### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew name **Shalman**, represented by `{{H8020}}`, refers to a king, apparently of Assyria. The name is of foreign derivation and appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire biblical text, making its singular appearance highly specific and impactful.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole mention of `{{H8020}}` is in [[Hosea 10:14]], where it serves as a historical benchmark for destruction. The verse prophesies that a "tumult" will arise and fortresses will be spoiled in the same manner "as **Shalman** spoiled Betharbel in the day of battle." This reference points to a specific, known event of such brutality that it included the mother being "dashed in pieces upon her children," using a past tragedy to illustrate the severity of a future judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its only context illuminate the destructive nature associated with Shalman:
* `{{H1009}}` **Bêyth ʼArbêʼl** (Beth-Arbel): This is the place that **Shalman** spoiled. The name is defined as "house of God's ambush" and identifies the location of the infamous attack [[Hosea 10:14]].
* `{{H7701}}` **shôd** (spoil): This word, meaning destruction or ravage, describes the specific action attributed to **Shalman**. The prophecy warns that Israel's fortresses will be spoiled `{{H7703}}` just as Shalman brought spoil `{{H7701}}` upon Beth-Arbel [[Hosea 10:14]].
* `{{H7376}}` **râṭâsh** (dashed in pieces): This verb captures the extreme violence of the event connected to **Shalman**, where the most vulnerable—a mother and her children—were brutally killed [[Hosea 10:14]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8020}}` is concentrated in its single, harrowing appearance.
* **A Benchmark for Destruction:** Shalman's devastating attack on Beth-Arbel is used as a direct comparison for the coming judgment upon the people, indicating that the prophesied ruin will be total and merciless [[Hosea 10:14]].
* **The Horrors of War:** The name is tied to an act of extreme violence where "the mother was dashed in pieces upon her children," serving as a grim reminder of the tangible and brutal consequences of battle [[Hosea 10:14]].
* **A Point of Historical Reference:** The use of Shalman's name functions as a historical precedent, grounding the prophecy of a future "tumult" and spoiling of fortresses in a known event of complete devastation [[Hosea 10:14]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8020}}` **Shalman** is a name that, despite appearing only once, carries immense weight. It is not explored as a character but is invoked as a symbol of overwhelming and ruthless military conquest. Its purpose in scripture is to serve as an unforgettable and terrifying illustration of the kind of destruction that awaits a people facing judgment, making a future prophecy feel historically immediate and brutally real.
TRV