Lexical Summary Sirah: Sirah Original Word: סִרָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Sirah From cuwr; departure; Sirah, a cistern so-called -- Sirah. See also ciyr. see HEBREW cuwr see HEBREW ciyr NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition the name of a cistern NASB Translation Sirah (1). Topical Lexicon Geographical Setting Sirah is identified in Scripture as “the well of Sirah” (2 Samuel 3:26). While its precise location has not been definitively established by archaeology, the verse indicates a site close to Hebron, within the hill country of Judah. Wells in the ancient Near East were strategic waypoints—essential for travelers, shepherds, and military movements—so a named well often served as a recognizable landmark for gathering, parley, or ambush. Biblical Narrative Context The only biblical mention occurs during the volatile transition from the house of Saul to the house of David. After years of civil strife, Abner son of Ner, former commander of Saul’s army, pledged allegiance to David. Joab, David’s commander—and brother of Asahel, whom Abner had previously killed in battle (2 Samuel 2:23)—suspected Abner of treachery or seized an opportunity for revenge. “Then Joab left David’s presence and sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the well of Sirah, but David was unaware of it” (2 Samuel 3:26). Sirah thus becomes the pivot point where Abner’s hopeful peace mission is reversed. The well marks the boundary between reconciliation and betrayal, between a chance for unity and the perpetuation of bloodshed. Joab’s agents intercepted Abner at Sirah, returning him to Hebron, where Joab murdered him “in the gateway” (2 Samuel 3:27). David’s royal culpability is expressly denied (2 Samuel 3:28), underscoring that the sin lay with Joab alone. Historical Significance 1. Strategic Importance: Wells were indispensable military resources. Control of water equated to control of movement. Joab’s knowledge of Abner’s route and the existence of Sirah as a dependable watering stop allowed him to act swiftly. Theological and Practical Applications • Justice versus Vengeance: The avenger-of-blood concept (Numbers 35:19) never justifies assassination outside legal cities of refuge. Joab’s deed at Sirah–Hebron violated both civil order and God’s moral law, illustrating the peril of acting on unrepentant anger (James 1:20). Christological Foreshadowings Abner’s recall from Sirah and subsequent death outside David’s knowledge prefigures the greater Son of David, Jesus Christ, whose innocent blood was shed through the machinations of jealous leaders, not by divine sanction (Acts 2:23). Sirah invites contemplation of the contrast between human schemes and God’s redemptive intent: what men mean for evil, God weaves into His sovereign narrative (Genesis 50:20). Related Passages and Parallel Themes • Revenge and Bloodguilt: Deuteronomy 19:10-13; Romans 12:19. Summary Strong’s Hebrew 5626, Sirah, names a single but memorable well that became the stage for Joab’s treachery against Abner. Though geographically obscure, Sirah’s narrative weight is profound: it spotlights the thin line between reconciliation and revenge, warns leaders against private vendettas, and testifies to God’s unwavering guidance of Israel’s destiny toward the Davidic covenant and, ultimately, the Messiah. Forms and Transliterations הַסִּרָ֑ה הסרה has·si·rāh hassiRah hassirāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Samuel 3:26 HEB: אֹת֖וֹ מִבּ֣וֹר הַסִּרָ֑ה וְדָוִ֖ד לֹ֥א NAS: from the well of Sirah; but David KJV: from the well of Sirah: but David INT: brought the well of Sirah David did not 1 Occurrence |
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