Lexical Summary Seku: Secu Original Word: שֵׂכוּ Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Sechu From an unused root apparently meaning to surmount; an observatory (with the article); Seku, a place in Palestine -- Sechu. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a city near Ramah NASB Translation Secu (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs שֵׂ֫כוּ proper name, of a location (si vera lectio) near Ramah (= outlook, Köii. 1, 61); — 1 Samuel 19:22; WMMAs.u. Eur.165 compare T_-ku in Egyptian inscription; but ᵐ5 Εεφ(ε)ι; read שְׁפִי Th We Dr Kit Bu HPS. Topical Lexicon Geographical Location Secu is mentioned once in Scripture, at 1 Samuel 19:22, in connection with “the great cistern at Secu.” The wording indicates a locality rather than a personal name, situated on the way from Gibeah toward Ramah in Benjamin. Its exact site has not been identified, yet its proximity to Ramah fits the northern hill-country setting where Samuel maintained a prophetic center and where David sought refuge. The reference to a large water-source (a “great cistern”) implies a place of some strategic value for travelers and herds. Biblical Context The scene in 1 Samuel 19 captures a pivotal moment in the conflict between King Saul and David. After three successive groups of messengers are supernaturally hindered from arresting David (1 Samuel 19:20-21), Saul himself sets out: “So Saul went to Ramah and came to the great cistern at Secu, and he asked, ‘Where are Samuel and David?’” (1 Samuel 19:22). Secu therefore stands at the threshold of God’s intervention. Before Saul can reach Naioth, the Spirit of God overcomes him (1 Samuel 19:23-24), displaying divine sovereignty over the king’s murderous intent. Secu functions as the narrative marker that separates Saul’s human pursuit from God’s decisive restraint. Historical Background In early Iron-Age Israel, large communal cisterns were essential for storing winter rains. A “great” cistern would attract settlements, caravans, and military patrols, making Secu a logical checkpoint for Saul. Archaeology confirms that such cisterns were often dug at crossroads or near fortifications, underscoring Secu’s plausible role as an established landmark on the Gibeah-Ramah route. Theological Themes 1. Divine Protection: Secu highlights the pattern of providential shielding that characterizes David’s rise (1 Samuel 18–24; Psalm 59). Though Saul comes armed with authority, he is halted on holy ground, illustrating Psalm 124: “If the LORD had not been on our side… the torrent would have overwhelmed us.” 2. The Limits of Human Power: Secu marks the final step Saul can take in his own strength. Beyond it, he is subject to the Spirit’s overpowering presence (1 Samuel 19:23). The place therefore illustrates Proverbs 21:30—“There is no wisdom, no understanding, no counsel that can prevail against the LORD.” 3. Prophetic Oversight: By situating the episode near Samuel’s base, the text underscores the prophetic mantle protecting the anointed king-in-waiting. Secu thereby prefigures later moments when prophets intervene on behalf of Davidic successors (for example, 2 Kings 19:1-7). Lessons for Ministry Today • God often provides “Secu moments”—ordinary locales that become thresholds of deliverance. A routine well or workplace can turn into the setting where God thwarts opposition and vindicates faithful service. • Spiritual leaders, like Samuel, establish environments (Naioth) where the persecuted can find refuge. Cultivating such safe spaces remains a vital ministry task (Galatians 6:2). • Pursuers of self-will, like Saul, eventually confront boundaries they cannot cross. Recognizing God-appointed limits fosters humility and averts judgment (James 4:6). Related Scriptures Genesis 50:20; Psalm 59:1-17; Proverbs 16:9; Isaiah 54:17; Acts 12:6-11. Forms and Transliterations בַּשֶּׂ֔כוּ בשכו baś·śe·ḵū basSechu baśśeḵūLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Samuel 19:22 HEB: הַגָּדוֹל֙ אֲשֶׁ֣ר בַּשֶּׂ֔כוּ וַיִּשְׁאַ֣ל וַיֹּ֔אמֶר NAS: well that is in Secu; and he asked KJV: well that [is] in Sechu: and he asked INT: as the large is in Secu asked and said 1 Occurrence |
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