### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Shîylôh**, represented by `{{H7887}}`, is the name of **a place in Palestine**. It appears 32 times across 30 unique verses in the Bible. This location served as a primary religious and political center for Israel after the conquest of Canaan, establishing it as a place of immense historical and theological importance.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Shiloh** `{{H7887}}` is where the whole congregation of Israel first **assembled together** `{{H6950}}` to set up the **tabernacle** `{{H168}}` [[Joshua 18:1]]. It was at **Shiloh** `{{H7887}}` that Joshua divided the remaining land as an **inheritance** `{{H5159}}` to the tribes by **lot** `{{H1486}}` before the LORD ([[Joshua 18:10]], [[Joshua 19:51]]). The **ark** `{{H727}}` of the covenant was kept there, and the site was a center for annual **feasts** `{{H2282}}` and sacrifices ([[Judges 21:19]], [[1 Samuel 1:3]]). Later, the prophet Jeremiah used the fate of **Shiloh** `{{H7887}}` as a stark warning, referencing how God forsook His **place** `{{H4725}}` there due to Israel's wickedness and would do the same to the house in Jerusalem ([[Jeremiah 7:12-14]], [[Jeremiah 26:6]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words highlight the central role of **Shiloh** `{{H7887}}` as the early seat of worship:
* `{{H1004}}` **bayith** (house): This term is frequently used to refer to the "house of the LORD" located in **Shiloh** `{{H7887}}`, where Hannah prayed and Samuel served [[1 Samuel 1:24]]. The destruction of this **house** became a prophetic symbol [[Jeremiah 7:14]].
* `{{H168}}` **ʼôhel** (tabernacle): This word denotes the sacred tent set up by the congregation of Israel at **Shiloh** `{{H7887}}` after subduing the land [[Joshua 18:1]]. Its abandonment is noted in Psalms, which states God **forsook** `{{H5203}}` the **tabernacle** of **Shiloh** `{{H7887}}` [[Psalms 78:60]].
* `{{H727}}` **ʼârôwn** (ark): The **ark** of the covenant, which represented God's presence, resided in **Shiloh** `{{H7887}}`. It was fetched from **Shiloh** `{{H7887}}` before the battle with the Philistines, leading to its capture and the subsequent fall of the house of Eli [[1 Samuel 4:3-4]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of **Shiloh** `{{H7887}}` is significant, marking a pivotal era in Israel's relationship with God.
* **The Chosen Place:** **Shiloh** `{{H7887}}` was the first place in the promised land where God chose to **set** `{{H7931}}` His name, establishing a central sanctuary for the tribes [[Jeremiah 7:12]].
* **Divine Revelation:** It was a place where God **revealed** `{{H1540}}` Himself to His people. The LORD appeared again in **Shiloh** `{{H7887}}` and revealed Himself to **Samuel** `{{H8050}}` by the **word** `{{H1697}}` of the LORD [[1 Samuel 3:21]].
* **A Symbol of Judgment:** The abandonment and desolation of **Shiloh** `{{H7887}}` serves as a powerful biblical object lesson. God made it a warning against faithless worship, showing that His presence is not tied to a physical structure but to the obedience of His people ([[Jeremiah 7:14]], [[Jeremiah 26:9]]).
### Summary
In summary, **Shiloh** `{{H7887}}` is far more than a historical town. It represents the initial establishment of centralized worship for Israel in Canaan, housing the tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant. It was a place of divine revelation and national gathering, but its eventual desolation transformed it into an enduring scriptural symbol of how sin and unfaithfulness lead to divine judgment and the removal of God's manifest presence.
TRV