### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Shaʻălîym**, represented by `{{H8171}}`, is a place name in Palestine, also rendered as Shalim. According to its base definition, it is the plural of a word meaning "foxes." It appears **1 times** across **1 unique verses** in the entire biblical text, marking its singular appearance in a specific geographical context.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{H8171}}` occurs within a narrative of travel and searching. In [[1 Samuel 9:4]], an individual and his companion are on a journey, and they "passed through the land of **Shalim**, and there they were not." The place itself is a waypoint in a larger, unsuccessful search, noted as one of several territories traversed before moving on. The context establishes **Shalim** purely as a geographical location passed through during a fruitless quest.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in the surrounding text clarify the action and purpose of the narrative:
* `{{H5674}}` **ʻâbar** (to cross over): This verb is used repeatedly in the passage to describe the journey, indicating the travelers **passed through** Shalim. The word broadly signifies transition and movement, whether it is crossing a literal landscape [[1 Samuel 9:4]] or God passing over transgression [[Micah 7:18]].
* `{{H4672}}` **mâtsâʼ** (to find or acquire): This word defines the outcome of the search in the land of Shalim. The travelers looked for something but "found them not" [[1 Samuel 9:4]]. This contrasts with the word's use in a spiritual context, where those who seek the LORD are promised that He will be **found** [[Isaiah 55:6]].
### Theological Significance
While `{{H8171}}` itself is a geographical term, its context points to broader theological themes of searching and divine encounter.
* **The Journey of Seeking:** The act of passing through (`ʻâbar`) the land of Shalim was part of a physical search. Scripture elevates this idea to spiritual journeys, such as passing through the waters of trial with God's presence [[Isaiah 43:2]] or waiting for calamity to be "overpast" [[Psalms 57:1]].
* **The Contrast of Finding:** The fruitless search in Shalim stands in stark contrast to the biblical promise concerning finding God. While a physical search may end in failure, the scriptures repeatedly state that one who seeks the LORD will `find` (`mâtsâʼ`) Him ([[Jeremiah 29:13]], [[1 Chronicles 28:9]]).
* **Divine Presence:** In the Shalim narrative, the object of the search was simply not there. The related term `mâtsâʼ` is elsewhere used to describe God as a "very **present** help in trouble" [[Psalms 46:1]], emphasizing that unlike the object of the search in Shalim, God's presence is attainable for those who seek Him.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8171}}` is the proper name Shalim, a place mentioned once as a location in an unsuccessful search. Though a minor detail in the biblical narrative, its context of "passing through" and "not finding" serves as a powerful counterpoint to the profound spiritual principle that a journey to seek God is never in vain, for He promises to be found by all who search for Him.
TRV