The term "Shi'lonite" refers to an individual or a group associated with Shiloh, an ancient city in the land of Israel. Shiloh holds significant historical and religious importance as it was the location of the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant before the establishment of Jerusalem as the central place of worship. The term "Shi'lonite" is used to describe people or things originating from or connected to Shiloh.

Biblical References:

1. Ahijah the Shi'lonite: One of the most notable figures associated with this term is Ahijah the Shi'lonite, a prophet during the reign of King Solomon and Jeroboam. Ahijah played a crucial role in the division of the united monarchy of Israel. In 1 Kings 11:29-31 , it is recorded: "At that time, when Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem, the prophet Ahijah the Shi'lonite met him on the road, wearing a new cloak. And the two of them were alone in the open field. And Ahijah took hold of the new cloak he was wearing, tore it into twelve pieces, and said to Jeroboam, 'Take ten pieces for yourself, for this is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: ‘Behold, I will tear the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon and give you ten tribes.'"

2. Shiloh as a Religious Center: Shiloh was the religious center of Israel during the period of the Judges. It was here that the Tabernacle was set up after the conquest of Canaan, and it remained the central place of worship until the time of Samuel. The significance of Shiloh is highlighted in passages such as Joshua 18:1 : "Then the whole congregation of the Israelites assembled at Shiloh and set up the Tent of Meeting there. And the land was subdued before them."

3. Prophetic Significance: The name "Shiloh" is also associated with a messianic prophecy found in Genesis 49:10 : "The scepter will not depart from Judah, nor the staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes and the allegiance of the nations is his." This verse has been traditionally interpreted by many conservative scholars as a reference to the coming of the Messiah, who would bring peace and gather the nations.

Historical Context:

Shiloh was located in the territory of Ephraim, approximately 20 miles north of Jerusalem. It served as the religious and political center of Israel during the early years of the Israelite settlement in Canaan. The city is mentioned multiple times in the Old Testament, particularly in the books of Joshua, Judges, and 1 Samuel.

The destruction of Shiloh is not explicitly detailed in the Bible, but it is implied in passages such as Jeremiah 7:12-14 , where the prophet warns the people of Judah by reminding them of what happened to Shiloh: "But 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."

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the Shi'lonite connection underscores the importance of Shiloh as a place of divine revelation and judgment. The role of Ahijah the Shi'lonite as a prophet signifies the continuation of God's communication with His people, even during times of political upheaval and division. The prophetic actions and messages delivered by Ahijah highlight the sovereignty of God in directing the course of Israel's history according to His divine plan.

In summary, the term "Shi'lonite" serves as a reminder of Shiloh's historical and spiritual significance in the biblical narrative, representing both a physical location and a symbol of God's presence and prophetic voice among His people.Shi'lonite (6 Occurrences)

1 Kings 11:29
And it came to pass at that time, when Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem, that the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite found him in the way; now Ahijah had clad himself with a new garment; and they two were alone in the field.
(See RSV)

1 Kings 12:15
So the king hearkened not unto the people; for it was a thing brought about of the LORD, that He might establish His word, which the LORD spoke by the hand of Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat.
(See RSV)

1 Kings 15:29
And it came to pass that, as soon as he was king, he smote all the house of Jeroboam; he left not to Jeroboam any that breathed, until he had destroyed him; according unto the saying of the LORD, which He spoke by the hand of His servant Ahijah the Shilonite;
(See RSV)

2 Chronicles 9:29
Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, first and last, are they not written in the words of Nathan the prophet, and in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and in the visions of Jedo the seer concerning Jeroboam the son of Nebat?
(See RSV)

2 Chronicles 10:15
So the king hearkened not unto the people; for it was brought about of God, that the LORD might establish His word, which He spoke by the hand of Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat.
(See RSV)

Nehemiah 11:5
and Maaseiah the son of Baruch, the son of Colhozeh, the son of Hazaiah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zechariah, the son of the Shilonite.
(See RSV)

Shi'lonite (6 Occurrences)
Shi'lonite. Shilonite, Shi'lonite. Shilonites . Multi-Version Concordance
Shi'lonite (6 Occurrences). 1 Kings 11:29 And it came ...
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Shilonite (7 Occurrences)

/s/shilonite.htm - 10k

Shilonites (1 Occurrence)

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