Shiloh

Illustration of Shiloh

Shiloh served as the central location of the Israelite tabernacle for over three centuries during the period of the judges, acting as the main site for worship, sacrifices, and national gatherings after the conquest of Canaan. It was at Shiloh that Hannah prayed for a son and dedicated young Samuel to serve under the high priest Eli, where the boy received his prophetic calling from God. The city later suffered destruction after the Philistines captured the Ark of the Covenant, which had been housed there, signaling a major shift away from this early sanctuary. In Scripture, Shiloh underscores themes of God's dwelling among his people, covenant faithfulness, and eventual judgment for Israel's disobedience.

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Details

Region
Canaan
Modern Location
Khirbet Seilun, Palestinian Territories (West Bank)
Strongest connections in Scripture
Joshua 18 1 Samuel 1

Nearby Places

(within ~40 km)

Journey Paths

Phinehas's Journey

Mount Sinai โ†’ Shiloh

Samuel's Journey

Shiloh โ†’ Gilgal

Key Passages

Tabernacle at Shiloh

Joshua 18:1

Shiloh serves as Israel's central worship site for over 300 years - the place where God's presence dwells among His people before Jerusalem.

A1nd the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the tabernacle of the congregation there. And the land was subdued before them.

Hannah's Prayer

1 Samuel 1:9-18

Hannah pours out her anguish at Shiloh's tabernacle - her desperate prayer is answered with Samuel, who will transform Israel's spiritual life.

S9o Hannah rose up after they had eaten in Shiloh, and after they had drunk. Now Eli the priest sat upon a seat by a post of the temple of the LORD.

10 And she was in bitterness of soul, and prayed unto the LORD, and wept sore. 11 And she vowed a vow, and said, O LORD of hosts, if thou wilt indeed look on the affliction of thine handmaid, and remember me, and not forget thine handmaid, but wilt give unto thine handmaid a man child, then I will give him unto the LORD all the days of his life, and there shall no razor come upon his head. 12 And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the LORD, that Eli marked her mouth. 13 Now Hannah, she spake in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard: therefore Eli thought she had been drunken. 14 And Eli said unto her, How long wilt thou be drunken? put away thy wine from thee. 15 And Hannah answered and said, No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit: I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink, but have poured out my soul before the LORD. 16 Count not thine handmaid for a daughter of Belial: for out of the abundance of my complaint and grief have I spoken hitherto. 17 Then Eli answered and said, Go in peace: and the God of Israel grant thee thy petition that thou hast asked of him. 18 And she said, Let thine handmaid find grace in thy sight. So the woman went her way, and did eat, and her countenance was no more sad.

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