Genesis 21:31

31 This is why that place is called Beersheba, because both of them swore an oath there.

Genesis 21:31 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 21:31

Wherefore he called that place Beersheba
Either Abraham or Abimelech, or both, called it so; or it may be read impersonally, "therefore the place was called Beersheba" ^F20, for two reasons, one implied, the other expressed; one was, because of the seven lambs before mentioned; so the Targum of Jonathan,

``and therefore he called the well the well of seven lambs;''

"Beer" signifying a well, and "sheba" seven; the other, and which is more certain, being expressed, is as follows; because there they sware both of them;
by the living God, to keep the covenant inviolably they had made between them.

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FOOTNOTES:

F20 (arqy) "vocatus", V. L. Calvin, Piscator.

Genesis 21:31 In-Context

29 Abimelech asked him, "What is the meaning of these seven female lambs you have set apart?"

30 Abraham answered, "Accept these lambs from me so that they may be proof that I dug this well."

31 This is why that place is called Beersheba, because both of them swore an oath there.

32 After they made the treaty at Beersheba, Abimelech and Phicol, the commander of his army, left and went back to the land of the Philistines.

33 Abraham planted a tamarisk tree at Beersheba and worshiped the LORD, the Everlasting God, there.