Shaaraim Summary
STEPBible TIPNR
Shaaraim was a town in the Shephelah of Judah (Josh 15:36) and a place the Philistines passed in their retreat from Socoh (1Sam 17:52).
Shaaraim
PlaceTown in Judah; site of Philistine retreat
Names
-
en
Shaaraim
gates; valuation; hairs
- en Sharaim · Also called
- he שַׁעֲרַ֫יִם · H8189G
- bg Шаараим
Location
Mentioned in (2)
SDA Books
Awaiting permission to publishLinked through an explicitly cited Bible passage
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Shaaraim Article
STEPBible TIPNR
Shaaraim, meaning "two gates," was a town located in the Shephelah (lowland hills) of Judah, mentioned in close association with Socoh and Azekah (Josh. 15:36). The town is also referenced in the account of David's victory over Goliath and the Philistines (1Sam. 17). After the Philistines were defeated at Socoh, they retreated down the valley of Elah (modern Wadi es-Sant) toward Gath and Ekron, passing by Shaaraim (1Sam. 17:52). Some scholars suggest that the "two gates" mentioned in this passage may refer to the Philistine strongholds of Gath and Ekron themselves, rather than a specific town. The exact location of Shaaraim is uncertain, but it has been tentatively identified with Tell Zakariya or Khirbet Sa'ireh, both located in the Shephelah region. However, these identifications remain speculative due to limited archaeological evidence.
Shaaraim 1 Dictionary
Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897)
A city in the plain of Judah (1 Sam. 17:52); called also Sharaim (Josh. 15:36).
Sources: OpenBible.info Bible Geocoding Data (CC BY 4.0, a28da66) · STEPBible TIPNR (CC BY 4.0, Shaaraim@Jos.15.36-1Sa) · Theographic Bible Metadata (CC BY-SA 4.0, shaaraim_1055)