the Week of Proper 28 / Ordinary 33
Click here to learn more!
Bible Dictionaries
Beersheba
Morrish Bible Dictionary
This name, signifying well of the oath, was given to the place where Abraham and Abimelech made a covenant not to molest each other, and confirmed it by an oath. It afterwards became the dwelling place of Abraham and of Isaac, who also digged a well there, and a city is spoken of as bearing the same name. Genesis 21:14,31-33; Genesis 22:19; Genesis 26:23,33; Genesis 28:10 . It became a part of Simeon's lot, Joshua 19:1,2; and after the settlement of the land it is constantly referred to as the most southern part of the land possessed, as Dan is pointed to as the most northern; thus 'from Dan to Beer-sheba' was the common expression for the whole territory even in the days of Solomon. 1 Kings 4:25 .
The prophet Amos warns the people not to trust in any places of renown or of former blessing, as Bethel, Gilgal, nor Beersheba; the glory of all had faded: they must seek Jehovah, and they should live. Amos 5:5,6; Amos 8:14 . On the return of the exiles some of them dwelt at Beer-sheba, and from thence northward to the valley of Hinnom. Nehemiah 11:27,30 . Beer-sheba is identified with Bir es Seba, 31 15' N, 34 48' E . There are still two principal wells in the district giving excellent water, besides five smaller ones.
These files are public domain.
Text Courtesy of BibleSupport.com. Used by Permission.
Morrish, George. Entry for 'Beersheba'. Morrish Bible Dictionary. https://www.studylight.org/​dictionaries/​eng/​mbd/​b/beersheba.html. 1897.