The cistern (well) of Sirah is likely a site some four kilometres to the north of Hebron.1 Since Joab had arrived shortly after Abner’s departure there was still time for his messengers to reach Abner in good time and before he left the territory of Judah.
26 When Joab came out from David’s presence, he sent messengers after Abner, and they brought him back from the cistern of Sirah. But David did not know about it.