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1
The Well of the Oath
Commentators explain that the name "Beer-sheba" has a clever double meaning. While it can translate to "Well of Seven," referencing the seven lambs in the covenant, the Bible explicitly states the name comes from the oath (Hebrew: sh'vu'ah) that Abraham and Abimelech swore there. Scholars like Calvin and Gill note that the text itself prioritizes the oath as the primary reason for the name.
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Genesis
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Commentaries
5
Albert Barnes
On Genesis 21:1–34
18th Century
Theologian
מלל mı̂lēl “speak,” an ancient and therefore solemn and poetical word.
חמת chêmet “bottle,…
Charles Ellicott
On Genesis 21:31
19th Century
Bishop
Beer-sheba. —That is, the well of seven, but with a covert allusion to the seven lambs having been used for the ratificat…
John Calvin
On Genesis 21:31
16th Century
Theologian
Wherefore he called that place Beer-sheba. Moses has previously called the place by this name, but proleptically. Now, however, he declare…
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John Gill
On Genesis 21:31
17th Century
Pastor
Wherefore he called that place Beersheba
Either Abraham or Abimelech, or both, called it so; or it may be read imper…
Matthew Henry
On Genesis 21:22–34
17th Century
Minister
Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled to Abraham. It is wise to connect ourselves with those who are blessed by God, and …