Bible Study: Beersheba in the Bible

Beersheba, located on the southern edge of Palestine, holds a significant place in the Bible, particularly in the stories of the patriarchs and as a geographical marker. Let's delve into its meaning and importance.

Meaning of Beersheba

The name "Beersheba" is derived from the Hebrew be'er sheva, meaning "well of the oath" or "well of seven." This name is connected to the accounts of Abraham and Isaac making a covenant with Abimelech, the Philistine king, over a well in this location (Genesis 21:22-34; 26:26-33). The "seven" may refer to seven ewe lambs given as part of the oath or covenant.

Beersheba in the Patriarchal Narratives

• Genesis 21:31-33: Abraham establishes a covenant with Abimelech at Beersheba and calls on the name of the Lord. He also plants a tamarisk tree there, marking it as a place of worship and settlement.

• Genesis 22:19: Abraham returns to Beersheba after the Akedah, the offering of Isaac.

• Genesis 26:23-33: Isaac also makes a covenant with Abimelech at Beersheba, and his servants discover a well.

• Genesis 28:10: Jacob departs from Beersheba on his journey to Haran, where he has his dream of the stairway to heaven.

• Genesis 46:1-5: Jacob offers sacrifices to God at Beersheba before going down to Egypt to meet Joseph. God speaks to Jacob here, reaffirming the promise of his descendants.

Beersheba as a Geographical Marker

Beersheba's location on the southern border of Canaan made it a significant geographical marker. The phrase "from Dan to Beersheba" was often used to describe the entire land of Israel, from its northernmost to its southernmost extent (Judges 20:1; 1 Samuel 3:20; 2 Samuel 3:10; 17:11; 24:2, 15; 1 Kings 4:25; 1 Chronicles 21:2; 2 Chronicles 30:5).

• Joshua 15:28: Beersheba is listed as one of the cities in the territory of the tribe of Judah.

• Joshua 19:2: Beersheba is also mentioned as part of the inheritance of the tribe of Simeon.

Beersheba in the History of Israel

• 1 Samuel 8:2: Beersheba is where Samuel's sons served as judges.

• 1 Kings 19:3: Elijah flees to Beersheba to escape the wrath of Jezebel.

• 2 Chronicles 19:4: King Jehoshaphat travels throughout the land, from Beersheba to the hill country of Ephraim, to turn the people back to the Lord.

• 2 Chronicles 30:5: Hezekiah calls for a Passover celebration in Jerusalem, inviting people from Beersheba to Dan.

• Amos 5:5; 8:14: Beersheba is mentioned in the context of idolatry, indicating that it was a site of pagan worship.

Beersheba after the Exile

• Nehemiah 11:27: Beersheba is listed as one of the cities resettled by the people of Judah after their return from the Babylonian exile.

Significance of Beersheba

• Historical Significance: Beersheba was an important city in the southern region of ancient Israel, playing a role in the lives of the patriarchs and in the history of the nation.

• Spiritual Significance: Beersheba was a place where significant covenants were made with God and where people sought Him in worship.

• Geographical Significance: Beersheba marked the southern boundary of Israel, symbolizing the extent of the promised land.

Bible Study: Beersheba in the Bible