Sechu is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the context of the narrative involving King Saul and the future King David. The reference to Sechu is found in 1 Samuel 19:22, where it is described as a place near Ramah. The passage reads: "Finally, Saul himself left for Ramah and came to the great cistern at Secu. And he asked, 'Where are Samuel and David?' 'At Naioth in Ramah,' they said."

Biblical Context

Sechu is part of the narrative detailing the pursuit of David by King Saul. At this point in the biblical account, Saul is seeking to capture David, who has found refuge with the prophet Samuel in Ramah. The mention of Sechu highlights Saul's relentless pursuit and the geographical movements involved in this pursuit. The location serves as a waypoint in Saul's journey, emphasizing the intensity of his search for David.

Geographical Significance

The exact location of Sechu is not definitively known today, but it is described as being near Ramah, which is identified with modern-day er-Ram, located approximately 5 miles north of Jerusalem. The mention of a "great cistern" at Sechu suggests it was a notable landmark, possibly serving as a water source or a meeting point in the region. Cisterns were common in ancient Israel, used for collecting and storing rainwater, and their presence often marked significant locations.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the mention of Sechu in the narrative underscores the providential protection of David by God. Despite Saul's determined efforts, David remains elusive, safeguarded by divine intervention. This episode is part of the larger biblical theme of God's faithfulness to His chosen servants and His sovereign control over the affairs of men.

Historical and Cultural Context

In the historical and cultural context of ancient Israel, locations like Sechu would have been well-known to the original audience of the biblical text. The narrative assumes familiarity with the geography of the region, which would have added to the vividness and immediacy of the account for its initial hearers. The pursuit of David by Saul is a dramatic episode that reflects the political and spiritual tensions of the time, with Saul's kingship being challenged by the rise of David, whom God has chosen to be the next king of Israel.

Conclusion

While Sechu is mentioned only briefly in the Bible, its inclusion in the narrative of Saul and David serves to enhance the historical and geographical realism of the account. It provides insight into the movements and strategies of Saul as he seeks to maintain his hold on the throne, and it highlights the divine protection afforded to David, who is destined to become a central figure in the history of Israel.Sechu

defense; bough

Sechu

(the watch-tower), a place mentioned once only -- (1 Samuel 19:22) --apparently as lying on the route between Saul's residence, Gibeah, and Ramah (Ramathaim-zophim), that of Samuel. It was notorious for "the great well" (or rather cistern) which it contained. Assuming that Saul started from Gibeah (Tuleil el-Ful), and that Neby Samwil is Ramah, then Bir Nebolla (the well of Neballa) just south of Beeroth, alleged by modern traveller to contain a large pit would be in a suitable position for the great well of Sechu.

A hill or watch-tower, a place between Gibeah and Ramah noted for its "great well" (1 Samuel 19:22); probably the modern Suweikeh, south of Beeroth. SECHU

se'-ku (sekhu).

See SECU.

7906. Seku -- a city near Ramah
... Sechu. From an unused root apparently meaning to surmount; an observatory (with
the article); Seku, a place in Palestine -- Sechu. 7905, 7906. Seku. 7907 . ...
/hebrew/7906.htm - 6kSechu (1 Occurrence)
... of Beeroth. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SECHU. se'-ku (sekhu). See SECU.
Multi-Version Concordance Sechu (1 Occurrence). 1 Samuel ...
/s/sechu.htm - 7k

Secluded (7 Occurrences)

/s/secluded.htm - 8k

Ramath (10 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 19:22 And he goeth -- he also -- to Ramath, and cometh in unto the great
well which 'is' in Sechu, and asketh, and saith, 'Where 'are' Samuel and David ...
/r/ramath.htm - 10k

Asketh (40 Occurrences)
... 1 Samuel 19:22 And he goeth -- he also -- to Ramath, and cometh in unto the great
well which 'is' in Sechu, and asketh, and saith, 'Where 'are' Samuel and David ...
/a/asketh.htm - 18k

Secu (1 Occurrence)
... se'-ku (sekhu; Codex Vaticanus en Sephei; Codex Alexandrinus en Sokcho; the King
James Version Sechu): This name occurs only in the account of David's visit to ...
/s/secu.htm - 7k

Sechenias

/s/sechenias.htm - 6k

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus