Genesis 21:31

31 That's how the place got named Beersheba (the Oath-Well), because the two of them swore a covenant 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 said, "What does this mean? These seven sheep you've set aside."

30 Abraham said, "It means that when you accept these seven sheep, you take it as proof that I dug this well, that it's my well."

31 That's how the place got named Beersheba (the Oath-Well), because the two of them swore a covenant oath there.

32 After they had made the covenant at Beersheba, Abimelech and his commander, Phicol, left and went back to Philistine territory.

33 Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba and worshiped God there, praying to the Eternal God.