plural of שֶׁבֶר; ruins; Shebarim, a place in Palestine; Shebarim.
Transliteration:Shᵉbârîym
Pronunciation:sheb-aw-reem'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word `{{H7671}}` (שְׁבָרִים - Shᵉbârîym) is the plural form of the noun `{{H7667}}` (שֶׁבֶר - sheber), which fundamentally means "breaking," "breach," "fracture," "ruin," or "destruction." As a plural, `{{H7671}}` intensifies this sense, denoting "ruins," "fragments," "shattered pieces," or multiple instances of "breaking" or "calamity." Its semantic range encompasses the aftermath of significant destruction or the state of being broken into many pieces. Uniquely, in its sole biblical occurrence, `{{H7671}}` functions as a proper noun, referring to a specific geographical location. This suggests that the place itself was named due to its physical characteristics (e.g., broken terrain, remnants of past devastation) or in commemoration of a significant event involving a "breaking" or defeat that occurred there.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word `{{H7671}}` (שְׁבָרִים - Shᵉbârîym) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, specifically in [[Joshua 7:5]]. The context is crucial for understanding its significance:
"For the men of Ai struck down about thirty-six men and pursued them from the gate as far as Shebarim and struck them down on the descent. So the hearts of the people melted and became as water."
This verse describes the disastrous defeat of the Israelite army at Ai, which occurred after Achan's sin of taking devoted things from Jericho. Shebarim is identified as the geographical point to which the men of Ai pursued and slaughtered the fleeing Israelites. The mention of "the descent" (מֹורָד - morad) alongside Shebarim further paints a picture of a desperate, downhill flight. The name "Shebarim" itself, meaning "breakings" or "ruins," serves as a grim and poignant descriptor of the event. It is not merely a neutral geographical marker but a name that encapsulates the utter defeat, the shattering of Israel's confidence, and the breaking of their military strength in that moment. The place name thus becomes a memorial to the consequences of disobedience and the profound humiliation experienced by the Israelites.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic relationship of `{{H7671}}` is to its singular form, `{{H7667}}` (שֶׁבֶר - sheber), which is widely used throughout the Old Testament to denote various forms of breaking, from physical objects (e.g., [[Jeremiah 19:11]] - broken potter's vessel) to national calamities (e.g., [[Isaiah 1:5]] - a land full of wounds and bruises, literally "breakings"). The verbal root from which both nouns derive is `{{H7665}}` (שָׁבַר - shavar), meaning "to break," "to shatter," or "to burst."
Thematically, `{{H7671}}` connects to several significant biblical concepts:
* **Consequences of Disobedience:** The event at Shebarim is a direct result of Israel's violation of God's command regarding the *cherem* (devoted things), linking "breakings" to divine judgment and the consequences of sin (e.g., [[Leviticus 26:19]] - "I will break the pride of your power").
* **Defeat and Humiliation:** In military contexts, "breaking" often signifies a rout or defeat (e.g., [[Judges 7:22]] - the Midianites "broke" and fled). Shebarim embodies this military humiliation.
* **Covenant Breach:** The concept of "breaking" extends to the breaking of covenants (e.g., [[Jeremiah 11:10]] - "They have broken my covenant"), which leads to severe repercussions, paralleling Israel's brokenness at this location.
* **Brokenness and Repentance:** While "Shebarim" represents a destructive breaking, the Bible also speaks of a spiritual "brokenness" that is pleasing to God, such as a "broken and contrite heart" (e.g., [[Psalm 51:17]]), which signifies humility and repentance.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Shebarim, despite its single occurrence, is profound due to its context in the Joshua narrative.
* **Divine Justice and Holiness:** Shebarim stands as a stark testament to God's unwavering holiness and justice. The defeat was not due to Ai's strength but to God's withdrawal of favor because of sin in the camp. It demonstrates that God is faithful to His covenant, which includes both blessings for obedience and curses for disobedience. The "breakings" at Shebarim were God's necessary discipline to purge sin and restore Israel's purity.
* **Corporate Responsibility:** The incident at Ai and the defeat at Shebarim underscore the principle of corporate responsibility. Achan's individual sin brought calamity upon the entire community, highlighting the interconnectedness of the covenant people before a holy God.
* **Dependence on God:** The humiliation at Shebarim served to remind Israel of their absolute dependence on Yahweh for victory and success. Without God's presence and blessing, even a small enemy could inflict a devastating "breaking." This experience forced Israel to humble themselves, confess their sin, and seek God's renewed favor.
* **Symbol of Consequences:** The very name "Shebarim" becomes a powerful theological symbol. It is not merely a place but a grim commentary on the consequences of unfaithfulness. It signifies that breaking covenant with God inevitably leads to "breakings" in one's life, whether individually or corporately, manifesting as defeat, ruin, and spiritual distress.
### Summary
The Hebrew word `{{H7671}}` (שְׁבָרִים - Shᵉbârîym), meaning "ruins" or "breakings," functions as a proper noun for a specific geographical location mentioned only once in [[Joshua 7:5]]. This place, Shebarim, marks the extent of Israel's humiliating defeat at Ai, which was a direct consequence of Achan's sin and the nation's corporate disobedience to God's command. Derived from the root `{{H7667}}` (שֶׁבֶר), signifying "breaking" or "destruction," the name "Shebarim" itself is deeply symbolic. It serves as a grim memorial to the "breaking" of Israel's military strength and spirit due to their broken covenant with God. Theologically, Shebarim highlights the severe consequences of sin, God's unwavering justice, and the critical dependence of Israel on divine favor for success and well-being. It stands as a powerful reminder that unfaithfulness leads to "breakings" and ruin, underscoring the necessity of repentance and obedience to maintain God's blessing.
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