1Sa_13:17; from shual, "jackal", or else "the hollow land." Shual was the land where one of the three parties of Philistine marauders went (1Sa_13:17). In the same direction as Ophrah, Taiyibeh; therefore N. of Michmash. Possibly "the land of Shalim" (1Sa_9:4). The wild region E. of Taiyibeh, containing a ravine named that of "hyenas."
Fausset's Bible Dictionary
By Andrew Robert Fausset, co-Author of Jamieson, Fausset and Brown's 1888.
Shu'al, The Land of. A district named in 1Sa_13:17 only. It is pretty certain from the passage, that it lay north of Michmash. If, therefore, it be identical with the "land of Shalim," 1Sa_9:4 as is not impossible we have the first and only clue, yet obtained to Saul's journey, in quest of the asses. The name, Shual, has not yet been identified.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
By Dr. William Smith.Published in 1863