### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Shârôwn**, represented by `{{H8289}}`, primarily refers to a **plain** or a specific place in Palestine. It appears **7 times** in **7 unique verses**. Its base definition indicates it can refer to the plain itself or, in one instance, to **Lasharon**. Scripturally, it is depicted as a place of rich pastureland and natural beauty.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, **Shârôwn** `{{H8289}}` is used in several key contexts. It is described as a fertile area for grazing, where Shitrai the Sharonite `{{H8290}}` oversaw the **herds** `{{H1241}}` that **fed** `{{H7462}}` there [[1 Chronicles 27:29]]. The region was significant enough to have its own king, as listed in the conquest of Canaan as "the king of **Lasharon**" [[Joshua 12:18]]. Prophetically, its condition serves as a spiritual barometer. In a time of judgment, **Sharon** is described as becoming "like a **wilderness**" `{{H6160}}` [[Isaiah 33:9]]. Conversely, in a state of restoration, it is promised to "blossom abundantly" `{{H6524}}` [[Isaiah 35:2]] and become a **fold** `{{H5116}}` of **flocks** `{{H6629}}` for God's people `{{H5971}}` [[Isaiah 65:10]]. It is also famed for its beauty, as seen in the declaration, "I am the **rose** `{{H2261}}` of **Sharon**" [[Song of Solomon 2:1]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the significance of **Shârôwn** `{{H8289}}` as a place of fertility and symbolic importance:
* `{{H1241}}` **bâqâr** (herd): This word is directly tied to Sharon's function as a rich pastureland for **herds** to graze ([[1 Chronicles 27:29]], [[Isaiah 65:10]]).
* `{{H3760}}` **Karmel** (Carmel): A region frequently mentioned alongside **Sharon** `{{H8289}}` to represent places of great natural beauty and **excellency** `{{H1926}}` ([[Isaiah 35:2]], [[Isaiah 33:9]]).
* `{{H6524}}` **pârach** (to break forth as a bud, i.e. bloom): This verb describes the promised future restoration of **Sharon** `{{H8289}}`, when it shall **blossom** `{{H6524}}` abundantly [[Isaiah 35:2]].
* `{{H2261}}` **chăbatstseleth** (rose): This word is famously associated with the plain in the phrase "the **rose** of **Sharon**" `{{H8289}}`, establishing its identity as a place of renowned beauty [[Song of Solomon 2:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H8289}}` is demonstrated in its symbolic use.
* **A Symbol of Restoration:** Sharon's transformation from a wilderness back to a fruitful plain is used to illustrate God's restorative power. It is promised to become a **fold** `{{H5116}}` of **flocks** `{{H6629}}` for "my **people** `{{H5971}}` that have **sought** `{{H1875}}` me" [[Isaiah 65:10]].
* **An Indicator of God's Presence:** The state of **Sharon** `{{H8289}}` reflects the presence of God's blessing or judgment. It will "blossom abundantly" `{{H6524}}` and reflect the **excellency** `{{H1926}}` of God `{{H430}}` [[Isaiah 35:2]], but it also **languisheth** `{{H535}}` and becomes like a **wilderness** `{{H6160}}` when the **earth** `{{H776}}` mourns [[Isaiah 33:9]].
* **A Metaphor for Beauty and Glory:** Beyond its physical attributes, **Sharon** `{{H8289}}` represents a standard of excellence and beauty. Its name is linked with the **rose** `{{H2261}}` [[Song of Solomon 2:1]] and its **excellency** `{{H1926}}` is mentioned in parallel with the **glory** `{{H3519}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` [[Isaiah 35:2]].
### Summary
In summary, **Shârôwn** `{{H8289}}` is more than just a geographical location. It is a well-known Palestinian plain, valued for its rich pastures suitable for **herds** `{{H1241}}`. Biblically, it serves as a powerful symbol whose condition—either blossoming with life or languishing like a wilderness—is directly tied to the spiritual state of the people and the presence of God's blessing. From the "king of **Lasharon**" to the "rose of **Sharon**," the name carries weight as a place of both historical significance and poetic beauty.
TRV