Overview:
Sirah is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the narrative surrounding King David and his reign. It is noted for its association with the events leading to the death of Abner, the commander of Saul's army, who sought to transfer his allegiance to David. The site is referenced in the context of political intrigue and the consolidation of David's kingdom.

Biblical Reference:
The primary mention of Sirah is found in 2 Samuel 3:26. The passage describes how Joab, the commander of David's army, deceitfully lured Abner back to Hebron from the well of Sirah, where he subsequently murdered him. The Berean Standard Bible renders this passage as follows:

"Then Joab left David and sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the well of Sirah, though David was unaware of it."

Historical and Geographical Context:
Sirah is identified as a well or cistern, suggesting it was a place where water was drawn, which would have been a significant landmark in the arid regions of ancient Israel. The exact location of Sirah is not definitively known today, but it is believed to have been situated near Hebron, given the narrative context. Hebron was a major city in the tribal territory of Judah and served as David's capital before he established Jerusalem as the political and spiritual center of Israel.

Theological Significance:
The mention of Sirah in the biblical narrative underscores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and divine justice. Abner's murder by Joab, despite Abner's intentions to support David, highlights the complex and often violent nature of political power struggles in ancient Israel. From a theological perspective, the incident at Sirah serves as a reminder of the human propensity for treachery and the need for righteous leadership. David's ignorance of Joab's actions at Sirah also illustrates the challenges he faced in unifying the kingdom and maintaining justice.

Cultural and Literary Aspects:
The account of Sirah is part of the larger narrative of David's rise to power and the eventual unification of the tribes of Israel under his rule. It reflects the historical realities of the time, where alliances and enmities were often fluid and could change rapidly. The account is rich in dramatic tension, with elements of suspense and moral complexity, characteristic of the Deuteronomistic history that seeks to convey theological truths through historical events.

Related Entries:
· Abner: The commander of Saul's army who sought to ally with David.
· Joab: David's military commander who killed Abner.
· Hebron: The city near which Sirah is located and David's initial capital.
· David: The second king of Israel, central to the narrative involving Sirah.

Conclusion:
The well of Sirah, though mentioned briefly in the biblical text, plays a pivotal role in the unfolding drama of David's consolidation of power. It serves as a backdrop for the themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the quest for justice that permeate the biblical account of David's reign.Sirah

(the turning), The well of, from which Abner was recalled by Joab to his death at Hebron. (2 Samuel 3:26) only. It was apparently on the northern road from Hebron. There is a spring and reservoir on the western side of the ancient northern road, about one mile out of Hebron, which is called Ain Sara.

Retiring, a well from which Joab's messenger brought back Abner (2 Samuel 3:26). It is now called `Ain Sarah, and is situated about a mile from Hebron, on the road to the north. SIRAH, WELL OF

si'-ra (bor hacirah, "the pit," "well" or "cistern of Sarah"): The spot from which Abner was enticed back to Hebron to his death (2 Samuel 3:26). Josephus (Ant., VII, i, 5) calls it Be(r)sira, implying that it was a "well." It is possible that this spot is now `Ain Sarah, a spring which flows into a little tank near the west side of the road about a mile out of ancient Hebron, on the way to Jerusalem. There is, however, a curious cistern with steps known as Chamam Sarah ("Sarah's bath") near Ramet el-Khalil, which is also possibly the site (PEF, 314, Sh XXI).

5626. Sirah -- the name of a cistern
... 5625, 5626. Sirah. 5627 . the name of a cistern. Transliteration: Sirah
Phonetic Spelling: (see-raw') Short Definition: Sirah. Word ...
/hebrew/5626.htm - 6k

5518a. sir -- a pot
sir or sirah or sirah. 5518, 5518a. sir or sirah or sirah. 5518b . a pot.
Transliteration: sir or sirah or sirah Short Definition: pot. ...
/hebrew/5518a.htm - 5k

Sirah (1 Occurrence)
... the north. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SIRAH, WELL OF. si'-ra ... Sh XXI).
Multi-Version Concordance Sirah (1 Occurrence). 2 Samuel ...
/s/sirah.htm - 7k

Bor-sirah (1 Occurrence)
Bor-sirah. Borrows, Bor-sirah. Boscath . Multi-Version Concordance
Bor-sirah (1 Occurrence). 2 Samuel 3:26 And when ...
/b/bor-sirah.htm - 6k

Jo'ab (120 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 3:26 When Joab had come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner,
and they brought him back from the well of Sirah; but David didn't know it. ...
/j/jo'ab.htm - 34k

Water-spring (16 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 3:26 And when Joab had come out from David, he sent men after Abner, and
they overtook him at the water-spring of Sirah, and made him come back with ...
/w/water-spring.htm - 11k

Boscath (1 Occurrence)

/b/boscath.htm - 6k

Borrows (2 Occurrences)

/b/borrows.htm - 6k

Sired (2 Occurrences)

/s/sired.htm - 7k

Overtook (35 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 3:26 And when Joab had come out from David, he sent men after Abner, and
they overtook him at the water-spring of Sirah, and made him come back with ...
/o/overtook.htm - 17k

David's (142 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 3:26 And when Joab was come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner,
and they brought him back from Bor-sirah; but David knew it not. (See RSV). ...
/d/david's.htm - 37k

Joab (128 Occurrences)
... 2 Samuel 3:26 When Joab had come out from David, he sent messengers after Abner,
and they brought him back from the well of Sirah; but David didn't know it. ...
/j/joab.htm - 53k

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