Bible Dictionary
SHUAL, LAND OF
The land of Shual was a district near Ophrah, north of Michmash, toward which a Philistine raiding party traveled during Saul’s reign. Its exact location is uncertain.
Definition
The land of Shual was a district toward which a Philistine raiding party traveled during Saul’s reign. It lay in the region of Ophrah, north of Michmash, but its exact location cannot be determined.
Biblical Usage
Shual appears in the account of Philistine marauding bands sent from Michmash while Israel’s forces held the southern pass.
Historical Background
The district is sought near Ophrah, probably et-Taiyibeh, about five miles east of Beitin, identified with Bethel. No definite identification of the land of Shual is possible.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>('erets shu`al; he Sogal): From their encampment at Michmash the Philistines sent out marauding bands, one going westward toward Beth-horon, another eastward, "the way of the border that looketh down upon the valley of Zeboim." The pass to the South was held against them by Israel. The third party therefore went northward, turning "unto the way that leadeth to Ophrah, unto the land of Shual" (1Sa 13:17 f). Ophrah is probably identical with et-taiyibeh, a village which lies some 5 miles East of Beitin (Bethel). It is in this district therefore that the land of Shual must be sought, but no definite identification is possible.</p><p>W. Ewing</p>