Shiloh
Overview
- Type: Worship Site / City
- Testament: Old
- Modern Location: Usually identified with Khirbet Seilun in the hill country of Ephraim
Biblical Significance
Shiloh becomes the central place where the tabernacle is set up after the conquest. In 1 Samuel it is the setting for Hannah’s Prayer, the childhood of Samuel, and the corruption of Eli’s priestly house.
Key Events
- Division of the Land - Tabernacle set up and land allotments continue
- Levitical Cities - Worship order is spread through Israel
- Hannah’s Prayer - Hannah pours out her heart before the LORD
- Corruption of Eli’s Sons - Priesthood defiled at the tabernacle
- Ark Captured - Shiloh’s spiritual collapse comes into view
Key People Associated
- Joshua (Son of Nun) - Oversees allotment at Shiloh
- Eleazar - Priest involved in distribution
- Hannah - Prays and dedicates Samuel there
- Eli - Priest serving at Shiloh
- Samuel - Raised before the LORD there
Important Verses
“And the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh, and set up the tabernacle…” - Joshua 18:1
Cross-References
Notes
Shiloh becomes especially important in 1 Samuel, where the ark and priesthood are centered there. It is both a place of prayerful dedication and a warning that sacred institutions can decay without obedience.