So that place was called Beersheba, because it was there that the two of them swore an oath. So that placeThe phrase "so that place" refers to a specific location that holds significant historical and spiritual importance. In the Hebrew context, the word for "place" is "מָקוֹם" (maqom), which often denotes a site of divine encounter or covenant. This highlights the importance of physical locations in the biblical narrative, where God’s promises and human actions intersect. Theologically, it reminds us that God often uses specific places to fulfill His purposes and establish His covenants. was called
The act of naming in the Bible is deeply significant, often reflecting the character or destiny of a person or place. The Hebrew verb "קָרָא" (qara) means "to call" or "to name," indicating an authoritative declaration. In this context, naming the place Beersheba signifies a formal recognition of the events that transpired there, embedding the location with historical and spiritual meaning. It underscores the power of words and names in shaping identity and memory. Beersheba
Beersheba, from the Hebrew "בְּאֵר שֶׁבַע" (Be'er Sheva), translates to "Well of the Oath" or "Well of Seven." This dual meaning reflects both the oath made between Abraham and Abimelech and the seven ewe lambs that Abraham set apart as a witness. Beersheba becomes a symbol of peace and covenant, a place where disputes are resolved through mutual agreement. Historically, Beersheba is a significant city in the southern part of Israel, often seen as the southern boundary of the Promised Land, emphasizing its role as a landmark of God’s promises. because it was there
This phrase emphasizes the specific location where the events occurred, reinforcing the idea that God’s actions in history are tied to real places and times. The Hebrew word "שָׁם" (sham) means "there," pointing to the tangible reality of God’s interventions in human affairs. It serves as a reminder that God’s covenants and promises are not abstract but are grounded in the physical world. that the two of them
The "two of them" refers to Abraham and Abimelech, representing a moment of reconciliation and agreement between two leaders. This phrase highlights the importance of relationships and diplomacy in the biblical narrative. It underscores the biblical principle of living peaceably with others and the value of making covenants to ensure harmony and mutual respect. swore an oath
The act of swearing an oath, "נִשְׁבְּעוּ" (nishbe'u) in Hebrew, is a solemn promise or commitment made before God. In ancient Near Eastern culture, oaths were binding and sacred, often invoking divine witnesses. This oath between Abraham and Abimelech signifies a formal and binding agreement, reflecting the seriousness with which God’s people are to approach promises and covenants. It serves as a reminder of the faithfulness required in our commitments, both to God and to others. Persons / Places / Events 1. AbrahamThe patriarch of the Israelites, who made a covenant with Abimelech at Beersheba. 2. AbimelechThe king of Gerar, who entered into a covenant with Abraham to ensure peaceful relations. 3. BeershebaThe location where Abraham and Abimelech made their covenant, named for the oath sworn there. The name "Beersheba" is derived from the Hebrew words "be'er" (well) and "sheba" (oath or seven), indicating the well of the oath or the well of seven. 4. The OathA formal agreement between Abraham and Abimelech, signifying peace and mutual respect. 5. The WellA significant resource in the arid region, symbolizing sustenance and life, and the subject of the covenant. Teaching Points The Importance of CovenantsCovenants are foundational in biblical accounts, representing commitments and relationships. They remind us of the seriousness of our promises to God and others. God's FaithfulnessJust as God was faithful to Abraham in securing peace and provision, He remains faithful to His promises to us today. The Significance of NamesNaming places and events in the Bible often carries deep meaning. Beersheba serves as a reminder of God's provision and the importance of peace. The Role of Peace in RelationshipsAbraham and Abimelech's covenant highlights the importance of seeking peace and reconciliation in our relationships. Resource StewardshipThe well at Beersheba symbolizes the importance of managing and valuing the resources God provides us. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the covenant between Abraham and Abimelech teach us about the importance of making and keeping promises in our own lives? 2. How can the account of Beersheba inspire us to seek peace and reconciliation in our relationships today? 3. In what ways does the naming of Beersheba reflect the significance of God's provision in your life? 4. How does the concept of a well as a life-sustaining resource relate to Jesus' teaching about living water in the New Testament? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness in a situation that seemed uncertain. How can this account encourage you to trust God more fully? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 26Isaac, Abraham's son, later re-digs the wells of his father, including the well at Beersheba, reaffirming the significance of this location and the covenant. Hebrews 6Discusses the importance of oaths and God's unchanging promise, reflecting the seriousness of covenants in biblical times. Psalm 23The imagery of water and sustenance, as seen in the well at Beersheba, parallels the provision and care of God as a shepherd. People Abimelech, Abraham, Hagar, Isaac, Phichol, SarahPlaces Beersheba, Egypt, Gerar, ParanTopics Beersheba, Beer-sheba, Oath, Oaths, Sware, Swore, Sworn, WhereforeDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 21:31 1346 covenants, nature of
4296 wells
5044 names, giving of Genesis 21:22-31 5430 oaths, human Genesis 21:22-32 5592 treaty Genesis 21:25-31 5077 Abraham, character Library Compassion for Souls
Behold the compassion of a mother for her child expiring with thirst, and remember that such a compassion ought all Christians to feel towards souls that are perishing for lack of Christ, perishing eternally, perishing without hope of salvation. If the mother lifted up her voice arid wept, so also should we; and if the contemplation of her dying, child was all too painful for her, so may the contemplation of the wrath to come, which is to pass upon every soul that dies impenitent, become too painful …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871Therefore, if we Compare the Things Themselves, we May no Way Doubt that The...
28. Therefore, if we compare the things themselves, we may no way doubt that the chastity of continence is better than marriage chastity, whilst yet both are good: but when we compare the persons, he is better, who hath a greater good than another. Further, he who hath a greater of the same kind, hath also that which is less; but he, who only hath what is less, assuredly hath not that which is greater. For in sixty, thirty also are contained, not sixty also in thirty. But not to work from out that …
St. Augustine—On the Good of Marriage The Gospel Feast
"When Jesus then lifted up His eyes, and saw a great company come unto Him, He saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread that these may eat?"--John vi. 5. After these words the Evangelist adds, "And this He said to prove him, for He Himself knew what He would do." Thus, you see, our Lord had secret meanings when He spoke, and did not bring forth openly all His divine sense at once. He knew what He was about to do from the first, but He wished to lead forward His disciples, and to arrest and …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII Of Bearing the Cross --One Branch of Self-Denial.
The four divisions of this chapter are,--I. The nature of the cross, its necessity and dignity, sec. 1, 2. II. The manifold advantages of the cross described, sec. 3-6. III. The form of the cross the most excellent of all, and yet it by no means removes all sense of pain, sec. 7, 8. IV. A description of warfare under the cross, and of true patience, (not that of philosophers,) after the example of Christ, sec. 9-11. 1. THE pious mind must ascend still higher, namely, whither Christ calls his disciples …
Archpriest John Iliytch Sergieff—On the Christian Life But if Moreover any not Having Charity, which Pertaineth to the Unity of Spirit...
23. But if moreover any not having charity, which pertaineth to the unity of spirit and the bond of peace whereby the Catholic Church is gathered and knit together, being involved in any schism, doth, that he may not deny Christ, suffer tribulations, straits, hunger, nakedness, persecution, perils, prisons, bonds, torments, swords, or flames, or wild beasts, or the very cross, through fear of hell and everlasting fire; in nowise is all this to be blamed, nay rather this also is a patience meet to …
St. Augustine—On Patience The Annunciation of Jesus the Messiah, and the Birth of his Forerunner.
FROM the Temple to Nazareth! It seems indeed most fitting that the Evangelic story should have taken its beginning within the Sanctuary, and at the time of sacrifice. Despite its outward veneration for them, the Temple, its services, and specially its sacrifices, were, by an inward logical necessity, fast becoming a superfluity for Rabbinism. But the new development, passing over the intruded elements, which were, after all, of rationalistic origin, connected its beginning directly with the Old Testament …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
Syria: the part played by it in the ancient world--Babylon and the first Chaldaean empire--The dominion of the Hyksos: Ahmosis. Some countries seem destined from their origin to become the battle-fields of the contending nations which environ them. Into such regions, and to their cost, neighbouring peoples come from century to century to settle their quarrels and bring to an issue the questions of supremacy which disturb their little corner of the world. The nations around are eager for the possession …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4 The Holiness of God
The next attribute is God's holiness. Exod 15:51. Glorious in holiness.' Holiness is the most sparkling jewel of his crown; it is the name by which God is known. Psa 111:1. Holy and reverend is his name.' He is the holy One.' Job 6:60. Seraphims cry, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of his glory.' Isa 6:6. His power makes him mighty, his holiness makes him glorious. God's holiness consists in his perfect love of righteousness, and abhorrence of evil. Of purer eyes than …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Genesis 21:31 NIVGenesis 21:31 NLTGenesis 21:31 ESVGenesis 21:31 NASBGenesis 21:31 KJV
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