### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word שַׁלֶּכֶת (shalleketh, `{{H7995}}`) is a feminine noun derived from the verbal root שָׁלַךְ (shalak, `{{H7993}}`). The base meaning of שָׁלַךְ is "to cast, throw, hurl, send." Consequently, שַׁלֶּכֶת denotes the act or result of "casting down" or "felling." Its primary semantic range is narrow, referring specifically to the physical action of bringing something, particularly trees or other objects, down from an upright position, often implying force or deliberate removal. It carries a nuance of removal or destruction in the sense of something no longer standing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The noun שַׁלֶּכֶת (shalleketh, `{{H7995}}`) appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, found in [[1 Chronicles 26:16]]. The verse states: "to Shuppim and Hosah the lot came out for the west, with the gate of Shalleketh on the ascent, guard corresponding to guard." In this sole instance, שַׁלֶּכֶת functions as a proper noun, "Gate of Shalleketh," identifying a specific gate or entrance associated with the temple complex in Jerusalem, likely part of its western approach. Given its etymological root, the name "Shalleketh" for a gate could imply a location where something was "cast down" or "felled." This might refer to a place where refuse or ashes from the temple sacrifices were disposed of, where timber was brought in or stored after being "felled," or simply a gate on a downward slope or "casting off" point. The context is purely architectural and administrative, detailing the assignments of the Levite gatekeepers. While the name itself carries the meaning of "felling" or "casting," its direct application in this verse is as a geographical descriptor rather than an active verb or a symbolic statement.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is the verbal root שָׁלַךְ (shalak, `{{H7993}}`), from which שַׁלֶּכֶת (shalleketh, `{{H7995}}`) is directly derived. The verb שָׁלַךְ is widely used throughout the Hebrew Bible with a broad range of applications:
* **Physical casting:** Throwing stones, javelins, or objects (e.g., [[Joshua 10:11]], [[1 Samuel 18:11]]).
* **Casting off/away:** Discarding garments, idols, or refuse (e.g., [[Exodus 32:19]], [[2 Kings 23:12]]).
* **Throwing down/overthrowing:** Often used in contexts of divine judgment, where God "casts down" enemies, nations, or strongholds (e.g., [[Deuteronomy 9:4]], [[Psalm 78:55]]).
* **Casting out:** Expelling people or nations from a land (e.g., [[2 Kings 17:20]]).
* **Figurative casting:** Such as casting one's burden on the Lord (e.g., [[Psalm 55:22]]) or casting sins behind one's back (e.g., [[Isaiah 38:17]], [[Micah 7:19]]).
Other related concepts might include destruction, removal, or abandonment, all of which can be implied by the act of "casting down" or "felling."
### Theological Significance
Due to its singular occurrence as a proper noun for a gate, שַׁלֶּכֶת (shalleketh, `{{H7995}}`) itself carries no inherent theological weight. Its theological significance is entirely derivative from its root verb שָׁלַךְ (shalak, `{{H7993}}`), which is frequently employed to describe the powerful and decisive actions of God.
* **Divine Judgment and Sovereignty:** God's act of "casting out" or "throwing down" nations, idols, or wicked individuals repeatedly demonstrates His supreme power and righteous judgment (e.g., He "cast out" the Canaanites before Israel in [[Psalm 78:55]]; He "casts down" idols in [[Leviticus 26:30]]).
* **Divine Forgiveness and Removal of Sin:** Perhaps most profoundly, שָׁלַךְ is used to describe God's radical forgiveness, where He "casts" the sins of His people behind His back or into the depths of the sea, signifying their complete removal and remembrance no more (e.g., [[Isaiah 38:17]], [[Micah 7:19]]).
While the "Gate of Shalleketh" itself does not explicitly convey these theological truths, its name, rooted in "casting down," could subtly evoke themes pertinent to the temple: the removal of impurities from the sacred space, the symbolic "casting out" of all that is unholy or defiling, or even a recognition of God's power to "cast down" all opposition to His holy presence.
### Summary
שַׁלֶּכֶת (shalleketh, `{{H7995}}`) is a Hebrew noun derived from שָׁלַךְ (shalak, `{{H7993}}`), meaning "to cast, throw." Its core definition refers to the act of "felling" or "casting down," particularly in relation to trees or objects. This word appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in [[1 Chronicles 26:16]], where it designates a specific location, the "Gate of Shalleketh," within the temple complex. As a proper noun, it lacks direct theological import. However, its root verb שָׁלַךְ (shalak) is a significant term in biblical theology, frequently used to describe God's sovereign actions of "casting out" nations, "throwing down" idols in judgment, and, most mercifully, "casting away" the sins of His people in an act of complete forgiveness. Thus, while שַׁלֶּכֶת itself is a rare architectural term, its linguistic foundation points to profound divine attributes of power, judgment, and grace.
TRV