### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma שְׂעִירָה (Sᵉʻîyrâh), Strong's H8167, is primarily a proper noun referring to a specific geographical location. Its etymological root is connected to the Hebrew word שָׂעִיר (sa'ir), Strong's `{{H8163}}`, which means "hairy" or "goat." This connection suggests a base meaning of "roughness" or "hairiness," implying a landscape that is rugged, shaggy, or covered with dense, perhaps wild, vegetation, akin to the appearance of a goat. Thus, "Seirath" or "Seirah" likely describes a place characterized by such features – a rough, uncultivated, or mountainous region.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term שְׂעִירָה (Sᵉʻîyrâh) appears in the biblical text as the place name "Seirath" (or "Seirah" in some translations). Its sole occurrence is found in the book of Judges:
* [[Judges 3:26]]: "But Ehud escaped while they delayed, and passed beyond the idols, and escaped to Seirath."
In this passage, Seirath serves as a crucial geographical point in the narrative of Ehud's deliverance of Israel from Moabite oppression. After Ehud assassinates Eglon, the king of Moab, he makes his escape. Seirath is presented as the destination or a key location in his flight, presumably a place of safety or a strategic rallying point. The context suggests it was a region accessible from Jericho (the "idols" likely refer to Gilgal) and situated in the hill country of Ephraim, providing a suitable terrain for a swift escape and subsequent mobilization of Israelite forces. Its implied ruggedness would have offered a natural advantage for defense or concealment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary linguistic connection for שְׂעִירָה (Sᵉʻîyrâh) is to its root, שָׂעִיר (sa'ir), Strong's `{{H8163}}`. This broader term refers to "hairy" (often describing a goat) and is also the name of Mount Seir and the region of Edom, notorious for its rugged, mountainous terrain. The linguistic link between "Seirath" and "Seir" suggests a shared characteristic of physical roughness or wildness. Other related concepts include:
* **Topography:** Words describing mountainous, hilly, or wild landscapes.
* **Refuge/Stronghold:** Places that offer natural protection or serve as strategic points in conflict, enabling escape or the gathering of forces.
* **Deliverance:** The broader theme of God's intervention through human agents in specific geographical settings to bring about salvation for His people.
### Theological Significance
As a proper noun, שְׂעִירָה (Sᵉʻîyrâh) does not carry inherent theological weight in the same way that abstract concepts like "righteousness" or "covenant" do. However, its theological significance is found in its role within the unfolding narrative of God's redemptive history.
1. **Setting for Divine Deliverance:** Seirath is not merely a random geographical marker; it is the specific place to which Ehud flees, enabling him to escape the Moabite retribution and subsequently gather the Israelites for the decisive victory. In this sense, it serves as a divinely appointed location, part of the strategic plan God uses to deliver His people from oppression.
2. **Providential Escape:** The very "roughness" implied by the name *Sᵉʻîyrâh* may subtly underscore the providential nature of Ehud's escape. A rugged, perhaps less accessible, terrain would have aided his flight and hindered his pursuers, highlighting God's hand in preserving His chosen deliverer.
3. **God's Use of Specifics:** The mention of such a specific, perhaps obscure, place name emphasizes that God's work of salvation is not abstract but deeply embedded in the concrete realities of geography and human action. Every detail, even a seemingly minor place name, contributes to the larger tapestry of God's sovereign plan.
### Summary
שְׂעִירָה (Sᵉʻîyrâh), Strong's H8167, is a Hebrew proper noun referring to the place "Seirath" or "Seirah." Its etymological root suggests a meaning of "roughness" or "hairiness," implying a rugged or wild landscape. It appears only once in the Bible, in [[Judges 3:26]], as the location to which Ehud escapes after assassinating Eglon. This place served as a crucial strategic point, facilitating Ehud's flight and subsequent rallying of the Israelite forces. While not carrying direct theological meaning, Seirath's significance lies in its role as a divinely appointed setting within the narrative of Israel's deliverance, underscoring God's meticulous and providential orchestration of events to achieve His redemptive purposes. It is connected linguistically to `{{H8163}}`, שָׂעִיר (sa'ir), reinforcing the idea of a rugged terrain.
TRV