Genesis 21:31 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Therefore that place was called Beersheba, because there both of them swore an oath.

NIV: So that place was called Beersheba, because the two men swore an oath there.

NASB: Therefore he called that place Beersheba, because there the two of them took an oath.

CSB: Therefore that place was called Beer-sheba because it was there that the two of them swore an oath.

NLT: Then he named the place Beersheba (which means 'well of the oath'), because that was where they had sworn the oath.

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

NKJV: Therefore he called that place Beersheba, because the two of them swore an oath there.

The formal treaty between Abraham and Abimelech seems to have been significant enough to warrant changing the name of the well involved in the transaction. Beersheba means "well of seven" or "well of the oath." The two men swore their oaths in that place, giving Abraham the official ownership of a well in the land of Canaan. Their agreement also included a promise for their respective households to treat each other agreeably. Abimelech had originally been the one to approach Abraham, seeking to benefit from Abraham's favor with God.

The taking of an oath is a significant event in the Bible. God's Law would command His people to always keep their oaths, at any cost. Jesus would later tell Christians to avoid taking oaths, to prevent even the possibility of breaking them. Instead, we must be so trustworthy that our "yes" and "no" require no additional swearing to be believed (Matthew 5:34–37; James 5:12).

Genesis 21:22–34 describes a covenant treaty between Abraham and Abimelech, king of Gerar. Abimelech had previously given Abraham land to occupy. Now the king wishes to formalize their relationship. Abraham swears not to deceive Abimelech or his offspring again, and to deal kindly with all in the land. Abimelech agrees to recognize Abraham's ownership of a well at the place which becomes known as Beersheba, which means ''well of seve'' or ''well of the oath.''

The Lord did as He had promised. Sarah, now 90 years old, gives birth to Isaac, the long-awaited child. Her joy sours, though, over a fear that Isaac might have to share an inheritance with Ishmael. In obedience to the Lord, who promises to safeguard Ishmael, Abraham sends him and his mother, Hagar, into the wilderness. God rescues them and renews His promise to make Ishmael a great nation in his own right. Meanwhile, Abimelech, king of Gerar, approaches Abraham to make a permanent treaty between them and their descendants. The agreement includes Abraham's possession of a well, at a place which will become known as Beersheba.

In the prior chapter, Abraham managed to get Sarah back from Abimelech, following his own deception and God's intervention. Here, Abraham and Sarah finally conceive a natural child. Isaac, the long-awaited child of the promise, is born. In obedience to God, Abraham sends Hagar and Ishmael away. Abimelech approaches Abraham to make a treaty, giving Abraham a permanent home in a place that becomes known as Beersheba. In the following chapter, God will test Abraham's faith and obedience, in one of Scripture's ultimate examples of trust.

The book of Genesis establishes fundamental truths about God. Among these are His role as the Creator, His holiness, His hatred of sin, His love for mankind, and His willingness to provide for our redemption. We learn not only where mankind has come from, but why the world is in its present form. The book also presents the establishment of Israel, God's chosen people. Many of the principles given in other parts of Scripture depend on the basic ideas presented here in the book of Genesis. Within the framework of the Bible, Genesis explains the bare-bones history of the universe leading up to the captivity of Israel in Egypt, setting the stage for the book of Exodus.

Accessed 5/3/2024 1:57:07 AM