Cities & towns · Negev

Beersheba

What was Beersheba?

Beersheba — “well of the oath” — marked the southern edge of Israel, the desert home of the patriarchs.

TodayBeersheba, in the Negev, southern Israel
Name meansWell of the oath / of seven
Phrase“From Dan to Beersheba”

Abraham dug a well and swore an oath at Beersheba, planted a tamarisk, and called on the everlasting God. Isaac and Jacob both met God there.

From Beersheba Hagar wandered, and there an exhausted Elijah collapsed under a broom tree on his flight from Jezebel.

“From Dan to Beersheba” became the Bible’s way of saying all Israel, north to south.

Key verses BSB · Public Domain (CC0)
Genesis 21:31 “So that place was called Beersheba, because it was there that the two of them swore an oath.” Genesis 26:23 “From there Isaac went up to Beersheba,” 1 Kings 19:3 “And Elijah was afraid and ran for his life. When he came to Beersheba in Judah, he left his servant there,”
Related places
Hebron
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Original BibleDawn profile. Drafted with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy. Scripture quoted from the public-domain Berean Standard Bible.