📖 Biblical Definition
Beersheba was the southernmost major city of biblical Israel, in the Negev desert — the southern boundary of the inhabited land in the recurring phrase "from Dan even to Beersheba" (Judges 20:1; 1 Samuel 3:20; 2 Samuel 17:11). Abraham planted a tamarisk tree there and called on the name of the Everlasting God (El Olam) after making a covenant of seven ewe lambs with Abimelech king of Gerar (Genesis 21:31-33; the name Beer-Sheba means "well of the oath" or "well of seven"). Isaac also dug wells there (26:23-25). Jacob offered sacrifices at Beersheba as he set out for Egypt to be reunited with Joseph (46:1-5). Centuries later, Elijah fled to Beersheba escaping Jezebel (1 Kings 19:3). A place of wells, covenants, and divine encounter.
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
BEERSHEBA, n.
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A scriptural proper name; an ancient city in southern Palestine.
📖 Key Scripture
Genesis 21:31 — "Wherefore he called that place Beersheba; because there they sware both of them."
Genesis 21:33 — "And Abraham planted a grove in Beersheba, and called there on the name of the Lord, the everlasting God."
Judges 20:1 — "All the children of Israel went out... from Dan even to Beersheba."
Genesis 46:1 — "And Israel took his journey with all that he had, and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices unto the God of his father Isaac."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Beersheba is the geography of covenant-oaths and patriarchal worship; the southern bookend of biblical Israel.
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Beersheba functions in Scripture as the southern bookend of biblical Israel. From Dan to Beersheba defines the full length of the land. Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob all worshipped here. Each generation came to Beersheba to settle covenant matters with the Lord and with neighbors.
The deeper application is that the Lord meets His people on the edges. Beersheba is not Jerusalem, not Hebron, not central; it is the southern frontier. Abraham built an altar there. Isaac dug wells there. Jacob heard from God there. If your station is on the edge of biblical-cultural Israel today — the rural pastor, the missionary in the south, the saint at the geographical or social margin — the Lord meets His people on the edges. Worship Him at your Beersheba.
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Hebrew/Greek roots below.
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H884 — Beer Sheva — Beersheba; well of the oath
Usage
"Beersheba is the southern bookend of biblical Israel; from Dan to Beersheba defines the land."
"The Lord meets His people on the edges; Beersheba is the frontier."
"Worship Him at your Beersheba; the patriarchs did."