sha.raq denotes a whistling sound used chiefly in hostile reaction to ruin and also as a signal that summons others.

The predominant use is a whistling or hissing response by passersby, enemies, or peoples when a place or person has become desolate, horrifying, or disgraced. A smaller group of passages uses the sound as a summons, calling nations, creatures, or a gathered people.

1. Hostile response to devastation or disgrace · dominant

   In 1 Kings 9:8, passersby respond to the ruined house with the sound and ask why the LORD acted against the land and house. In Lamentations 2:15 and Lamentations 2:16, those passing Jerusalem and its enemies make the sound alongside hand-clapping, head-wagging, open mouths, and hostile speech. Jeremiah 19:8 presents the same response from everyone passing a city made desolate.

   1 Kings 9:8Jeremiah 19:8Job 27:23Lamentations 2:15Lamentations 2:16Zephaniah 2:15
2. Audible summons · occasional

   In Isaiah 5:26, the sound follows the raising of a banner and is directed toward nations from afar, who then come swiftly. Isaiah 7:18 directs it toward the fly and the bee, while Zechariah 10:8 places it before gathering a people.

   Isaiah 5:26Isaiah 7:18Zechariah 10:8

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB uses “whistle” in the summons passages and often “hiss” where passersby or enemies react to ruin. These English choices confirm the clauses' overall presentation rather than establish separate lexical definitions.