BEERSHEVA

BEER-SHEVA meaning “well of the seven” was the place Abraham settled some 4000 years ago. Beersheva located near 50 miles south of Jerusalem, is often called the ‘capital’ of the Negev Desert and is home to near a quarter million Israelis. In Genesis Hagar and Ishmael wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba (Genesis 21:14). Abraham and Abimelech made an agreement at Beersheva, the “well of seven” where seven ewe lambs were given to Abimelech (Genesis 21:25-33) showing  ownership of Abraham for the well. He also planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheva and called on the eternal name, El Olam (Genesis 21:33).

 Abraham lived here (Genesis 22:19); from here Jacob fled from his brother having stole birthright (Genesis 28:10), and back at Beersheva Jacob had a vision as he departed from Egypt (Genesis 46:1-5). It was in Beersheva that Isaac renewed his covenant and built an altar (Genesis 25:23-35); Isaac like father experienced a dispute with Abimelech over water rights (Genesis 26:17-33) and resolved the dispute like his father with a covenant (Gen.26:28-29) calling the place its name.

 Located in the deep south of Israel, the traditional southern boundary, the phrase, “from Dan to Beersheva” meant “all of Israel, from its north to its south.” Two of Samuel’s sons were appointed judges in Beersheva (1 Samuel 8:1-2). Beyond the Bible days, the city became merely a place of wells for Bedouin flocks. The modern Beersheva is located a bit southwest of the biblical city. Tourist may enjoy the camel market every Thursday morning.