Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the meaning of the seven ewe lambs in Genesis 21:29?
A: In Genesis 21:29, Avraham sets aside seven ewe lambs as a covenant with Avimelekh to testify that he dug a well in Beer Sheva. Rashi explains that these lambs were a symbolic gesture to confirm Avraham's rightful ownership of the well, preventing future disputes (Rashi on Genesis 21:30).
Q: Why did Avraham use seven lambs specifically?
A: The number seven often represents completeness or a covenant in the Torah. Here, the seven lambs signify a strong and binding agreement between Avraham and Avimelekh. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 54:4) also connects the number seven to the future seven nations that would descend from Avimelekh.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Avraham's actions in this verse?
A: Avraham teaches us the importance of peaceful conflict resolution and establishing clear agreements to avoid future disputes. The Rambam (Hilchot Gezeilah 1:13) emphasizes that honest dealings, like Avraham's, are essential in business and interpersonal relationships.
Q: How does this verse connect to the city of Beer Sheva?
A: The well in question was located in Beer Sheva, and the name itself means 'Well of the Oath' or 'Well of Seven,' referencing this covenant. The Talmud (Sanhedrin 32b) notes that Beer Sheva became a significant place for justice and Torah study, rooted in Avraham's honest dealings here.
Q: Why did Avimelekh question Avraham about the lambs?
A: Avimelekh wanted to understand the purpose of the lambs, as setting them apart seemed unusual. Rashi explains that Avraham was demonstrating that the well belonged to him by giving these lambs as proof, ensuring Avimelekh's people would not later claim it (Rashi on Genesis 21:30).
Context of the Verse
The verse (Bereishit 21:29) records Avimelekh's question to Avraham regarding the seven ewe lambs that Avraham had set aside separately. This exchange occurs after Avraham and Avimelekh made a covenant at Be'er Sheva, resolving their earlier dispute over the well of water.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi explains that Avraham gave these seven lambs to Avimelekh as a testimony that he had dug the well, establishing his rightful ownership. The number seven symbolizes a complete and binding oath, as seen in other covenants (e.g., the seven offerings in covenants). Rashi cites the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 54:6) which states that these lambs represented the future seven nations that would descend from Avimelekh, acknowledging Avraham's ownership of the land.
Symbolism of the Seven Lambs
Avimelekh's Question
Avimelekh's inquiry ("What mean these seven ewe lambs?") reflects his surprise at Avraham's gesture. The Kli Yakar (Rabbi Shlomo Ephraim Luntschitz) explains that Avimelekh understood the lambs were significant but sought clarity on their deeper meaning—whether they were a gift, a sacrifice, or a symbolic act. Avraham's response (in the following verse) clarifies their purpose as a testimony.
Halachic Implications
Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that this episode establishes the concept of kinyan sudar (acquisition through a symbolic object), a halachic mechanism for formalizing agreements. The lambs functioned as a siman (sign) of the covenant, akin to the later use of a garment in Jewish legal transactions (Kiddushin 1:1).