Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

SHARON

(Heb. šārôn)

A fertile coastal region in Palestine (“plain” or “level country”). Ca. 80 km. (50 mi.) long by 16 km. (10 mi.) wide, it extends north along the Mediterranean from Joppa to south of Mt. Carmel. A caravan route ran along this maritime plain in ancient times connecting Mesopotamia and Asia Minor with Egypt. 1 Chr. 5:16 locates the “pastureland of Sharon” E of the Jordan River; one interpretation equates this reference to pastures near Mt. Hermon, while an alternative rendering views Sharon as a reference to the tableland of Gilead.

The first undisputed biblical reference to the plain of Sharon is found in 1 Chr. 27:29, where Shitrai the Sharonite is cited for overseeing David’s herds that grazed in Sharon. Figurative references to the area include the rose of Sharon, a metaphor for unsurpassed beauty (Cant. 2:1). Also, the status of the plain of Sharon, either parched or flourishing, symbolizes in Isa. 33:9; 35:2; 65:10 the spiritual state of Israel.

The “Lasharon” associated with a defeated king in Josh. 12:18 is most likely a reference to the plain of Sharon. Sharon (Gk. Sarōn) at Acts 9:35 is the same, as evidenced by its association with the town of Lydda.

Eric Holleyman

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

SHARON

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)