Topical Encyclopedia Biblical References: Shal'ishah is mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the narrative concerning Saul, the first king of Israel. The primary reference to Shal'ishah is found in 1 Samuel 9:4. Geographical Context: Shal'ishah is identified as a region or district in ancient Israel. The exact location of Shal'ishah is not definitively known, but it is generally considered to be in the central part of the land, possibly within the territory of Ephraim. The region is mentioned in the context of Saul's search for his father's lost donkeys, indicating it was part of the route he traveled. Biblical Narrative: In 1 Samuel 9:4, the text states: "So Saul passed through the hill country of Ephraim and through the land of Shalishah, but they did not find them. They went on into the region of Shaalim, but the donkeys were not there. Then he passed through the land of Benjamin, but they did not find them." This passage is part of the larger narrative that leads to Saul's anointing as king by the prophet Samuel. The mention of Shal'ishah highlights the extensive search undertaken by Saul and his servant, demonstrating Saul's diligence and the providential guidance that eventually leads him to Samuel. Historical and Cultural Insights: The mention of Shal'ishah, along with other regions such as Shaalim and the land of Benjamin, provides insight into the tribal divisions and geographical understanding of ancient Israel. The narrative reflects the agrarian lifestyle of the time, where the loss of livestock was a significant concern, prompting extensive searches across multiple regions. Theological Significance: From a theological perspective, the journey through Shal'ishah and other regions underscores the theme of divine providence and guidance. Saul's seemingly mundane task of searching for lost donkeys becomes the means by which God orchestrates his encounter with Samuel, setting the stage for Saul's anointing as king. This reflects the biblical theme that God is sovereign over the affairs of men, using ordinary events to fulfill His divine purposes. Linguistic Notes: The name "Shal'ishah" is derived from the Hebrew root "שלש" (shalash), which can mean "three" or "third." Some scholars suggest that the name may indicate a third district or a place associated with the number three, though the exact significance remains uncertain. Archaeological Considerations: While the precise location of Shal'ishah has not been identified through archaeological evidence, its mention alongside other known regions provides a framework for understanding the geography of ancient Israel. Continued archaeological exploration in the central hill country may yield further insights into the historical context of Shal'ishah. Conclusion: The brief mention of Shal'ishah in the biblical narrative serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of geography, history, and theology in the Scriptures. It illustrates how God uses the ordinary paths of life to lead His people according to His divine plan. Concordance Shal'ishah (1 Occurrence)1 Samuel 9:4 Thesaurus Shal'ishah (1 Occurrence)Shal'ishah. Shalishah, Shal'ishah. Shall . Multi-Version Concordance Shal'ishah (1 Occurrence). 1 Samuel 9:4 And he passed through ... /s/shal'ishah.htm - 6k Ba'al-shal'ishah (1 Occurrence) Shalishah (2 Occurrences) Baal-shalishah (1 Occurrence) Baaltamar (1 Occurrence) Shall (64703 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
    |