Seirath
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Topical Encyclopedia
Seirath is a location mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Judges. It is associated with the narrative of Ehud, one of the judges of Israel, who delivered the Israelites from Moabite oppression. The mention of Seirath is brief, yet it plays a significant role in the account of Ehud's actions following his assassination of Eglon, the king of Moab.

Biblical Reference:
The primary reference to Seirath is found in Judges 3:26-27. The Berean Standard Bible states: "Ehud, however, had escaped while the servants waited. He passed by the idols and escaped to Seirah. On arriving in Seirah, he blew the trumpet in the hill country of Ephraim, and the Israelites went down with him from the hills, with him leading them."

Geographical Context:
Seirath is described as a location in the hill country of Ephraim. The exact geographical location of Seirath is not definitively known, but it is understood to be within the territory allotted to the tribe of Ephraim. The hill country of Ephraim is a region characterized by its rugged terrain and elevated landscape, which provided strategic advantages for military activities and refuge.

Historical and Theological Significance:
The mention of Seirath in the context of Ehud's account highlights its role as a place of refuge and rallying point. After assassinating King Eglon, Ehud used Seirath as a strategic location to gather the Israelites and lead them in a successful revolt against the Moabites. This event underscores the theme of divine deliverance and the empowerment of chosen leaders to liberate the Israelites from foreign oppression.

Ehud's actions, including his escape to Seirath, demonstrate the cunning and bravery often required of the judges in their divinely appointed roles. The blowing of the trumpet in Seirath symbolizes the call to arms and the unification of the Israelite tribes under God's guidance to reclaim their freedom and territory.

Cultural and Religious Context:
In the broader cultural and religious context of the Old Testament, locations like Seirath serve as more than mere geographical markers; they are integral to the unfolding narrative of God's covenant relationship with Israel. The judges, including Ehud, are seen as instruments of God's justice and mercy, raised up to deliver Israel during times of moral and spiritual decline.

Seirath, therefore, is not just a physical location but a testament to the faithfulness of God in responding to the cries of His people. It is a reminder of the importance of obedience, courage, and reliance on divine strength in the face of overwhelming odds.

Conclusion:
While Seirath is mentioned only briefly in the biblical text, its role in the account of Ehud is significant. It serves as a backdrop for a pivotal moment in Israel's history, illustrating the themes of deliverance, leadership, and divine intervention that are central to the narrative of the judges.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Seirath

(the shaggy), the place to which Ehud fled after his murder of Eglon. (Judges 3:26,27) It was in "Mount Ephraim," ver. 27, a continuation, perhaps, of the same wooded, shaggy hills which stretched even so far south as to enter the territory of Judah, (Joshua 15:10) (It is probably the same place as MOUNT, MOUNT, MOUNTAIN SEIR, 2.)

Easton's Bible Dictionary
Woody district; shaggy, a place among the mountains of Ephraim, bordering on Benjamin, to which Ehud fled after he had assassinated Eglon at Jericho (Judges 3:26, 27).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
SEIRATH

se-i'-rath, se'-i-rath.

See SEIRAH.

Strong's Hebrew
8167. Seirah -- "goat," a city in Ephraim
... Seirath. Formed as s'iyrah; roughness; Seirah, a place in Palestine -- Seirath.
see HEBREW s'iyrah. 8166, 8167. Seirah. 8168 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/8167.htm - 6k
Thesaurus
Seirath (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SEIRATH. se-i'-rath, se'-i-rath. See
SEIRAH. Multi-Version Concordance Seirath (1 Occurrence). ...
/s/seirath.htm - 7k

Tarrying (9 Occurrences)
... days. (ASV). Judges 3:26 And Ehud escaped during their tarrying, and hath
passed by the images, and is escaped to Seirath. (YLT). ...
/t/tarrying.htm - 8k

Seirah (1 Occurrence)
... se-i'-ra, se'-i-ra (ha-se`irah; Codex Vaticanus Seteirotha; Codex Alexandrinus See
irotha; the King James Version, Seirath): The place to which Ehud escaped ...
/s/seirah.htm - 7k

Se-i'rah (1 Occurrence)
Se-i'rah. Seirah, Se-i'rah. Seirath . Multi-Version Concordance Se-i'rah (1
Occurrence). ... (DBY RSV). Seirah, Se-i'rah. Seirath . Reference Bible.
/s/se-i'rah.htm - 6k

Tarried (42 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV WBS). Judges 3:26 And Ehud escaped while they tarried, and passed
beyond the quarries, and escaped unto Seirath. (KJV ASV WBS). ...
/t/tarried.htm - 18k

Seize (91 Occurrences)

/s/seize.htm - 34k

Resources
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Concordance
Seirath (1 Occurrence)

Judges 3:26
And Ehud escaped while they tarried, and passed beyond the quarries, and escaped unto Seirath.
(KJV WBS YLT)

Subtopics

Seirath

Seirath: A City of Unknown Location

Related Terms

Tarrying (9 Occurrences)

Seirah (1 Occurrence)

Se-i'rah (1 Occurrence)

Tarried (42 Occurrences)

Seize (91 Occurrences)

Se-i'rah
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