Shiloh
LocationsGeographical Setting
Shiloh was an ancient Canaanite settlement that served as the central sanctuary for the Israelite tribes during the period of the Judges.
What is the meaning of Shiloh in the Bible?
Shiloh is a biblical site identified with the archaeological tell at Tell el-Ful, located approximately 20 kilometers north of Jerusalem. It functioned as the primary religious center for the Israelite confederation, housing the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant before the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Shiloh provides essential historical context for the transition of Israelite worship from a mobile tribal sanctuary to a centralized monarchy, clarifying the narrative arc of the books of Joshua and Judges.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
- Why did the biblical author mention Shiloh in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Shiloh clarify?
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.