Topical Encyclopedia Beer-Sheba, often translated as "Well of the Oath" or "Well of Seven," is a significant location in biblical history, prominently associated with the patriarchs Abraham and Isaac. This ancient site is situated in the southern part of Israel, marking the boundary of the Negev desert. It holds considerable importance in the narrative of the Hebrew Bible, serving as a testament to God's promises and the faithfulness of His servants.Abraham and the Covenant at Beer-Sheba The first notable mention of Beer-Sheba occurs in the context of Abraham's life. In Genesis 21, Abraham makes a covenant with Abimelech, the king of Gerar. The passage describes how Abraham reproached Abimelech over a well of water that Abimelech's servants had seized. To resolve the dispute, Abraham gave Abimelech seven ewe lambs as a witness that he had dug the well. The Berean Standard Bible records this event: "So that place was called Beer-Sheba, because it was there that the two of them swore an oath" (Genesis 21:31). This act of covenant-making underscores the significance of Beer-Sheba as a place of peace and agreement. Isaac and the Reaffirmation of the Covenant Beer-Sheba's importance is further highlighted in the life of Isaac, Abraham's son. In Genesis 26, Isaac experiences conflict over wells with the Philistines, similar to his father. After moving from place to place, Isaac eventually arrives at Beer-Sheba. Here, the Lord appears to him, reaffirming the covenant made with Abraham: "I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you. I will bless you and multiply your descendants for the sake of My servant Abraham" (Genesis 26:24). In response, Isaac builds an altar and calls upon the name of the Lord, establishing Beer-Sheba as a place of worship and divine encounter. Cultural and Historical Significance Beer-Sheba serves as a geographical and spiritual landmark in the biblical narrative. It represents the southernmost point of the Promised Land, often mentioned in the phrase "from Dan to Beer-Sheba" to denote the entire territory of Israel (Judges 20:1, 1 Samuel 3:20). The well at Beer-Sheba symbolizes God's provision and the sustenance of life in a desert region, reflecting the broader theme of God's faithfulness to His promises. Legacy and Archaeological Insights The legacy of Beer-Sheba extends beyond its biblical mentions. Archaeological excavations have uncovered remains of ancient settlements, fortifications, and water systems, providing insight into the historical and cultural context of the biblical accounts. These findings corroborate the biblical narrative, offering tangible evidence of Beer-Sheba's role as a significant center in the ancient Near East. In summary, Beer-Sheba stands as a testament to the enduring faith of the patriarchs and the unwavering promises of God. Its wells, covenants, and altars continue to echo the themes of faith, provision, and divine encounter that are central to the biblical account. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 21:25,26And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water, which Abimelech's servants had violently taken away. Nave's Topical Index Library Of Jacob's Mission to Mesopotamia to Get a Wife, and of the vision ... Never! Never! Never! Never! Never! Genesis Chapter xxvi Nature of Covenanting. The Book of Jubilees Chapter xlvi Chapter xxxiii The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. ) Tiglath-Pileser iii. And the Organisation of the Assyrian Empire ... Resources What does the Bible say about drinking alcohol / wine? Is it a sin for a Christian to drink alcohol / wine? | GotQuestions.orgWho was the Queen of the South? | GotQuestions.org Are there any black people mentioned in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Beer-Sheba: The Most Southern City of Palestine Beer-Sheba: The Most Southern City of Palestine in the Inheritance of Judah Beer-Sheba: The Most Southern City of Palestine: Afterward Assigned to Simeon Beer-Sheba: The Most Southern City of Palestine: Became a Seat of Idolatrous Worship Beer-Sheba: The Most Southern City of Palestine: Jacob Went out From, Toward Haran Beer-Sheba: The Most Southern City of Palestine: Named by Abraham, Who Lived There Beer-Sheba: The Most Southern City of Palestine: Sacrifices offered At, by Jacob Beer-Sheba: The Most Southern City of Palestine: The Place where Isaac Lived Beer-Sheba: The Most Southern City of Palestine: Two Sons of Samuel Were Judges At Beer-Sheba: The Well of, Belonged to Abraham and Isaac Beer-Sheba: Wilderness of, Hagar Miraculously Sees a Well In Beer-Sheba: Wilderness of, Hagar Miraculously Sees a Well in an Angel Fed Elijah In Related Terms Daughter-towns (17 Occurrences) |
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