Shaaraim(sharaim)
“Two gates”
Summary
A town in the lowland of Judah whose name means 'two gates,' mentioned in connection with David's victory over Goliath.
☩Location
Shaaraim was a town in the 'valley' or maritime plain of Judah, listed between Azekah and Adithaim. Its name, meaning 'two gates,' may describe a town at a significant junction or pass. It has been tentatively identified with Tell Zakariya or Khirbet Sa'ireh, west of Beit Atab.
☩David and Goliath
Shaaraim is mentioned in the account of the rout that followed David's defeat of Goliath. The wounded Philistines fell on the road to Shaaraim as the Israelites pursued them toward Gath and Ekron. This location fits with the geography: Goliath likely fell in the Valley of Elah, with Gath at Tell es-Safieh to the west and Ekron farther north.
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Shaaraim," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. IX (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Shaaraim," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. IV (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).