Sharu'hen is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the conquest narratives of the Israelites. It is identified as a city in the southern region of Canaan, which played a significant role during the period of the Israelite settlement in the Promised Land.

Biblical References:

Sharu'hen is mentioned in the Book of Joshua, which details the conquests of the Israelites under the leadership of Joshua. In Joshua 19:6, Sharu'hen is listed as one of the towns in the inheritance of the tribe of Simeon: "Beth Lebaoth, and Sharuhen—thirteen cities, along with their villages" . This indicates that Sharu'hen was part of the territory allocated to Simeon, which was situated within the larger allotment of the tribe of Judah.

Historical and Geographical Context:

The city of Sharu'hen is believed to have been located in the Negev region, an area characterized by its arid climate and strategic position along ancient trade routes. The exact location of Sharu'hen has been a subject of debate among scholars, but it is generally thought to be near the modern-day site of Tell el-Farah (South) in the western Negev.

Historically, Sharu'hen is also noted in Egyptian records, particularly in the context of the Hyksos expulsion. The city served as a stronghold for the Hyksos, a Semitic people who ruled parts of Egypt before being expelled by the native Egyptian dynasty. The Egyptian Pharaoh Ahmose I is recorded to have besieged Sharu'hen for three years, eventually capturing it and consolidating his rule over the region.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the mention of Sharu'hen in the Bible underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to the patriarchs regarding the land of Canaan. The allocation of Sharu'hen to the tribe of Simeon is part of the broader narrative of the Israelites taking possession of the land promised to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This event is seen as a testament to God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His divine plan for the nation of Israel.

The inclusion of Sharu'hen in the tribal allotments also highlights the importance of each tribe's inheritance in the Promised Land, reflecting the covenantal relationship between God and His people. The division of the land among the tribes is a key aspect of Israel's identity and serves as a foundation for understanding the historical and spiritual journey of the Israelites.

Archaeological Insights:

Archaeological excavations in the region believed to be Sharu'hen have provided insights into the city's historical significance and its role during the Late Bronze Age. Artifacts and architectural remains suggest that Sharu'hen was a fortified city with connections to both Canaanite and Egyptian cultures. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the geopolitical dynamics in the region during the biblical period.

In summary, Sharu'hen is a city of historical and theological importance within the biblical narrative, representing both the fulfillment of divine promises and the complex interactions between ancient Near Eastern cultures.Sharu'hen (1 Occurrence)

Joshua 19:6
and Beth-lebaoth, and Sharuhen; thirteen cities with their villages:
(See RSV)

Sharu'hen (1 Occurrence)
Sharu'hen. Sharuhen, Sharu'hen. Shashai . Multi-Version Concordance
Sharu'hen (1 Occurrence). Joshua 19:6 and Beth-lebaoth, and ...
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Sharuhen (1 Occurrence)

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Shashai (1 Occurrence)

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