Overview:
Shalim is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the narrative involving Saul, the first king of Israel. The name "Shalim" is associated with a region or area that Saul visited during his search for his father's lost donkeys. The mention of Shalim provides insight into the geographical and cultural setting of ancient Israel during the time of the judges and the early monarchy.

Biblical Reference:
The primary reference to Shalim is found in 1 Samuel 9:4. The passage describes Saul's journey as he searches for the lost donkeys of his father, Kish. The Berean Standard Bible renders the verse as follows:

"So Saul passed through the hill country of Ephraim and through the land of Shalishah, but they did not find them. Then they went into the land of Shaalim, but they were not there. Next he went through the land of the Benjamites, but they did not find them."

Geographical Context:
Shalim, or Shaalim as it is sometimes rendered, is believed to be a region located near the territory of Benjamin. The exact location of Shalim is not definitively known, but it is thought to be in the vicinity of the hill country of Ephraim, as indicated by the sequence of Saul's journey. The mention of Shalim alongside other regions such as Shalishah and the land of the Benjamites suggests it was part of a broader area that Saul traversed in his search.

Cultural and Historical Significance:
The narrative of Saul's search for the donkeys provides a glimpse into the daily life and challenges faced by the Israelites during this period. The mention of Shalim highlights the agrarian lifestyle and the importance of livestock in the economy and sustenance of the people. The search for the lost donkeys also serves as a prelude to Saul's anointing as king, marking a significant transition in Israel's history from the period of the judges to the establishment of the monarchy.

Theological Implications:
From a theological perspective, the account involving Shalim underscores the providence of God in the unfolding of Israel's history. Saul's seemingly mundane task of searching for lost donkeys leads to a divinely orchestrated encounter with the prophet Samuel, who anoints him as king. This narrative illustrates how God can use ordinary circumstances to fulfill His purposes and advance His plans for His people.

Conclusion:
While Shalim is a minor geographical reference in the biblical text, its inclusion in the narrative of Saul's journey provides valuable context for understanding the historical and cultural backdrop of early Israel. The account of Saul's search and subsequent anointing as king serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and the intricate ways in which He guides the course of history.Shalim

same as Salim

Shalim, Land of

Land of foxes, a place apparently to the north-west of Jerusalem (1 Samuel 9:4), perhaps in the neighbourhood of Shaalabbin in Dan (Joshua 19:42).

SHALIM

sha'-lim.

See SHAALIM.

8171. Shealim -- an area searched by Saul
... Shalim. Plural of shuw'al; foxes; Shaalim, a place in Palestine -- Shalim. see HEBREW
shuw'al. 8170, 8171. Shealim. 8172 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/8171.htm - 6kShalim (1 Occurrence)
... Easton's Bible Dictionary Shalim, Land of. ... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SHALIM.
sha'-lim. See SHAALIM. Multi-Version Concordance Shalim (1 Occurrence). ...
/s/shalim.htm - 7k

Shalem (1 Occurrence)

/s/shalem.htm - 8k

Shaalim (1 Occurrence)
... sha'-a-lim ('erets sha`alim; Codex Vaticanus tes ges Easakem; Codex Alexandrinus
tes ges Saaleim; the King James Version Shalim): Saul in search of his ...
/s/shaalim.htm - 7k

Shalisha (1 Occurrence)

/s/shalisha.htm - 7k

Shual (6 Occurrences)
... Land of the fox, a district in the tribe of Benjamin (1 Samuel 13:17); possibly
the same as Shalim (9:4), in the neighbourhood of Shaalabbin (Joshua 19:42). ...
/s/shual.htm - 9k

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

Benjaminites (32 Occurrences)
... 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, and there ...
/b/benjaminites.htm - 16k

Land (19790 Occurrences)
... sha'-a-lim ('erets sha`alim; Codex Vaticanus tes ges Easakem; Codex Alexandrinus
tes ges Saaleim; the King James Version Shalim): Saul in search of his ...
/l/land.htm - 21k

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