### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Shâmîyr** `{{H8069}}`, refers to the name of two places in Palestine. Though it only appears **3 times** in **3 unique verses**, its usage marks it as a significant location in the history and geography of ancient Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H8069}}` is first mentioned as one of the cities located in the mountains [[Joshua 15:48]]. Its primary significance, however, comes from its association with Tola, a judge of Israel. After Abimelech, Tola arose to defend Israel and he dwelt in **Shamir** in mount Ephraim [[Judges 10:1]]. This location served as his base of operations for twenty-three years, and upon his death, he was buried in **Shamir** [[Judges 10:2]], cementing its role as the center of his life and leadership.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help to contextualize the significance of Shamir:
* `{{H3467}}` **yâshaʻ** (to defend, deliver): This word describes Tola's purpose, as he "arose to **defend** Israel" from his home in Shamir [[Judges 10:1]]. It highlights Shamir as a place from which salvation or deliverance originated for the nation.
* `{{H3427}}` **yâshab** (to dwell, remain): This term establishes Shamir as the long-term residence of the judge Tola, who **dwelt** there while leading Israel [[Judges 10:1]].
* `{{H2022}}` **har** (a mountain or range of hills): This word defines the geography of Shamir, identifying it as a city in the **mountains** [[Joshua 15:48]] and specifically in **mount** Ephraim [[Judges 10:1]].
* `{{H8199}}` **shâphaṭ** (to judge): This root describes Tola's primary function while at Shamir. The record states he **judged** Israel for twenty and three years before he died and was buried there [[Judges 10:2]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H8069}}` is tied directly to its role in the period of the Judges.
* **A Center of Leadership:** Shamir was not just a city, but the residence and administrative center for Tola, a judge who defended Israel [[Judges 10:1]].
* **A Place of Enduring Legacy:** By being the location of both Tola's life's work and his burial, Shamir is marked as the final resting place of a national leader, preserving his memory [[Judges 10:2]].
* **A Geographic Marker:** Its inclusion in the list of mountain cities in Joshua [[Joshua 15:48]] and its specific identification within the territory of Ephraim [[Judges 10:1]] grounds the narrative of the judges in the tangible, allotted lands of Israel.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8069}}` **Shâmîyr** is a place name that carries historical weight beyond its infrequent use. It is identified as a mountain city and, more importantly, as the home, administrative seat, and burial site of the judge Tola. The verses mentioning Shamir anchor a key period of Israel's deliverance and leadership to a specific location within the promised land.
TRV