Place near Hebron where Abner was killed by Joab
Sirah
Named in 1 verse of 2 Samuel, first in 2 Samuel 3:26.
סִּרָהSirah
About Sirah Written by AI
Sirah, also known as the Cistern of Sirah, is mentioned in the account of the murder of Abner by Joab (2Sam. 3:26). Abner, who had been the commander of Saul's army, had recently defected to David's side after a dispute with Ish-bosheth, Saul's son. Joab, David's military commander, held a grudge against Abner for killing his brother Asahel in battle (2Sam. 2:18-23). When Abner left David's presence at Hebron, Joab sent messengers after him and brought him back from the Cistern of Sirah. Upon Abner's return, Joab took him aside and stabbed him to death in revenge for his brother's killing (2Sam. 3:27). The exact location of Sirah is not specified in the biblical text, but it was apparently a well-known landmark near Hebron. The name "Sirah" may be derived from the Hebrew word "sur," meaning "to turn aside" or "to depart," possibly indicating a place where travelers would stop or turn off the main road. David, who had not authorized Abner's murder, mourned his death and publicly cursed Joab and his family for their treachery (2Sam. 3:28-39). This incident highlights the complex political situation during the early years of David's reign and the challenges he faced in uniting the kingdom under his rule.
Drafted by an AI model for STEPBible's TIPNR (Tyndale House Cambridge, CC BY 4.0). Check it against the verses below.
Easton's Bible Dictionary, 1897
Retiring, a well from which Joab’s messenger brought back Abner (2 Sam. 3:26). It is now called ‘Ain Sarah, and is situated about a mile from Hebron, on the road to the north.
M. G. Easton, Illustrated Bible Dictionary, third edition (1897), public domain, from CrossWire. Shown as written; its Scripture quotes are from older translations.
31.550, 35.100 See it on a map
Where the Bible names it
- 2 Samuel 3:26
As soon as Joab had left David, he sent messengers after Abner, who brought him back from the well of Sirah. But David was unaware of it.
From STEPBible's TIPNR, Tyndale House Cambridge (CC BY 4.0): names, family, references and the AI written article. Verse text is the BSB.