BEERSHEBA . A halting-place of Abraham ( Genesis 21:31 ), where Hagar was sent away ( Genesis 21:14 ), and where he made a covenant with Abimelech, from which the place is alleged to take its name (‘well of the covenant,’ according to one interpretation). Isaac after his disputes with the Philistines settled here ( Genesis 26:23 ), and discovered the well Shibah , another etymological speculation ( Genesis 26:33 ). Hence Jacob was sent away ( Genesis 28:10 ), and returned and sacrificed on his way to Egypt ( Genesis 46:1 ). It was assigned to the tribe of Judah ( Joshua 15:28 ), but set apart for the Simeonites ( Joshua 19:2 ). Here Samuel’s sons were judges ( 1 Samuel 8:2 ), and hither Elijah fled before Jezebel ( 1 Kings 19:3 ). Zibiah, the mother of Joash, belonged to Beersheba ( 2 Kings 12:1 ). It was an important holy place: here Abraham planted a sacred tree ( Genesis 21:33 ), and theophanies were vouchsafed to Hagar ( Genesis 21:17 ), to Isaac ( Genesis 26:24 ), to Jacob ( Genesis 46:2 ), and to Elijah ( 1 Kings 19:5 ). Amos couples it with the shrines of Bethel and Gilgal ( Amos 5:6 ), and oaths by its numen are denounced ( Amos 8:14 ). It is recognized as the southern boundary of Palestine in the frequent phrase ‘from Dan unto Beersheba’ ( Judges 20:1 etc.). Seven ancient wells exist here, and it has been suggested that these gave its name to the locality; the suffixed numeral being perhaps due to the influence of the syntax of some pre-Semitic language, as in Kiriath-arba (‘Tetrapolis’). The modern name is Bir es-Seba ’, where are extensive remains of a Byzantine city; the ancient city is probably at Tell es-Seba ’, about 2 miles to the east. Till recently the site was deserted by all but Bedouin; now a modern town has sprung up, built from the ruins of the ancient structures, and has been made the seat of a sub-governor. R. A. S. Macalister.
Beersheba [Beer'-sheba] 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. Gen. 21:14, 31-33; Gen. 22:19; Gen. 26:23, 33; Gen. 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. Neh. 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.
Be er she’ba - Well of the oath