The Hebrew word Shᵉnîyr, also spelled Senir, is represented by H8149. It refers to a peak, specifically a summit of Lebanon. It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible.
In the biblical narrative, H8149 is used to identify a specific mountain peak. It is explicitly identified as the name the Amorites H567 used for Mount Hermon H2768, which the Sidonians H6722 called Sirion H8303 Deuteronomy 3:9. Geographically, it marked part of the territory where the half-tribe of Manasseh H4519 dwelt H3427, extending from Bashan H1316 to Mount Hermon 1 Chronicles 5:23. Senir was also known for its natural resources, providing fir trees H1265 for the ship boards of Tyre Ezekiel 27:5. It is also depicted as a majestic and wild high place, mentioned alongside Lebanon H3844 and Hermon as a vantage point overlooking dangerous terrain like the dens H4585 of lions H738 and leopards H5246 Song of Solomon 4:8.
Several related words clarify the geographical and cultural context of Shᵉnîyr:
- H2768 Chermôwn (Hermon): Defined as an abrupt mount of Palestine, this is the most common name for the mountain of which Shenir is a peak or an alternative name Deuteronomy 3:9. The names are used together to define the territory of Manasseh 1 Chronicles 5:23.
- H8303 Shiryôwn (Sirion): The name the Sidonians H6722 used for Hermon H2768. The Bible presents Shiryôwn, Shenir, and Hermon as names for the same mountain region used by different peoples Deuteronomy 3:9.
- H3844 Lᵉbânôwn (Lebanon): The "white mountain" range where Shenir is located. It is associated with majestic cedars H730 and is mentioned with Shenir as a place of both beauty and wildness Song of Solomon 4:8.
- H1265 bᵉrôwsh (fir tree): A type of cypress tree. The region of Senir was specifically noted as a source for these trees, which were used to make ship boards Ezekiel 27:5.
The significance of H8149 is primarily geographical and historical, marking a key feature of the landscape in the Promised Land.
- Territorial Marker: Senir serves as a distinct boundary marker for the land inhabited H3427 by the half-tribe of Manasseh H4519, alongside Bashan H1316 and Mount Hermon H2768 1 Chronicles 5:23.
- Source of Natural Wealth: The peak was renowned for its forests, specifically its fir trees H1265, which were a valuable commodity used in the construction of ships for the powerful city of Tyre Ezekiel 27:5. This highlights its economic importance in the ancient world.
- Symbol of Divine Creation: In poetic language, Shenir is portrayed as a majestic and untamed summit, a high place offering a view over the dens of lions H738 and leopards H5246 Song of Solomon 4:8, illustrating the grandeur of the natural world.
- Cultural Crossroads: The existence of multiple names for the same mountain—Shenir for the Amorites H567, Sirion H8303 for the Sidonians H6722, and Hermon H2768—points to its role as a prominent landmark for various peoples in the region Deuteronomy 3:9.
In summary, H8149 refers to Shᵉnîyr or Senir, a prominent mountain peak identified as the Amorite name for Mount Hermon. While appearing only four times, these references establish its importance as a geographical boundary for the Israelite tribes, a source of valuable timber for commerce, and a poetic symbol of the wild and majestic beauty of Lebanon. Its different names in scripture underscore its significance as a landmark recognized by multiple ancient peoples.
TRV