שַׁעַלְבִים (sha.al.vim)
sha.al.vim
Shaalbim
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
Shaalbim is a place name in Hebrew that translates to "place of foxes." It appears only three times in the Old Testament, specifically within the books of Joshua, Judges, and 1 Kings. The term refers to a town located in the territory originally assigned to the tribe of Dan.
The sources indicate that this settlement was occupied by the Amorites before Israelite control. Its name likely reflects the local geography or wildlife, suggesting an area known for foxes. A related derivative, Shaalbonite (H8170), appears as a personal name or demonym, linking individuals directly to this location.
Although brief in mention, Shaalbim anchors the narrative of tribal inheritance and conquest. It serves as a concrete marker of the complex landscape Israel inherited, where ancient towns retained their identities even as political control shifted among tribes and neighboring peoples.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Shaalbim appears in the Bible as a specific town within the territory of Dan, yet its history is marked by lingering Amorite presence. This detail reminds us that the land promised to Israel was not instantly transformed; it required persistence and reliance on God’s strength to fully secure inheritance. The struggle described in Judges highlights that spiritual and physical possession often involves ongoing effort rather than a single moment of victory.
For your faith, this word illustrates that God’s promises are real but may require patience to unfold. You might face situations where the fullness of God’s blessing feels distant or contested. Like the tribes of Israel at Shaalbim, you are invited to trust that God is working behind the scenes, even when progress seems slow or incomplete.
Ultimately, this place name anchors us in the reality that God keeps His covenant. The fact that these towns are remembered shows that every detail of our journey matters to Him. We can find comfort knowing that He guides us through complex landscapes, ensuring that His purposes are fulfilled in His perfect timing.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ in/ Shaalbim2×
- and/ Shaalabbin1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/בְ/שַֽׁעַלְבִ֖ים1×
- וּ/בְ/שַֽׁעַלְבִ֑ים1×
- וְ/שַֽׁעֲלַבִּ֥ין1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 1:35
but the Amorites would dwell in Mount Heres, in Aijalon, and in Shaalbim. Yet the hand of the house of Joseph prevailed, so that they became subject to forced labor.
This verse highlights the tension between God's promise and the reality of partial occupation, showing how the Amorites retained influence in Shaalbim despite Israel's presence.
-
Joshua 19:42
Shaalabbin, Aijalon, Ithlah,
Here Shaalabbin is listed among the cities assigned to Dan, marking it as part of the specific inheritance God allotted to this tribe.
-
I Kings 4:9
Ben Deker, in Makaz, in Shaalbim, Beth Shemesh, and Elon Beth Hanan;
The mention in Solomon's administrative records shows that Shaalbim remained a recognized and organized community centuries later under royal governance.