### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shᵉphêlâh**, represented by `{{H8219}}`, refers to a **Lowland** or low country. It appears **20 times** across **19 unique verses**, typically designating the maritime slope of Palestine. The term is consistently translated as vale, valley, low country, low plains, or simply the plain, signifying a specific geographical region rather than just any low area.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H8219}}` is almost always used as part of a list describing the major topographical regions of the land of Israel. During the conquest of Canaan, Joshua is recorded as smiting the country of the hills, the south, the **vale**, and the springs [[Joshua 10:40]]. This geographical formula is repeated to list the territories of the defeated kings [[Joshua 12:8]] and to define the boundaries of the promised land [[Deuteronomy 1:7]]. The **shᵉphêlâh** was also noted for its resources, as Solomon made sycomore trees as abundant there as stones in Jerusalem [[1 Kings 10:27]]. Prophets like Jeremiah and Zechariah also refer to the **plain** as a distinct, inhabited region of Judah ([[Jeremiah 32:44]], [[Zechariah 7:7]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related geographical terms are frequently mentioned alongside **shᵉphêlâh**, painting a complete picture of the land's terrain:
* `{{H2022}}` **har**: This word for **a mountain or range of hills** is the most common counterpart to the lowland. The two are consistently listed together to contrast the high and low elevations of the country ([[Deuteronomy 1:7]], [[Jeremiah 17:26]]).
* `{{H5045}}` **negeb**: Meaning **the south** or southern district of Judah, this term defines another primary region. It often appears in geographical lists with the mountains and the **shᵉphêlâh** ([[Judges 1:9]], [[Zechariah 7:7]]).
* `{{H6160}}` **ʻărâbâh**: This term refers to a **desert** or **plain**, specifically the sterile valley of the Jordan. It is sometimes listed with the **shᵉphêlâh** to distinguish between different types of low-lying areas [[Joshua 11:16]].
* `{{H794}}` **ʼăshêdâh**: Meaning a **ravine** or **springs**, this word is included in detailed topographical descriptions alongside the mountains, valleys, and wilderness ([[Joshua 10:40]], [[Joshua 12:8]]).
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H8219}}` is primarily geographical and economic, helping to define the territory of Israel.
* **Territorial Definition:** The use of **shᵉphêlâh** in standardized lists provides a clear and structured way to describe the various districts of the land promised to and conquered by Israel [[Joshua 12:8]].
* **Economic Resourcefulness:** The region was known for its agricultural wealth. It was abundant in sycomore trees ([[2 Chronicles 1:15]], [[2 Chronicles 9:27]]) and olive trees [[1 Chronicles 27:28]], indicating its importance to the kingdom's economy.
* **Strategic Location:** The **shᵉphêlâh** was a contested border region. The Philistines invaded the cities of the **low country** [[2 Chronicles 28:18]], and prophetic texts speak of the people of the **plain** possessing the land of the Philistines in the future [[Obadiah 1:19]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H8219}}` is more than a generic term for a valley. It identifies the **Shephelah**, a distinct and vital geographical region of ancient Israel. Its consistent use alongside other regional terms like **har** `{{H2022}}` and **negeb** `{{H5045}}` establishes a framework for understanding the biblical landscape. The term highlights a land of agricultural abundance and strategic importance, crucial to the history, economy, and military affairs of Israel.
TRV