So he called it Shibah, and to this day the name of the city is Beersheba. So he called it ShibahThe word "Shibah" in Hebrew is שִׁבְעָה (Shiv'ah), which means "oath" or "seven." This naming is significant as it reflects the covenantal relationship and the oath made between Isaac and Abimelech, the king of the Philistines. In the ancient Near Eastern context, naming a place often commemorated a significant event or divine encounter. The act of naming by Isaac signifies a formal recognition of God's providence and faithfulness in his life, as well as a peaceful resolution with his neighbors. This reflects the importance of oaths and covenants in biblical times, serving as binding agreements that were often sealed with a ritual or a significant act. and to this day
The phrase "to this day" indicates the enduring legacy and historical continuity of the name Beersheba. It suggests that the events described had a lasting impact on the community and were remembered by subsequent generations. This phrase is often used in the Bible to emphasize the historical reliability and the ongoing significance of God's actions in history. It serves as a reminder to the readers of the faithfulness of God across generations, encouraging them to trust in His promises and providence. the name of the city is Beersheba
"Beersheba" in Hebrew is בְּאֵר שֶׁבַע (Be'er Sheva), which can be translated as "Well of the Oath" or "Well of Seven." This name encapsulates both the physical and spiritual significance of the location. Archaeologically, Beersheba is a well-documented site, known for its ancient wells and strategic location in the Negev desert. Historically, it served as a key settlement and a place of refuge and sustenance for the patriarchs. Scripturally, Beersheba is a place where God's promises were reaffirmed, and His presence was experienced. The dual meaning of the name highlights the intertwining of God's covenantal promises with the practical provision of water, a vital resource in the arid landscape. This serves as a powerful metaphor for God's provision and faithfulness, both spiritually and materially, to His people. Persons / Places / Events 1. IsaacThe son of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac is a patriarch of Israel. In this chapter, he is seen re-digging the wells of his father and establishing peace with the Philistines. 2. BeershebaA significant location in the biblical account, Beersheba is a city in the southern part of Israel. It becomes a place of covenant and peace, as well as a symbol of God's provision and faithfulness. 3. PhilistinesA group of people living in the region who had previously filled the wells dug by Abraham. They represent opposition and conflict, but also the potential for reconciliation. 4. ShibahThe name given to the well by Isaac, meaning "oath" or "seven" in Hebrew. It signifies the oath made between Isaac and Abimelech, the king of the Philistines, leading to peace. 5. AbimelechThe king of the Philistines who seeks a peace treaty with Isaac, recognizing God's blessing upon him. Teaching Points The Importance of CovenantThe naming of the well as Shibah underscores the significance of covenants in maintaining peace and ensuring mutual respect. In our lives, honoring commitments and fostering peace in relationships is crucial. God's FaithfulnessBeersheba serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises. Just as God provided for Isaac, He provides for us, often in unexpected ways. Reconciliation and PeaceIsaac's interaction with Abimelech teaches us the value of seeking reconciliation and living at peace with others, even those who may have opposed us. Legacy and ContinuityIsaac's actions in re-digging his father's wells and naming the well Shibah highlight the importance of preserving and continuing the legacy of faith and obedience. Trust in God's ProvisionThe well at Beersheba symbolizes God's provision. We are encouraged to trust in God's timing and provision in our own lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the naming of the well as Shibah reflect the importance of covenants in our relationships today? 2. In what ways can we see God's faithfulness in our own lives, similar to His provision for Isaac at Beersheba? 3. How can we apply the principle of seeking peace and reconciliation in our interactions with others, especially those who may have wronged us? 4. What are some ways we can continue the legacy of faith in our families and communities, as Isaac did by re-digging his father's wells? 5. How can we cultivate a deeper trust in God's provision, even when circumstances seem challenging or uncertain? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 21The original covenant between Abraham and Abimelech at Beersheba, highlighting the continuity of God's promises and the importance of peace and covenant. Hebrews 11Isaac is mentioned in the "Hall of Faith," emphasizing his role in the lineage of faith and God's promises. Psalm 23The theme of God's provision and guidance, as seen in the peaceful resolution and provision of water at Beersheba. People Abimelech, Ahuzzath, Bashemath, Basmath, Beeri, Elon, Esau, Isaac, Judith, Phichol, RebekahPlaces Beersheba, Egypt, Esek, Gerar, Rehoboth, Shibah, Sitnah, Valley of GerarTopics Beersheba, Beer-sheba, Calleth, Oath, Shebah, Shibah, TownDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 26:32-33 5044 names, giving of Library The First Apostle of Peace at any Price
'Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold, and the Lord blessed him. And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great: For he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him. For all the wells which his father's servants had digged in the days of Abraham his father, the Philistines had stopped them, and filled them with earth. And Abimelech said unto Isaac, Go from us; for …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture"Thou Art Now the Blessed of the Lord. "
"Thou art now the blessed of the Lord."--Genesis 26:29. THESE words truly describe the position of many whom I address at this time. There are hundreds here upon whom my eye can rest, and to any one of whom I might point with this finger, or rather, to whom I might extend this hand, to give a hearty shake, and say, "Thou art now the blessed of the Lord." I need not say it in the same spirit, nor for the same reason, that the Philistines did. They had behaved basely towards Isaac, and now that he …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 38: 1892 Tithing
There are few subjects on which the Lord's own people are more astray than on the subject of giving. They profess to take the Bible as their own rule of faith and practice, and yet in the matter of Christian finance, the vast majority have utterly ignored its plain teachings and have tried every substitute the carnal mind could devise; therefore it is no wonder that the majority of Christian enterprises in the world today are handicapped and crippled through the lack of funds. Is our giving to be …
Arthur W. Pink—Tithing Whether Every Lie is a Sin?
Objection 1: It seems that not every lie is a sin. For it is evident that the evangelists did not sin in the writing of the Gospel. Yet they seem to have told something false: since their accounts of the words of Christ and of others often differ from one another: wherefore seemingly one of them must have given an untrue account. Therefore not every lie is a sin. Objection 2: Further, no one is rewarded by God for sin. But the midwives of Egypt were rewarded by God for a lie, for it is stated that …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Elucidation.
The conduct of Father Abraham, although not approved of by Inspiration, but simply recorded (Gen. xxvi. 7), gave early Christians an opinion that the wicked may be justly foiled, by equivocation and deception, for the preservation of innocence or the life of the innocent. In such case the person deceived, they might argue, is not injured, but benefited (Gen. xxvi. 10), being saved from committing violence and murder. The Corinthian maiden was accustomed to be veiled (as Tertullian intimates), and …
Hippolytus—The Extant Works and Fragments of Hippolytus An Obscured vision
(Preached at the opening of the Winona Lake Bible Conference.) TEXT: "Where there is no vision, the people perish."--Proverbs 29:18. It is not altogether an easy matter to secure a text for such an occasion as this; not because the texts are so few in number but rather because they are so many, for one has only to turn over the pages of the Bible in the most casual way to find them facing him at every reading. Feeling the need of advice for such a time as this, I asked a number of my friends who …
J. Wilbur Chapman—And Judas Iscariot The Plan for the Coming of Jesus.
God's Darling, Psalms 8:5-8.--the plan for the new man--the Hebrew picture by itself--difference between God's plan and actual events--one purpose through breaking plans--the original plan--a starting point--getting inside. Fastening a Tether inside: the longest way around--the pedigree--the start. First Touches on the Canvas: the first touch, Genesis 3:15.--three groups of prediction--first group: to Abraham, Genesis 12:1-3; to Isaac, Genesis 26:1-5; to Jacob, Genesis 28:10-15; through Jacob, …
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus And to Holy David Indeed it Might More Justly be Said...
22. And to holy David indeed it might more justly be said, that he ought not to have been angry; no, not with one however ungrateful and rendering evil for good; yet if, as man, anger did steal over him, he ought not to have let it so prevail, that he should swear to do a thing which either by giving way to his rage he should do, or by breaking his oath leave undone. But to the other, set as he was amid the libidinous frenzy of the Sodomites, who would dare to say, "Although thy guests in thine own …
St. Augustine—Against Lying Covenanting Performed in Former Ages with Approbation from Above.
That the Lord gave special token of his approbation of the exercise of Covenanting, it belongs to this place to show. His approval of the duty was seen when he unfolded the promises of the Everlasting Covenant to his people, while they endeavoured to perform it; and his approval thereof is continually seen in his fulfilment to them of these promises. The special manifestations of his regard, made to them while attending to the service before him, belonged to one or other, or both, of those exhibitions …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Jesus Sets Out from Judæa for Galilee.
Subdivision B. At Jacob's Well, and at Sychar. ^D John IV. 5-42. ^d 5 So he cometh to a city of Samaria, called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 and Jacob's well was there. [Commentators long made the mistake of supposing that Shechem, now called Nablous, was the town here called Sychar. Sheckem lies a mile and a half west of Jacob's well, while the real Sychar, now called 'Askar, lies scarcely half a mile north of the well. It was a small town, loosely called …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Appendix ii. Philo of Alexandria and Rabbinic Theology.
(Ad. vol. i. p. 42, note 4.) In comparing the allegorical Canons of Philo with those of Jewish traditionalism, we think first of all of the seven exegetical canons which are ascribed to Hillel. These bear chiefly the character of logical deductions, and as such were largely applied in the Halakhah. These seven canons were next expanded by R. Ishmael (in the first century) into thirteen, by the analysis of one of them (the 5th) into six, and the addition of this sound exegetical rule, that where two …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Sundry Sharp Reproofs
This doctrine draws up a charge against several sorts: 1 Those that think themselves good Christians, yet have not learned this art of holy mourning. Luther calls mourning a rare herb'. Men have tears to shed for other things, but have none to spare for their sins. There are many murmurers, but few mourners. Most are like the stony ground which lacked moisture' (Luke 8:6). We have many cry out of hard times, but they are not sensible of hard hearts. Hot and dry is the worst temper of the body. Sure …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament 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 26:33 NIVGenesis 26:33 NLTGenesis 26:33 ESVGenesis 26:33 NASBGenesis 26:33 KJV
Genesis 26:33 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
