants of structures that may have been part of the religious complex, as well as artifacts that provide insight into the daily life and worship practices of the Israelites during the period of the Judges.

Legacy:
Shiloh's legacy as a central place of worship and its association with key biblical figures and events make it a significant location in the history of Israel. Its role as the initial dwelling place of the Tabernacle underscores its importance in the religious life of the nation and its enduring place in biblical memory.

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Joshua 18:1-10
And the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the tabernacle of the congregation there. And the land was subdued before them.
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Judges 18:31
And they set them up Micah's graven image, which he made, all the time that the house of God was in Shiloh.
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Judges 21:19
Then they said, Behold, there is a feast of the LORD in Shiloh yearly in a place which is on the north side of Bethel, on the east side of the highway that goes up from Bethel to Shechem, and on the south of Lebonah.
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1 Samuel 1:3,9,21,24
And this man went up out of his city yearly to worship and to sacrifice to the LORD of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the LORD, were there.
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1 Samuel 2:14
And he struck it into the pan, or kettle, or caldron, or pot; all that the meat hook brought up the priest took for himself. So they did in Shiloh to all the Israelites that came thither.
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Psalm 78:60
So that he forsook the tabernacle of Shiloh, the tent which he placed among men;
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Jeremiah 7:12
But go you now to my place which was in Shiloh, where I set my name at the first, and see what I did to it for the wickedness of my people Israel.
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