Shiloh (biblical city)

Quick Facts: Who was Shiloh (biblical city)?

Subject:

Shiloh (biblical city)

Known for:

Ancient Israelite sanctuary, major center of worship before the First Temple.

Verified Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Primary Historical Archives

Origins & Early Life

Shiloh (; Hebrew: שִׁלֹה, שִׁלוֹ ,שִׁילֹה, שִׁילוֹ, romanized: Šīlō) was an ancient city and sanctuary in ancient Israel now located in the West Bank. According to the Hebrew Bible, Shiloh was one of the main centers of Israelite worship during the pre-monarchic period, before the First Temple in Jerusalem was built. According to the Hebrew Bible, after the Israelite conquest of Canaan, the Tabernacle was moved to Shiloh, and remained there during the period of the Hebrew Bible judges. Shiloh has been identified with modern Khirbet Seilun, a tell known in Modern Hebrew as Tel Shiloh. It is located 31 kilometres (19 mi) north of Jerusalem, in the West Bank, to the west of the modern Israeli settlement of Shilo and to the north of the Palestinian town of Turmus Ayya.

Pivotal Works & Achievements

Relative to other archaeological sites, it is south of the biblical town of Lebonah and 16 kilometres (10 mi) north of Bethel. G. F. Moore has suggested identifying Bochim as Shiloh. The meaning of the word "Shiloh" is unclear. The name has been argued to have been derived from שלה and may be translated as Tranquility Town. Ran Zadok argued that the toponym derives from שׁ–א–ל.

Enduring Legacy & Impact

When American biblical scholar Edward Robinson toured the region in 1838, he proposed that Shiloh corresponded to Seilun. It was identified unambiguously with Khirbet Seilun, based on the description of the site's location found in Judges 21:19: So they said, "Look, the yearly festival of Yahweh is taking place at Shiloh, which is north of Bethel, on the east of the highway that goes up from Bethel to Shechem, and south of Lebonah." Bethel has been identified with Beitin, Lebonah with Al-Lubban ash-Sharqiya, "the highway" with the Way of the Patriarchs, and Shechem with Tell Balata. The Arabic name, Khirbet Seilun, preserves the ancient Hebrew name. In the 4th century CE, Eusebius and Jerome demonstrated some awareness of Shiloh's location, as did the cartographer of the Madaba Map in the 6th century. During the Middle and Late Bronze Age (MBA and LBA), Shiloh was a walled city in Canaan with a shrine or sanctuary.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1838: 1838 Milestone — When American biblical scholar Edward Robinson toured the region in 1838, he proposed that Shiloh corresponded to Seilun.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Shiloh (biblical city)

True or False: “Did the Tabernacle remain at Shiloh continuously throughout all periods of Israelite history?”

Answer (FALSE ❌): The biblical text indicates that the Tabernacle was eventually moved from Shiloh to Gibeon under David and Solomon.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Angelo Mariani (chemist) — Historical peer (Born in 1838) (1838): French pharmacy technician and entrepreneur, famous for inventing Vin Mariani.
• Auguste Villiers de l'Isle-Adam — Historical peer (Born in 1838) (1838): French symbolist writer known for his literary contributions and aristocratic background.
• Shilpa Shetty — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Renowned Indian actress and television personality known for her versatile roles.
• Shim Dal-gi — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: South Korean actress known for roles in Snowball, Shadow Beauty, and Our Blues.
• Shim Eun-ha — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: Acclaimed South Korean actress known for portraying pure, emotionally resonant characters.
• Shim Eun-jin — Chrono-Wiki Encyclopedia Entry: South Korean singer and actress known for her work in girl groups and solo endeavors.

Frequently Asked Questions about Shiloh (biblical city)