Shur
LocationsGeographical Setting
A wilderness region situated between the Mediterranean coast and the Gulf of Suez, identified in biblical narratives as the route taken by the Israelites during the Exodus.
What is the meaning of Shur in the Bible?
A desert region east of the Gulf of Suez, likely corresponding to the arid plains and mountainous terrain of the central Sinai Peninsula.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding this geography clarifies the logistical challenges and environmental context of the Israelite journey from Egypt to Mount Sinai.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Shur (located near modern Sinai Peninsula, Egypt) held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Shur in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Shur clarify?
Related Topics
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.
How to Cite This Entry
"Shur." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/shur/