GENESIS—NOTE ON Genesis 21:31 In light of Abraham’s gift to Abimelech, the name Beersheba probably means “well of seven.” It could also mean “well of the oath,” since the Hebrew words for “seven” and “oath” are similar. Perhaps the name was chosen because it embraced both concepts. When a permanent settlement was established in this area, it was named after the well (see Genesis 26:33). The town of Beersheba, in the northern Negeb, marked the southern boundary of Israel (e.g., Judges 20:1).

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