The Hebrew word Shîychôwr, represented by H7883, refers to a specific body of water known as Shichor or Sihor. It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible. The name is probably derived from a word meaning dark, which suggests a turbid stream, and is explicitly identified as a stream of Egypt.
In the biblical narrative, H7883 is used primarily as a geographical marker and a symbol of Egypt. It serves to define a southern boundary, as seen when the land to be conquered is described as extending "From Sihor, which is before Egypt" Joshua 13:3. Similarly, David gathered the people of Israel "from Shihor of Egypt" to bring back the ark 1 Chronicles 13:5. In a prophetic context, turning to "drink the waters of Sihor" is a metaphor for relying on Egypt instead of God Jeremiah 2:18. It is also associated with commerce, where "the seed of Sihor" and "the harvest of the river" are mentioned as a source of revenue Isaiah 23:3.
Several related words help clarify the context of Sihor as a specific body of water tied to Egypt:
- H2975 yᵉʼôr (a channel... specifically the Nile... brook, flood, river, stream): This word for a river or stream is used in parallel with Sihor in Isaiah 23:3, connecting the "seed of Sihor" to the "harvest of the river." It is frequently used to refer to the Nile, as when Pharaoh is said to have stood by the river in his dream Genesis 41:1.
- H4714 Mitsrayim (Egypt, Egyptians, Mizraim): This is the proper name for Egypt, the nation with which Sihor is consistently associated. The Bible refers to it as "Shihor of Egypt" 1 Chronicles 13:5 and places it "before Egypt" Joshua 13:3.
- H4325 mayim (water): This general term for water is used in Jeremiah 2:18, which questions the act of going to Egypt "to drink the waters of Sihor," highlighting the stream as a source of physical sustenance.
The geographical and symbolic significance of H7883 is notable in the Old Testament.
- Definitive Boundary: Sihor serves as a clear and recognized border marker. It defines the southern edge of the territory of the Canaanites Joshua 13:3 and represents the southern extent of David's kingdom when he gathered all Israel 1 Chronicles 13:5.
- Symbol of Egyptian Sustenance: The stream is associated with Egypt's agricultural wealth. Isaiah speaks of "the seed of Sihor" and "the harvest of the river" as a source of revenue and a feature of a "mart of nations" Isaiah 23:3.
- Metaphor for Foreign Reliance: In Jeremiah's prophecy, to "drink the waters of Sihor" symbolizes a faithless reliance on the nation of Egypt for security and provision, which is contrasted with trusting in the Lord Jeremiah 2:18.
In summary, H7883 is more than just a name on a map. It is a specific stream of Egypt, whose name suggests a dark or turbid quality. Biblically, it functions as a crucial geographical landmark that defines the borders of Israelite and Canaanite territory. Furthermore, it carries symbolic weight, representing both the agricultural wealth of Egypt and the spiritual folly of placing trust in foreign powers rather than in God.
TRV