Genesis 21:31

Wherefore he called that place Beersheba; because there they sware both of them.

Wherefore he called {H7121} that place {H4725} Beersheba {H884}; because there they sware {H7650} both of them {H8147}.

This is why that place was called Be'er-Sheva [well of seven, well of an oath] - because they both swore an oath there.

So that place was called Beersheba, because it was there that the two of them swore an oath.

Wherefore he called that place Beer-sheba; because there they sware both of them.

Commentary

Genesis 21:31 marks the naming of a significant location in the patriarchal narrative: Beersheba. This verse concludes the account of a covenant made between Abraham and Abimelech, the king of Gerar, centered around a dispute over a well.

Context

The immediate context of Genesis 21:31 involves Abraham's interaction with Abimelech. After a period of peace, Abimelech and his commander, Phichol, approach Abraham, acknowledging God's blessing upon him (Genesis 21:22). A dispute arises concerning a well that Abraham's servants had dug, which Abimelech's servants had seized. To resolve this, Abraham presents Abimelech with sheep and oxen, and sets aside seven ewe lambs as a witness that he dug the well. This act seals a covenant (a solemn agreement) between them, ensuring peace and acknowledgment of Abraham's right to the well. The naming of the place commemorates this pivotal event.

Key Themes

  • Covenant and Oaths: The verse highlights the critical role of oaths and covenants in ancient Near Eastern society. Such agreements were binding and often invoked divine witness. This particular oath secured Abraham's access to vital water resources and solidified his position in the land.
  • Etymology and Commemoration: The naming of Beersheba serves as a perpetual memorial of the covenant made there. Ancient peoples often named places based on significant events, people, or characteristics, ensuring the memory endured.
  • God's Provision and Abraham's Faith: While an earthly agreement, this covenant indirectly affirms God's promise to Abraham regarding the land. Abraham, through his actions and faith, secures his claim to a vital resource, demonstrating how God works through human means to fulfill His divine purposes.

Linguistic Insights

The name Beersheba (Hebrew: ื‘ึฐึผืึตืจ ืฉึธืื‘ึทืข, Be'er Shava) is rich with meaning, stemming from two possible interpretations, both of which are fitting for the context:

  • "Well of the Oath": From be'er (well) and shava (to swear an oath). This directly reflects the verse's statement, "because there they sware both of them."
  • "Well of Seven": From be'er (well) and sheva (seven). This relates to the seven ewe lambs Abraham set apart as a witness to his ownership of the well, reinforcing the validity of the agreement.

Both interpretations are valid and likely intended, providing a double significance to the place name, emphasizing both the oath taken and the sevenfold witness.

Reflection and Application

Genesis 21:31 reminds us of the importance of integrity and truthfulness in our dealings. Abraham's carefulness in establishing a clear agreement, even with a powerful neighbor like Abimelech, underscores the value of keeping one's word and establishing clear boundaries. The act of naming the place served as a permanent reminder of the commitment made.

For us today, this verse encourages us to be people of our word, understanding that our commitments, whether formal or informal, carry weight. Just as Abraham secured his future through a valid agreement, we too should strive for clarity and honesty in our relationships and transactions, reflecting the trustworthiness of God himself. The ongoing significance of Beersheba throughout biblical history, often associated with key figures like Isaac and Jacob, further testifies to the lasting impact of this initial covenant.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 26:33 (5 votes)

    And he called it Shebah: therefore the name of the city [is] Beersheba unto this day.

  • Genesis 21:14 (3 votes)

    ยถ And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread, and a bottle of water, and gave [it] unto Hagar, putting [it] on her shoulder, and the child, and sent her away: and she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba.

  • 2 Samuel 17:11 (2 votes)

    Therefore I counsel that all Israel be generally gathered unto thee, from Dan even to Beersheba, as the sand that [is] by the sea for multitude; and that thou go to battle in thine own person.

  • 1 Kings 4:25 (2 votes)

    And Judah and Israel dwelt safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beersheba, all the days of Solomon.

  • Joshua 15:28 (2 votes)

    And Hazarshual, and Beersheba, and Bizjothjah,

  • Genesis 26:23 (2 votes)

    And he went up from thence to Beersheba.

  • Judges 20:1 (2 votes)

    ยถ Then all the children of Israel went out, and the congregation was gathered together as one man, from Dan even to Beersheba, with the land of Gilead, unto the LORD in Mizpeh.