### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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.
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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