### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **shᵉlîy**, represented by `{{H7987}}`, describes an action done in **privacy** or **quietly**. This term is extremely rare, appearing only **1 time** in the entire Bible, but its singular use marks a moment of significant deception and betrayal.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H7987}}` is in the account of Joab's murder of Abner. After Abner returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside at the city gate under the pretense of wanting to **speak** with him **quietly** [[2 Samuel 3:27]]. This act of pulling him into a private space was a lethal deception. In that moment of supposed privacy, Joab **smote** `{{H5221}}` and killed Abner to avenge the **blood** `{{H1818}}` of his brother, Asahel. The word, therefore, is not associated with peaceful solitude but with a treacherous act committed under the guise of a confidential conversation.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from this passage illuminate the context of this betrayal:
* `{{H1696}}` **dâbar** (to speak): This word describes the supposed purpose of the private meeting. While often associated with God's faithful promises [[Genesis 28:15]] or giving life-saving warnings [[Ezekiel 3:18]], here it is the pretext for murder.
* `{{H5221}}` **nâkâh** (to strike): This is the violent action that shatters the false peace. It means to strike or smite, and is used to describe both human violence and divine judgment, as when the Messiah is seen as "smitten of God" [[Isaiah 53:4]].
* `{{H1818}}` **dâm** (blood): This represents the motive for Joab's treachery. He acted to avenge the "blood of Asahel" [[2 Samuel 3:27]]. The concept of blood carries immense weight, signifying life, guilt, and atonement [[Leviticus 17:11]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7987}}` is defined entirely by its dark context, highlighting several key themes:
* **Deception and Betrayal:** The use of **shᵉlîy** underscores the depth of Joab's treachery. He feigned privacy and peace to commit an act of violence, shedding the "blood of war in peace" [[1 Kings 2:5]].
* **Vengeance versus Justice:** Joab took Abner aside **quietly** to exact personal vengeance, not to carry out lawful justice. This private act of retribution stands in contrast to public, righteous judgment.
* **The Façade of Privacy:** The story demonstrates that actions done "in private" are not without consequence. Joab's deed, though carried out away from public view at the gate, was ultimately brought into the light and condemned [[1 Kings 2:32]].
### Summary
In summary, while `{{H7987}}` **shᵉlîy** simply means **quietly** or in **privacy**, its single biblical usage gives it a sinister connotation. It is forever linked to the assassination of Abner by Joab, a pivotal act of betrayal in the narrative of King David's reign. The word serves as a powerful reminder that a veneer of privacy can be used to conceal the most violent of intentions, and that such deeds have consequences that cannot be hidden.
TRV