### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word שָׁלִשָׁה (Shâlishâh) `{{H8031}}` is a feminine noun, functioning as a proper place name. Its etymology traces back to the root שָׁלַשׁ (shalash), which signifies "to do a third time," "to be threefold," or "to divide into three." Consequently, the base definition of שָׁלִשָׁה is "trebled land." This suggests a geographical area potentially characterized by a division into three parts, a remarkably fertile land yielding a threefold increase, or perhaps a landscape marked by three prominent features (e.g., hills, valleys). As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to identifying a specific location within ancient Palestine, rather than conveying a broader descriptive meaning in every instance of its use. The "trebled" aspect primarily reflects its etymological origin.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term שָׁלִשָׁה (Shâlishâh) `{{H8031}}` appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in [[1 Samuel 9:4]]. The context is Saul's search for his father Kish's lost donkeys:
> "And he passed through mount Ephraim, and passed through the land of Shalisha, but they found them not: then they passed through the land of Shaalim, and there they were not."
In this passage, Shalisha is presented as one of several geographical regions through which Saul and his servant journey. It is listed alongside Mount Ephraim and the land of Shaalim, indicating a route taken within the tribal territories of Benjamin and Ephraim. Its inclusion serves a purely geographical function, delineating the extent of Saul's travels. The narrative provides no further details about the land of Shalisha, its inhabitants, or any specific events that occurred there. Its significance is solely as a point on the map, anchoring the narrative of Saul's early life in a concrete, historical setting.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary conceptual link for שָׁלִשָׁה `{{H8031}}` is its root, שָׁלַשׁ (shalash), which forms the basis for various words related to the number three. Key related terms include:
* שָׁלֹשׁ (shalosh) `{{H7969}}`: The cardinal number "three."
* שָׁלִישִׁי (shelishi) `{{H7992}}`: The ordinal number "third."
* שָׁלִישׁ (shalish) `{{H7991}}`: Meaning "a third man," often referring to a high-ranking officer, perhaps a "captain" or a "chariot warrior" (who might be the third person in a chariot).
* שִׁלֵּשׁ (shilleshet) `{{H7990}}`: Referring to a "triplet" or a "three-year-old" animal.
These related words highlight the pervasive biblical significance of the number three, which often symbolizes completeness, divine presence, or emphasis. While שָׁלִשָׁה `{{H8031}}` itself does not directly carry such symbolic weight in its biblical occurrence, its etymological connection to this fundamental number is noteworthy. The naming of places based on numerical or descriptive characteristics was common in ancient Semitic cultures, and Shalisha fits this pattern, even if the precise "trebled" characteristic is not elaborated upon in the text.
### Theological Significance
The land of שָׁלִשָׁה (Shâlishâh) `{{H8031}}`, as a specific geographical location mentioned only once in a narrative context, does not possess direct theological significance in the biblical text. It is not a site of covenant, a place of divine revelation, or a location associated with prophetic utterance. Its theological importance is indirect and contextual:
* **Historical Veracity:** Its mention, alongside other identifiable locations, contributes to the historical grounding of the biblical narrative. It underscores the meticulous detail with which the biblical authors often recount events, rooting the story of Saul's early life in a tangible, geographically precise world. This attention to detail lends credibility to the historical claims of Scripture.
* **Divine Providence (Indirect):** While not a site of explicit divine action, the journey through Shalisha is part of the divinely orchestrated sequence of events that leads Saul to Samuel, ultimately resulting in his anointing as Israel's first king. In this broader sense, even seemingly mundane geographical details contribute to the unfolding of God's plan.
* **Theological Silence:** The absence of specific theological meaning attached to Shalisha itself serves as a reminder that not every detail in Scripture is burdened with symbolic weight. Some elements function simply as descriptive or historical markers, allowing the reader to understand the setting of the unfolding divine drama.
### Summary
שָׁלִשָׁה (Shâlishâh) `{{H8031}}` is a Hebrew proper noun designating a geographical location, etymologically meaning "trebled land." Its sole appearance in the biblical text is in [[1 Samuel 9:4]], where it is mentioned as a region through which Saul and his servant traveled while searching for lost donkeys. In this context, Shalisha functions purely as a geographical marker, providing a specific setting for a part of Saul's journey. While its root connects it to the concept of "three," a number often rich in biblical symbolism, the place name itself does not carry direct theological significance or symbolic meaning within its scriptural usage. Its importance lies in its contribution to the historical and geographical realism of the biblical narrative, grounding the account of Saul's early life in a specific, identifiable ancient landscape.
TRV