### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term **Shûwr**, represented by `{{H7793}}`, refers to **Shur, a region of the Desert**. It appears **6 times** across **6 unique verses** in the Bible. This term consistently denotes a specific geographical location, a wilderness area that serves as a significant landmark in Old Testament narratives.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H7793}}` is used to establish geographical boundaries and settings for key events. After the Israelites crossed the Red Sea, **Moses** `{{H4872}}` led them into "the wilderness of **Shur**," where they journeyed for three days without finding water [[Exodus 15:22]]. The region is often located in relation to Egypt; for instance, **Saul** `{{H7586}}` smote the Amalekites from Havilah to **Shur**, which is described as being "over against **Egypt**" `{{H4714}}` [[1 Samuel 15:7]]. Similarly, it marks the territory inhabited by the descendants of Ishmael [[Genesis 25:18]] and is the place where **Abraham** `{{H85}}` dwelled for a time between **Kadesh** `{{H6946}}` and **Shur** [[Genesis 20:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related geographical terms help to define the location and context of Shur:
* `{{H4057}}` **midbâr** (wilderness): This term directly describes the nature of Shur. Israel went out into the "wilderness of **Shur**" [[Exodus 15:22]], and an angel found Hagar in the **wilderness** on the way to Shur [[Genesis 16:7]].
* `{{H4714}}` **Mitsrayim** (Egypt): Shur is consistently positioned relative to **Egypt**. It is described as being "before **Egypt**" [[Genesis 25:18]] and on the route toward the land of **Egypt** [[1 Samuel 27:8]], making it a critical border region.
* `{{H2341}}` **Chăvîylâh** (Havilah): This location is used as an opposing boundary to Shur, defining the expanse of a territory. The area from **Havilah** to Shur is mentioned as the dwelling place of Ishmael's descendants [[Genesis 25:18]] and the extent of Saul's campaign [[1 Samuel 15:7]].
* `{{H6946}}` **Qâdêsh** (Kadesh): This place in the Desert is mentioned alongside Shur as a boundary marker for where Abraham dwelled, situating his movements "between **Kadesh** and Shur" [[Genesis 20:1]].
### Theological Significance
The geographical setting of `{{H7793}}` provides the backdrop for significant thematic elements:
* **A Place of Journey and Transition:** Shur is a region people travel through. The Israelites begin their wilderness journey in the wilderness of Shur immediately after their deliverance [[Exodus 15:22]]. Abraham also journeyed to and dwelled near this region [[Genesis 20:1]].
* **A Geographical Boundary:** The name is repeatedly used to mark the limits of a territory or the direction of a route. It defines the lands of certain peoples [[Genesis 25:18]] and the scope of military campaigns [[1 Samuel 15:7]], often marking the frontier before reaching Egypt.
* **A Site of Testing and Divine Encounter:** The wilderness of Shur is where Israel first experiences hardship after the exodus, going three days without water [[Exodus 15:22]]. It is also on the "way to **Shur**" that the angel of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` finds Hagar by a fountain, offering her a divine promise [[Genesis 16:7]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7793}}` **Shûwr** is not an abstract concept but a concrete geographical location—a wilderness region that plays a key role as a boundary and a transitional space in the Old Testament. It serves as the backdrop for moments of national testing for **Israel** `{{H3478}}`, personal sojourning for **Abraham** `{{H85}}`, and divine intervention for Hagar. While a simple place name, its consistent use helps to map out the narrative landscape of the patriarchs and the exodus.
TRV