perfect, a place (probably the village of Salim) some 2 miles east of Jacob's well. There is an abundant supply of water, which may have been the reason for Jacob's settling at this place (Ge 33:18-20). The Revised Version translates this word, and reads, "Jacob came in peace to the city of Shechem," thus not regarding it as a proper name at all.

Ge 33:18-19. Rather "Jacob came in peace to the city of Shechem." So Rashi and the Jewish commentators; and Samaritan Pentateuch. But Septuagint, Vulgate, and Syriac as KJV There is a "Salim" still somewhat in the position required, three miles E. of Nablas (Shechem), i.e. between Shechem and the Jordan valley where at Succoth Jacob was just before (Ge 33:17). But Salim is not on any actual line of communication between Nablus and the Jordan valley. Moreover, if Shalem were Salim, Jacob's well and Joseph's tomb would have to be removed from their appropriate traditional site to a spot further E. and nearer Salim.

In Ge 33:13 we read 'Jacob (on his return from Haran) came to Shalem a city of Shechem' (RV reads 'in peace to the city of Shechem'; so Luther in his German translation). The word shalem means 'peace,' and the preposition b 'in' may have fallen out owing to the final letter of Jacob. Otherwise we must suppose Shalem to be a small town (in the neighbourhood of Shechem), which has been identified with a village called Salim.

W. F. Boyd.

Sha'lem

This is judged to be not a proper name, but that the passage should read, Jacob came 'safely' to the city of Shechem. Ge 33:18. The R.V. has 'came in peace.'

Sha'lem

(safe).

Ge 33:18

Probably not a proper name, but a place. It is certainly remarkable that there should be a modern village hearing the name of Salim three miles east of Nablus, the ancient Shechem.