Well, Well, Well…
Genesis 21:25–34 (NASB95)
25But Abraham complained to Abimelech because of the well of water which the servants of Abimelech had seized. 26And Abimelech said, “I do not know who has done this thing; you did not tell me, nor did I hear of it until today.” 27Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them to Abimelech, and the two of them made a covenant. 28Then Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves. 29Abimelech said to Abraham, “What do these seven ewe lambs mean, which you have set by themselves?” 30He said, “You shall take these seven ewe lambs from my hand so that it may be a witness to me, that I dug this well.” 31Therefore he called that place Beersheba, because there the two of them took an oath. 32So they made a covenant at Beersheba; and Abimelech and Phicol, the commander of his army, arose and returned to the land of the Philistines. 33Abraham planted a tamarisk tree at Beersheba, and there he called on the name of the Lord, the Everlasting God. 34And Abraham sojourned in the land of the Philistines for many days.
Wells play a vital role in the culture of the Ancient Near East. Primarily, they serve as a source of life. Without wells, your family and flocks would perish. They were of such importance that wars would be fought over who owns a well.
Wells also function as common gathering places for people (think of the term “watering hole”). At wells, communication and gossip would take place in ancient culture. We will see how a well serves as a gathering point in two more chapters when we reach chapter 24. Other examples of wells as gathering places include Jacob’s well in Genesis chapter 29 and Moses at a well in Exodus chapter 2. Guess what? All three of these well encounters foreshadow and point us forward to Jesus at a well in John chapter 4, where we recognize Him as the only source of living water. More examples of Christ in the Old Testament.
In this chapter, we see a well serving as a witness to a covenant Abraham makes with Abimelech.
Abraham faced a serious problem when Abimelech’s servants seized his well. Water meant survival in the desert. Abraham did not respond with anger or violence. He confronted Abimelech directly and explained the injustice. Abimelech claimed he knew nothing about the incident and had not been told before. This honest exchange set the stage for a peaceful solution.
Abraham and Abimelech made a formal agreement. Abraham gave sheep and oxen to Abimelech as a sign of goodwill. He also set apart seven ewe lambs. These lambs served as proof that Abraham had dug the well. Abimelech accepted the lambs, acknowledging Abraham’s rightful claim. The well became a witness to their agreement.
They named the place Beer-sheba. The name means both “well of seven” and “well of the oath.” The seven lambs and the sworn promise gave the place lasting significance. After the treaty, Abimelech and his commander returned to Philistine territory. Abraham stayed and planted a tamarisk tree at Beer-sheba. There he called on the name of the Lord, the Eternal God. Abraham’s act of worship marked the site as a place of God’s faithfulness and provision.
This story highlights God’s providence. Even foreign rulers recognized that God was with Abraham. Abraham’s integrity in handling the dispute set an example for all who follow God. The covenant at Beer-sheba showed that God’s people can resolve conflicts with honesty and peace. Abraham’s worship at the well pointed to God’s eternal promises.
The modern church can learn from Abraham’s actions. When conflicts occur, handle them openly and honestly. Strive for peaceful resolutions instead of revenge. Build relationships founded on trust and honesty. Remember to celebrate moments of God’s faithfulness with worship and gratitude.