Sitnah
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Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Etymology:
Sitnah is a term found in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the Book of Genesis. The name "Sitnah" is derived from the Hebrew root "שָׂטַן" (satan), which means "to oppose" or "to be an adversary." This etymology reflects the contentious nature associated with the location.

Biblical Reference:
Sitnah is mentioned in Genesis 26:21. The context of this reference is the narrative of Isaac, the son of Abraham, as he navigates the challenges of living in the land of the Philistines. The verse reads: "Then they dug another well and quarreled over that one also; so he named it Sitnah." (Genesis 26:21).

Historical and Cultural Context:
The account of Sitnah occurs during a period when Isaac is dwelling in the region of Gerar. After experiencing a famine, Isaac moves to this area, where he encounters conflict with the local Philistines over water rights. Wells were vital for survival in the arid climate of the ancient Near East, serving as essential sources of water for both people and livestock. The disputes over wells highlight the tensions between Isaac and the Philistines, as well as the broader theme of God's provision and faithfulness to His covenant people.

Theological Significance:
The naming of the well Sitnah, meaning "opposition," underscores the persistent challenges Isaac faced. Despite these adversities, the narrative demonstrates God's continued blessing and protection over Isaac. The conflict over the wells can be seen as a test of Isaac's faith and patience, as he chooses to move on and dig new wells rather than engage in prolonged conflict. This reflects a broader biblical principle of trusting in God's provision and timing, even amidst opposition.

Related Themes and Concepts:
· Conflict and Resolution: The account of Sitnah is part of a larger narrative that includes other wells, such as Esek and Rehoboth, each representing different stages of conflict and resolution. Isaac's response to these disputes serves as an example of seeking peace and trusting in God's promises.
· Divine Providence: The account of Sitnah illustrates the theme of divine providence, as God continues to provide for Isaac despite human opposition. This aligns with the biblical motif of God as a faithful provider who fulfills His promises to His people.
· Covenant Faithfulness: The narrative reinforces the idea of God's covenant faithfulness to Abraham's descendants. Despite external challenges, God's promises to Abraham are reaffirmed through His protection and blessing of Isaac.

Cross-References:
· Genesis 26:12-33: This broader passage provides the full context of Isaac's experiences in Gerar, including the disputes over the wells and God's reaffirmation of His covenant with Isaac.
· Genesis 21:22-34: The earlier account of Abraham's covenant with Abimelech over a well at Beersheba, which parallels Isaac's experiences and highlights recurring themes of conflict and resolution over water rights.

Conclusion:
The mention of Sitnah in the biblical narrative serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the patriarchs and the enduring faithfulness of God. Through the lens of Sitnah, readers are encouraged to reflect on the importance of perseverance, peace, and trust in divine provision amidst life's adversities.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Sitnah

hatred

Smith's Bible Dictionary
Sitnah

(strife), the second of the two wells dug by Isaac in the valley of Gerar, the possession of which the herdmen of the valley disputed with him. (Genesis 26:21)

Easton's Bible Dictionary
Strife, the second of the two wells dug by Isaac, whose servants here contended with the Philistines (Genesis 26:21). It has been identified with the modern Shutneh, in the valley of Gerar, to the west of Rehoboth, about 20 miles south of Beersheba.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
SITNAH

sit'-na (siTnah, "hatred," "hostility"; echthria): The name of the second of the two wells dug by the herdsmen of Isaac, the cause of further "enmity" with the herdsmen of Gerer (Genesis 26:21, margin "That is, Enmity"). The site is unknown, but Palmer (PEFS, 1871) finds an echo of the name in Shutnet er Rucheibeh, the name of a small valley near Rucheibeh.

See REHOBOTH.

Strong's Hebrew
7856. Sitnah -- "hostility," the name of a well near Gerar
... 7855, 7856. Sitnah. 7857 . "hostility," the name of a well near Gerar.
Transliteration: Sitnah Phonetic Spelling: (sit-naw') Short Definition: Sitnah. ...
/hebrew/7856.htm - 6k

7855. sitnah -- accusation
... 7854, 7855. sitnah. 7856 . accusation. Transliteration: sitnah Phonetic Spelling:
(sit-naw') Short Definition: accusation. ... 7854, 7855. sitnah. 7856 . ...
/hebrew/7855.htm - 6k

Library

The First Apostle of Peace at any Price
... they strove with him. And they digged another well, and strove for that
also: and he called the name of it Sitnah. And he removed ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the first apostle of peace.htm

Chapter xxvi
... quarrelling. 21, 22. Then they digged another well and there was strife
also over it. So he called its name Sitnah (Hostility). So ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxvi.htm

Thesaurus
Sitnah (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. SITNAH. ... Multi-Version Concordance Sitnah (1 Occurrence).
Genesis 26:21 They dug another well, and they argued over that, also. ...
/s/sitnah.htm - 7k

Sits (52 Occurrences)

/s/sits.htm - 21k

Quarreled (8 Occurrences)
... (See NAS RSV NIV). Genesis 26:21 They dug another well, and they argued over
that, also. He called its name Sitnah. (See NAS RSV NIV). ...
/q/quarreled.htm - 8k

Water-hole (25 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Genesis 26:21 Then they made another water-hole, and there was a
fight about that, so he gave it the name of Sitnah. (BBE). ...
/w/water-hole.htm - 14k

Dig (24 Occurrences)
... (Root in KJV JPS ASV WBS YLT). Genesis 26:21 And they digged another well, and
strove for that also: and he called the name of it Sitnah. ...
/d/dig.htm - 14k

Dug (45 Occurrences)
... (WEB DBY NAS RSV NIV). Genesis 26:21 They dug another well, and they argued over
that, also. He called its name Sitnah. (WEB DBY NAS RSV NIV). ...
/d/dug.htm - 20k

Digged (37 Occurrences)
... (KJV JPS ASV WBS). Genesis 26:21 And they digged another well, and strove for that
also: and he called the name of it Sitnah. (KJV JPS ASV WBS). ...
/d/digged.htm - 18k

Contended (24 Occurrences)
... (WEB JPS ASV WBS NAS RSV). Genesis 26:21 And they digged another well, and contended
for that also: and he called the name of it Sitnah. (WBS). ...
/c/contended.htm - 13k

Argued (20 Occurrences)
... with him. (WEB). Genesis 26:21 They dug another well, and they argued over
that, also. He called its name Sitnah. (WEB). Genesis 31 ...
/a/argued.htm - 12k

Sithri (1 Occurrence)

/s/sithri.htm - 6k

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