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Genesis 21:31 - Oath's well of seven

Genesis 21:31 - בראשית 21:31

Hebrew Text

עַל־כֵּן קָרָא לַמָּקוֹם הַהוּא בְּאֵר שָׁבַע כִּי שָׁם נִשְׁבְּעוּ שְׁנֵיהֶם׃

English Translation

Therefore he called that place Be᾽er-sheva

Transliteration

Al-ken kara la-makom ha-hu Be'er Sheva ki sham nishb'u shneihem.

Hebrew Leining Text

עַל־כֵּ֗ן קָרָ֛א לַמָּק֥וֹם הַה֖וּא בְּאֵ֣ר שָׁ֑בַע כִּ֛י שָׁ֥ם נִשְׁבְּע֖וּ שְׁנֵיהֶֽם׃
עַל־כֵּ֗ן קָרָ֛א לַמָּק֥וֹם הַה֖וּא בְּאֵ֣ר שָׁ֑בַע כִּ֛י שָׁ֥ם נִשְׁבְּע֖וּ שְׁנֵיהֶֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Naming of Be'er Sheva

The verse states: "Therefore he called that place Be'er-sheva, because there the two of them swore an oath" (Genesis 21:31). This refers to the covenant made between Avraham and Avimelech, king of Gerar, where they established peace and mutual recognition of water rights at this location.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments that the name Be'er Sheva has a dual meaning:

  • Be'er (Well): Represents the well that Avraham dug there, symbolizing physical sustenance and Divine blessing.
  • Sheva (Seven or Oath): Alludes to the oath (shevuah) sworn between Avraham and Avimelech, as well as the seven (sheva) ewe lambs Avraham gave as testimony of his ownership of the well (Genesis 21:28-30).

Rambam's Perspective

The Rambam (Maimonides) in Moreh Nevuchim (Guide for the Perplexed 3:24) explains that naming places after significant events was a way to perpetuate memory and teach future generations. Be'er Sheva thus became a lasting reminder of Avraham's commitment to justice and peaceful coexistence with neighboring nations.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 54:4) elaborates that Be'er Sheva later became a central place for Torah study and prophecy. It connects this location to Yaakov's vision before leaving for Charan (Genesis 28:10) and the seat of the Sanhedrin in later generations, emphasizing its spiritual significance.

Halachic Significance

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 32b) notes that Be'er Sheva marked the southern boundary of Eretz Yisrael in certain halachic contexts, such as the laws of terumah and ma'aser. This highlights its importance in defining the sacred borders of the Land.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Shevuot 35b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the significance of oaths and the naming of Be'er Sheva as a place where oaths were taken.
📖 Sanhedrin 21b
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the historical and legal significance of places named in the Torah.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why was the place called Be'er Sheva?
A: The place was called Be'er Sheva (meaning 'Well of the Oath') because Avraham and Avimelech made a covenant (an oath) there, as stated in Genesis 21:31. Rashi explains that the name commemorates the oath (shevuah) sworn between them.
Q: What is the significance of Be'er Sheva in the Torah?
A: Be'er Sheva is significant as a place where Avraham established a covenant of peace with Avimelech, demonstrating the importance of peaceful agreements. It later became an important city in the Land of Israel, mentioned multiple times in Tanach as a place where the Patriarchs lived and worshipped Hashem.
Q: What can we learn from the oath between Avraham and Avimelech?
A: We learn the importance of honesty and keeping agreements, even between different nations. The Midrash highlights that Avraham was careful to maintain peaceful relations with his neighbors, setting an example for us to pursue peace (darchei shalom) in our interactions.
Q: Is Be'er Sheva still a place today?
A: Yes, Be'er Sheva is a major city in modern-day Israel, located in the Negev region. Its name preserves its biblical origins, and archaeological findings confirm its ancient significance as far back as the times of the Patriarchs.
Q: Why did Avraham make an oath with Avimelech?
A: Avraham made the oath to resolve a dispute over water rights (the well he had dug) and to establish peaceful boundaries, as explained in Genesis 21:25-30. The Rambam teaches that seeking peaceful resolutions to conflicts is a foundational Jewish value.