Abraham’s oath

The Treaty by The Well

The name Beersheba (באר שבע) has an interesting double meaning in the original Hebrew. In Genesis 21, Abraham finds himself in conflict with the most powerful king of the southern part of the land, King Abimelech of Gerar. Abimelech’s servants seized a water well that Abraham dug for his flocks. The two men resolved to make a peace treaty. Abraham gave the king seven sheep, and in exchange the king made an oath never to harass Abraham again (Genesis 21:28-31).

It is only when you read this story in Hebrew, that it makes perfect sense why they named this well Beersheba. This is also how the city of Beersheba got its name. The name has two meanings: “the well (be’er) of the oath (shevuah)” and “of the seven (sheva)”. The only way to understand the depth of this story and get closer to the word of God is when you read it in Hebrew. Study with us in our live online Biblical Hebrew course to rediscover the familiar stories you thought you already knew – enroll today!