Bible Dictionary
Shual, The land of
The land of Shual was a district near Michmash, probably north of that place. Saul’s forces passed through it during conflict with the Philistines.
Definition
The land of Shual was a district mentioned in connection with Saul’s military operations. It lay near Michmash and was probably north of that place. Its exact identification remains uncertain.
Biblical Usage
Saul’s forces passed through the land of Shual during the conflict with the Philistines described in 1 Samuel 13:17.
Historical Background
Shual may possibly be the same as the land of Shalim mentioned in 1 Samuel 9:4, though this is not certain. It has also been associated with the neighborhood of Shaalabbin, but the district has not been identified.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Land of the fox, a district in the tribe of Benjamin (1 Sam. 13:17); possibly the same as Shalim (9:4), in the neighbourhood of Shaalabbin (Josh. 19:42).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
a district named in (1 Samuel 13:17) only. It is pretty certain from the passage that it lay north of Michmash. If therefore it be identical with the “land of Shalim” (1 Samuel 9:4)—as is not impossible—we have the first and only clue yet obtained to Saul’s journey in quest of the asses. The name Shual has not yet been identified.