Atomic Bible

Town in Judah; site of Philistine retreat

Shaaraim

Named in 2 verses across 2 books, first in Joshua 15:36.

שַׁעֲרַ֫יִםShaaraim

The name means “gates; valuation; hairs.” Hitchcock's Bible Names, 1869

About Shaaraim Written by AI

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.

Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.

Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897

Two gates. (1.) A city in the plain of Judah (1 Sam. 17:52); called also Sharaim (Josh. 15:36).

(2.) A town in Simeon (1 Chr. 4:31).

M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.

31.700, 34.895 See it on a map

GenesisMatthewRevelation

Where the Bible names it

  1. Joshua 15:36

    Shaaraim, Adithaim, and Gederah (or Gederothaim)—fourteen cities, along with their villages.

  2. 1 Samuel 17:52

    Then the men of Israel and Judah charged forward with a shout and pursued the Philistines to the entrance of Gath and to the gates of Ekron. And the bodies of the Philistines were strewn along the Shaaraim road to Gath and Ekron.

From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.