Bible Dictionaries
Shur, Wilderness of

Holman Bible Dictionary

(sshyoor) Place name meaning, “wall.” Region on Egypt's northeastern border, perhaps named after wall Egyptians built to protect their border, where Moses made first stop after crossing the Red Sea (Exodus 15:22 ). Earlier, Sarah's handmaid, Hagar, had come toward Shur after her expulsion from the clan of Abraham (Genesis 16:7 ). Abraham lived near Shur (Genesis 20:1 ). Saul smote the Amalekites in that area (1 Samuel 15:7 ). David and his men made forays as far as Shur while eluding King Saul (1 Samuel 27:8 ). Shur may be modern tell el-Fara.