Bible Dictionary
SIRAH, WELL OF
The well of Sirah was the place from which Abner was summoned back to Hebron, where he was killed. Its exact location is uncertain, though springs or cisterns near Hebron have been suggested.
Definition
The well of Sirah was the place from which Abner was summoned back to Hebron, where he was killed. Its exact location is uncertain.
Biblical Usage
Sirah appears in the account of Joab’s action in enticing Abner back to Hebron after Abner had departed.
Historical Background
It may have been `Ain Sarah, a spring flowing into a small tank about a mile from ancient Hebron on the road to Jerusalem. Another possible site is a stepped cistern near Ramet el-Khalil.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>si'-ra (bor hacirah, "the pit," "well" or "cistern of Sarah"): The spot from which Abner was enticed back to Hebron to his death (2Sa 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).</p>