### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Shûwnêm**, represented by `{{H7766}}`, refers to **Shunem, a place in Pal**. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses**. Based on its probable origin, the name suggests the concept of "quietly." In scripture, it serves as a specific geographical location tied to tribal inheritance, military conflict, and prophetic ministry.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7766}}` is mentioned in three distinct contexts. Geographically, it is identified as part of a tribal **border** `{{H1366}}`, alongside **Jezreel** `{{H3157}}` and **Chesulloth** `{{H3694}}` [[Joshua 19:18]]. It also features as a strategic military location where the **Philistines** `{{H6430}}` **gathered** `{{H6908}}` and **pitched** `{{H2583}}` their camp for battle against **Saul** `{{H7586}}` and **Israel** `{{H3478}}` [[1 Samuel 28:4]]. Finally, it is known as the home of a "great **woman**" `{{H1419}}` `{{H802}}` who showed hospitality to the prophet **Elisha** `{{H477}}` whenever he **passed by** `{{H5674}}` [[2 Kings 4:8]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words and locations help define the context of Shunem:
* `{{H3157}}` **Yizrᵉʻêʼl** (Jezreel): A nearby town mentioned alongside Shunem in the description of a tribal **border** `{{H1366}}`, helping to establish its location within Israel's territory [[Joshua 19:18]].
* `{{H1533}}` **Gilbôaʻ** (Gilboa): A mountain where **Saul** `{{H7586}}` and the armies of **Israel** `{{H3478}}` encamped, directly across from the **Philistine** `{{H6430}}` forces who were pitched in Shunem [[1 Samuel 28:4]].
* `{{H477}}` **ʼĔlîyshâʻ** (Elisha): The prophet who frequently **passed** `{{H5674}}` to Shunem and was hosted by a prominent **woman** `{{H802}}` of the city, making the location a setting for his ministry [[2 Kings 4:8]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H7766}}` is primarily historical and geographical, marking it as a place of consequence in Israel's story.
* **Territorial Landmark:** Its inclusion in the description of a tribal **border** `{{H1366}}` underscores its role in the formal division of the promised land among the tribes of **Israel** `{{H3478}}` [[Joshua 19:18]].
* **Strategic Military Site:** Shunem served as the staging ground for the **Philistine** `{{H6430}}` army before their decisive battle against King **Saul** `{{H7586}}`, highlighting its tactical importance in the region [[1 Samuel 28:4]].
* **Place of Faith and Hospitality:** The town is the setting for the story of the Shunammite woman, whose generosity toward **Elisha** `{{H477}}` made her home a place of refuge for the prophet. She **constrained** `{{H2388}}` him to **eat** `{{H398}}` **bread** `{{H3899}}` there, showing great faith and kindness [[2 Kings 4:8]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7766}}` is a place name that carries significant weight in the biblical record. Though mentioned only three times, Shunem is presented as a defined tribal border, a key battlefield location, and the home of a faithful woman who supported God's prophet. It demonstrates how specific locations are woven into the fabric of scripture, providing the physical stage for pivotal moments in Israel's history, from conquest and war to acts of personal devotion.
TRV