שַׁלְמַן (shal.man)
shal.man
Shalman
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Shalman appears in only one verse of Scripture, Hosea 10:14, where it serves as a shorthand reference to the Assyrian king better known as Shalmaneser. In this context, the prophet uses the shortened form to describe military attacks on Israel’s fortified cities, linking political conquest directly to divine judgment.
Lexical sources identify Shalman as a contraction of Shalmaneser, likely meaning "fire-worshipper." While some traditions suggest it might refer to an obscure predecessor of Pul, the text treats it simply as another name for the Assyrian ruler who threatened Samaria. The brevity of the reference highlights how familiar Hosea’s audience was with these foreign powers, requiring no further introduction.
By using this abbreviated title, the biblical author emphasizes the immediacy of the threat rather than the king’s full regal titles. The name itself, rooted in Assyrian religious concepts, stands as a stark reminder of the geopolitical forces that shaped Israel’s history during the divided monarchy period.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Shalman appears only once in Scripture, tucked into Hosea 10:14 as a shorthand for the Assyrian king Shalmaneser. This brief reference reminds us that ancient Israel faced real military threats from powerful empires. The prophet describes how fortified cities were destroyed, linking these political conquests directly to divine judgment against the nation's unfaithfulness.
For your faith today, this word highlights the seriousness of turning away from God. It shows that spiritual rebellion has tangible consequences in our lives and communities. When we prioritize other loyalties over God, we invite chaos into our secure places. Yet, even in judgment, God’s message is clear: return to Him. This historical warning invites us to examine where we might be placing our trust in temporary security rather than in the Lord.
While the threat was real and immediate for Hosea’s audience, this passage also points to our need for a Savior who can rescue us from all enemies. It calls us to humility and reliance on God alone, knowing that He is the only true fortress for our souls.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Shalman1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- שַֽׁלְמַ֛ן1×
Key Verses
-
Hosea 10:14
Therefore a battle roar will arise among your people, and all your fortresses will be destroyed, as Shalman destroyed Beth Arbel in the day of battle. The mother was dashed in pieces with her children.
This verse uses Shalman as a historical example of how God allowed Assyrian military force to destroy Israel's fortified cities as judgment for their idolatry.