Genesis 26:33

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

And he called {H7121} it Shebah {H7656}: therefore the name {H8034} of the city {H5892} is Beersheba {H884} unto this day {H3117}.

So he called it Shiv'ah [oath, seven], and for this reason the name of the city is Be'er-Sheva [well of seven, well of an oath] to this day.

So he called it Shibah, and to this day the name of the city is Beersheba.

And he called it Shibah: therefore the name of the city is Beer-sheba unto this day.

Commentary

Genesis 26:33 marks a significant moment in the life of Isaac, affirming the name of a pivotal patriarchal location: Beersheba. This verse concludes the narrative of Isaac's interactions with Abimelech, the Philistine king of Gerar, highlighting themes of covenant, divine provision, and continuity.

Context

Following a period of contention over wells Isaac had dug in the Gerar valley, which the Philistines had stopped up, Isaac moved to Beersheba. There, God reaffirmed His covenant with Isaac, promising His presence and blessing (Genesis 26:24). Subsequently, Abimelech, along with his chief captain Phichol and his friend Ahuzzath, journeyed to Isaac, acknowledging that "God is with thee" (Genesis 26:28). They sought to make a covenant of peace. On the very day this oath was sworn, Isaac's servants reported finding fresh water in a newly dug well. Isaac named this well "Shebah," leading to the city being known as Beersheba.

Key Themes

  • Covenant and Peace: The core message here is the establishment of peace through a solemn oath. The naming of the well and subsequently the city, Shebah, directly relates to the oath sworn between Isaac and Abimelech, signifying an end to conflict and the beginning of peaceful coexistence.
  • Divine Provision and Affirmation: The discovery of water immediately after the oath is a powerful symbol of God's blessing and faithfulness to Isaac. It demonstrates God's provision for His servant, even in a land where water was scarce and contention was rife. This miraculous timing validates Isaac's actions and God's presence with him.
  • Continuity of Patriarchal History: Beersheba holds deep historical significance, having been named by Abraham, Isaac's father, after a similar oath with Abimelech (though a different Abimelech) concerning a well (Genesis 21:31). Isaac's re-naming or reaffirming of the name underscores the continuity of the Abrahamic covenant and the enduring legacy of faith passed down through generations.

Linguistic Insights

The name Beersheba (Hebrew: בְּאֵר שֶׁבַע, Be'er Sheva) is a compound word. "Be'er" (בְּאֵר) means "well," and "Sheva" (שֶׁבַע) can mean either "seven" or "oath." In the context of Genesis 26:33, Isaac explicitly calls the well "Shebah" (שֶׁבַע), referencing the oath (שְׁבוּעָה, shevu'ah) that had just been sworn with Abimelech. This reinforces the interpretation of Beersheba as the "Well of the Oath," rather than merely "Well of Seven," though the number seven often carried connotations of completeness or covenant in biblical thought.

Practical Application

This verse reminds us of the importance of pursuing peace and honoring agreements, even with those who may have previously caused conflict. Isaac's willingness to move and then to make peace, rather than perpetually contend, demonstrates wisdom and trust in God's ultimate vindication and provision. The story of Beersheba also highlights how God blesses those who walk in His ways, providing for their needs and establishing their legacy. It encourages believers to seek reconciliation and trust in God's perfect timing for His blessings, just as Romans 12:18 encourages living peaceably with all men.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 21:31 (7 votes)

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

  • Genesis 26:28 (4 votes)

    And they said, We saw certainly that the LORD was with thee: and we said, Let there be now an oath betwixt us, [even] betwixt us and thee, and let us make a covenant with thee;