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Genesis 21:30 - Seven lambs prove well's ownership

Genesis 21:30 - בראשית 21:30

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר כִּי אֶת־שֶׁבַע כְּבָשֹׂת תִּקַּח מִיָּדִי בַּעֲבוּר תִּהְיֶה־לִּי לְעֵדָה כִּי חָפַרְתִּי אֶת־הַבְּאֵר הַזֹּאת׃

English Translation

And he said, For these seven ewe lambs shalt thou take of my hand, that they may be a witness to me, that I have dug this well.

Transliteration

Va'yomer ki et sheva kvasot tikach mi'yadi ba'avur tih'ye li l'edah ki chafarti et ha'be'er hazot.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֕אמֶר כִּ֚י אֶת־שֶׁ֣בַע כְּבָשֹׂ֔ת תִּקַּ֖ח מִיָּדִ֑י בַּעֲבוּר֙ תִּֽהְיֶה־לִּ֣י לְעֵדָ֔ה כִּ֥י חָפַ֖רְתִּי אֶת־הַבְּאֵ֥ר הַזֹּֽאת׃
וַיֹּ֕אמֶר כִּ֚י אֶת־שֶׁ֣בַע כְּבָשֹׂ֔ת תִּקַּ֖ח מִיָּדִ֑י בַּעֲבוּר֙ תִּֽהְיֶה־לִּ֣י לְעֵדָ֔ה כִּ֥י חָפַ֖רְתִּי אֶת־הַבְּאֵ֥ר הַזֹּֽאת׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in Parashat Vayera

The verse (Bereshit 21:30) describes Avraham Avinu's interaction with Avimelech, king of Gerar, after a dispute over a well. Avraham gives seven ewe lambs to Avimelech as evidence of his rightful ownership of the well he had dug. This act establishes a covenant between them.

Symbolism of the Seven Ewe Lambs

Rashi explains that the number seven holds special significance in establishing testimony and covenants. The seven lambs serve as a public declaration (עדות) that the well rightfully belongs to Avraham. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 54:4) connects this to the seven days of creation, symbolizing that Avraham's claim is as undeniable as the natural order.

Legal Implications of the Transaction

Rambam (Hilchot Gezeilah 7:7) derives from this episode that when one party voluntarily accepts compensation in a dispute, it serves as legal acknowledgment of the other party's rights. Avimelech's acceptance of the lambs confirmed Avraham's ownership.

  • Kli Yakar: The seven lambs correspond to the seven Noahide laws, showing Avraham was establishing universal moral principles.
  • Sforno: The public nature of this exchange (taking "from my hand") made it legally binding according to ancient Near Eastern customs.

The Well as a Spiritual Metaphor

The Zohar (1:102a) interprets the well as representing Torah wisdom. Avraham's act of digging symbolizes revealing Divine truth, while the seven lambs represent the seven spiritual attributes (מדות) through which this wisdom is transmitted.

Practical Halachic Application

The Mordechai (Bava Kama 1:13) cites this verse as proof that symbolic acts can create legally binding agreements in Jewish law, provided there is clear intent from both parties.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the verse 'For these seven ewe lambs shalt thou take of my hand...' mean?
A: This verse describes Avraham giving seven ewe lambs to Avimelech as proof that he dug the well in Beer Sheva. According to Rashi, this was to establish clear ownership and prevent future disputes. The seven lambs served as a public testimony (עֵדָה) that the well rightfully belonged to Avraham.
Q: Why did Avraham give seven lambs specifically?
A: The number seven often symbolizes completeness in Torah. Ramban explains that giving seven lambs made the agreement more solemn and binding. Additionally, the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 54:4) connects this to the seven days of creation, showing Avraham was establishing something permanent.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Avraham's actions with the well?
A: The Talmud (Bava Metzia 87a) learns from here the importance of clear documentation and witnesses in business matters. Even though Avraham was righteous, he took steps to prevent future conflicts. This teaches us to establish clear agreements to maintain peace.
Q: Why is this well in Beer Sheva important?
A: This well became a significant landmark for the Jewish people. Rambam (Hilchot Melachim 5:6) notes that places acquired by our forefathers through formal agreements (like this well) establish our eternal rights to the land. The name Beer Sheva ('Well of Seven') commemorates this event.
Q: How does this verse about the well apply to us today?
A: The Kli Yakar teaches that just as Avraham secured physical water sources, we must safeguard our spiritual 'wells' - Torah study and mitzvot. Additionally, the Chofetz Chaim emphasizes learning from Avraham's example of conducting business with honesty and clear agreements to avoid disputes.