Beersheba

CityOld Testament

31.2589°N, 34.7978°E View on Map

Beersheba, meaning "Well of the Oath," was the southernmost major city of Israel. Abraham and Isaac both dug wells and made covenants here. It marked the traditional southern boundary of Israel in the phrase "from Dan to Beersheba." Hagar wandered in its wilderness, and Elijah fled here.

Historical Timeline

Abraham and Abimelech make a covenant at Beersheba; Abraham plants a tamarisk tree

Isaac digs wells and makes a covenant with Abimelech at Beersheba

Jacob offers sacrifices at Beersheba before going to Egypt

Samuel's corrupt sons serve as judges at Beersheba

Elijah flees to Beersheba before going to Mount Horeb

Notable Characters

Abraham

AbrahamMade a covenant with Abimelech and lived at Beersheba

Isaac

IsaacDug wells and built an altar at Beersheba

Jacob

JacobOffered sacrifices at Beersheba on his way to Egypt

Elijah

ElijahStopped at Beersheba while fleeing from Jezebel

Key Verses

Genesis 21:31-33 Genesis 26:23-33 1 Kings 19:3

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Beersheba important to the patriarchs?+