### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Shikkᵉrôwn** `{{H7942}}`, also rendered as **Shicron**, is a proper name for a place in Palestine. Although its base definition links it to the concept of drunkenness, its sole appearance in scripture is purely geographical. It is mentioned **1 time** in **1 unique verse**, serving as a specific landmark in the demarcation of territory.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single use of **Shicron** `{{H7942}}` occurs in the detailed description of the borders of the tribe of Judah [[Joshua 15:11]]. In this passage, the boundary line is described as being **drawn** `{{H8388}}` to **Shicron** after extending to the side of Ekron `{{H6138}}`. From there, the border **passed along** `{{H5674}}` to **mount** `{{H2022}}` Baalah `{{H1173}}` and ultimately **went out** `{{H3318}}` to the **sea** `{{H3220}}`. The context is strictly topographical, positioning **Shicron** as a key point in establishing the northern boundary of Judah's inheritance.
### Related Words & Concepts
The geographical context of `{{H7942}}` is clarified by several related words used in its only appearance:
* `{{H1366}}` **gᵉbûwl** (border): This word, meaning a boundary or the territory it encloses, is the central concept of the verse. It establishes that **Shicron** is part of a defined and allocated space [[Joshua 15:11]].
* `{{H8388}}` **tâʼar** (was drawn): This verb, which means to delineate or mark out, describes the action of defining the border that includes **Shicron**. It shows the deliberate and precise nature of establishing the territorial line [[Joshua 15:11]].
* `{{H2022}}` **har** (mount): The border's path from **Shicron** to **mount** Baalah situates the landmark within a hilly or mountainous region, emphasizing the physical features used to define the territory [[Joshua 15:11]].
* `{{H3318}}` **yâtsâʼ** (went out): This verb, meaning to go out or proceed, is used to trace the movement and extension of the border as it passes from one landmark to the next, including **Shicron** [[Joshua 15:11]].
### Theological Significance
While `{{H7942}}` itself does not carry direct theological weight, its context within the allocation of land reveals several important themes:
* **Covenantal Boundaries:** The delineation of the **border** `{{H1366}}` where **Shicron** is found is part of the fulfillment of God's promise to give Israel the land. This act of setting boundaries is a recurring theme of God's covenant faithfulness ([[Exodus 23:31]], [[Exodus 34:24]]).
* **Divine Order:** The careful marking out `{{H8388}}` of the land reflects God's nature of establishing order. Just as He set a **bound** `{{H1366}}` for the **sea** `{{H3220}}` that it cannot pass, He establishes the territory for His people [[Jeremiah 5:22]].
* **Landmarks of Inheritance:** The mention of specific places like **Shicron**, Ekron `{{H6138}}`, and mount Baalah `{{H1173}}` serves to ground God's promises in tangible, physical reality. These places become permanent witnesses to the inheritance God provided for His people [[Joshua 15:11]].
### Summary
In summary, **Shikkᵉrôwn** `{{H7942}}` is a geographical place name whose significance is derived entirely from its singular mention. While its name may allude to another concept, its biblical role is that of a marker on a map. Its appearance in the book of Joshua firmly places it within the grander narrative of God's fulfillment of His covenant promises to Israel, illustrating how even a minor landmark plays a role in the divinely-orchestrated establishment of the nation's inheritance.
TRV