Beersheba

(well of the oath) (Beersheba: because there both of them, that is, Abraham and Abimelech, swore an oath) (Gen. 21:31). Originally this was the name of a well beside which Abraham lived for a long time, and after him Isaac (Gen. 26:32, 33). Later it became a city of considerable importance. It was situated 20 English miles south of Hebron, at the southern extremity of the land of Canaan, while the city of Dan was at its northern extremity; hence the expression “from Dan to Beersheba” (Judg. 20:1) denoted the whole length of the land, just as the expression “from Beersheba to mount Ephraim” (2 Chron.

19:4) denoted the whole length of the kingdom of Judah. The city lay within the borders of Judah and was finally assigned as an inheritance to the tribe of Simeon (Josh. 15:28; 19:2). The sons of Samuel lived at Beersheba (1 Sam. 8:2), and in later times the inhabitants of the city gave themselves over to idolatry (Amos 5:5; 8:14). More recent travelers have found wells near the supposed site of ancient Beersheba. Near a stream, says Robinson, are two round wells with excellent water, more than 50 feet deep.

Both are surrounded by stone watering troughs for camels, of the kind undoubtedly used in ancient times for the flocks that grazed on the neighboring hills. Near this same place are five smaller wells. This locality evokes many precious memories of very deep antiquity, and the imagination cannot help picturing tents, flocks, and the simple manners and customs of the ancient patriarchs.