The biblical location of Beersheba holds deep historical, geographical, and theological significance. It is frequently mentioned in the Old Testament as a place of divine encounters, covenants, and as a geographical marker in the land of Israel. Genesis 22:19 records that Abraham returned to dwell in Beersheba after the test of faith at Mount Moriah, where he was commanded by Jehovah to offer up Isaac as a sacrifice. This account and subsequent references to Beersheba throughout the biblical text provide valuable insight into the region’s importance in biblical history.
Beersheba as a Place of Oath and Covenant
Beersheba is first introduced in Genesis 21:14, when Abraham sends Hagar and Ishmael away, and they wander in the wilderness of Beersheba. The place becomes more significant when Abraham makes a covenant with Abimelech, king of Gerar, over a disputed well. Genesis 21:30-31 states:
“He said, ‘You are to accept these seven female lambs from my hand as a witness that I dug this well.’ That is why he called that place Beersheba, because there both of them had taken an oath.”
The name Beersheba means “Well of the Oath” or possibly “Well of Seven,” both interpretations being relevant to the biblical account. This covenant established Abraham’s rightful claim to the well, ensuring peaceful relations with Abimelech and the security of his descendants in the region.
Abraham’s Return to Beersheba After the Test of Faith
After Jehovah tested Abraham’s faith at Mount Moriah (Genesis 22:1-18), Genesis 22:19 records:
“After that Abraham returned to his servants, and they got up and went together to Beersheba; and Abraham continued to dwell at Beersheba.”
This passage indicates that Beersheba remained an important location in Abraham’s life. It was where he had previously called upon Jehovah’s name (Genesis 21:33) and where he settled after one of the most defining moments in biblical history—Jehovah’s command to sacrifice Isaac, followed by divine intervention and the reaffirmation of Abraham’s covenant.
Isaac’s Connection to Beersheba
Beersheba was also significant in the life of Isaac, Abraham’s son. After facing conflict over wells with the Philistines, Isaac moved to Beersheba, where Jehovah appeared to him and reconfirmed the covenant made with Abraham. Genesis 26:23-25 states:
“Later that night Jehovah appeared to him and said: ‘I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you, and I will bless you and multiply your offspring on account of my servant Abraham.’ So he built an altar there and called on the name of Jehovah. And there he pitched his tent, and his servants started digging a well.”
This encounter reinforced Beersheba’s reputation as a place of divine revelation and worship. Isaac, following in his father’s footsteps, established his household there and solidified its importance in the patriarchal narratives.
Jacob’s Departure from Beersheba to Egypt
Beersheba also plays a key role in the life of Jacob when he was about to depart for Egypt. Fearing the uncertainties of his journey, Jacob offered sacrifices at Beersheba before descending into Egypt to reunite with his son Joseph. Genesis 46:1-4 records:
“So Israel took all that he had and departed. When he arrived at Beer-sheba, he offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. Then God spoke to Israel in visions of the night and said: ‘Jacob, Jacob!’ to which he responded: ‘Here I am!’ He said: ‘I am the true God, the God of your father. Do not be afraid to go down to Egypt, for there I will make you into a great nation. I myself will go down with you to Egypt, and I will also bring you back, and Joseph will lay his hand on your eyes.’”
Jehovah’s reassurance to Jacob at Beersheba highlights the city’s continued role as a site of spiritual confirmation and divine guidance. Beersheba was thus a landmark not only in the geographical sense but in the unfolding of Jehovah’s promises to Abraham’s descendants.
Beersheba as a Marker of Israel’s Borders
In later biblical history, Beersheba became a well-known boundary marker for Israel’s land, often appearing in the phrase “from Dan to Beersheba” (Judges 20:1; 1 Samuel 3:20; 2 Samuel 24:2), which described the entire extent of Israel’s territory from north to south.
During the division of the Promised Land, Beersheba was allotted to the tribe of Simeon (Joshua 19:1-2) and was later recognized as part of Judah’s southern border (Joshua 15:28). This geographic role reinforced its importance in biblical and historical contexts.
Beersheba in the Time of the Prophets
Beersheba remained an active city throughout biblical times. However, by the time of the prophets Amos and Jeremiah, it had become associated with improper worship. Amos 5:5 warns:
“Do not search for Bethel, nor go to Gilgal, nor pass over to Beer-sheba; for Gilgal will certainly go into exile, and Bethel will come to nothing.”
This suggests that Beersheba had developed into a center of idolatrous worship, leading to Jehovah’s condemnation. Nevertheless, its historical significance endured.
Beersheba in the Post-Exilic Period
Following the Babylonian exile, returning exiles resettled Beersheba. Nehemiah 11:27-30 records that men from Judah inhabited the city again, demonstrating its continued importance as a territorial and spiritual stronghold in Israel’s restoration.
The Archaeological and Historical Significance of Beersheba
Archaeological excavations at Tel Be’er Sheva (Tell es-Saba) have uncovered evidence of a well-planned Iron Age city, including fortifications, a sophisticated water system, and storage facilities. These findings align with the biblical description of Beersheba as a well-established settlement with access to water and trade routes.
Several wells exist in the region, and one particularly large well, measuring about 4 meters (13 feet) in diameter, has been found. This aligns with the biblical references to wells in the area, further confirming the accuracy of the biblical text.
Beersheba is far more than just a geographical location in the biblical account. It is a place of divine encounters, oaths, and covenant-making, where Jehovah reaffirmed His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Its association with patriarchal history, its role in Israel’s borders, and its later significance in Israelite religious and political life make it one of the most important biblical locations.
Genesis 22:19 confirms that Abraham returned to Beersheba after the divine test on Mount Moriah, reinforcing its role as a sanctuary where he worshiped Jehovah and continued his life of faith. Beersheba’s enduring presence in the biblical narrative underscores the faithfulness of Jehovah in guiding His people, and it remains a significant site for biblical study today.
EDWARD D. ANDREWS (AS in Criminal Justice, BS in Religion, MA in Biblical Studies, and MDiv in Theology) is CEO and President of Christian Publishing House. He has authored over 220+ books. In addition, Andrews is the Chief Translator of the Updated American Standard Version (UASV).
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