This name, signifying “well of the oath,” was given to the place where Abraham and Abimelech made a covenant not to molest each other, and confirmed it by an oath. It afterward became the dwelling place of Abraham and of Isaac, who also digged a well there, and a city is spoken of as bearing the same name (Gen. 21:14, 31-33; Gen. 22:19: Gen. 26:23, 33; Gen. 28:10). It became a part of Simeon’s lot, (Josh. 19:1-2); and after the settlement of the land it is constantly referred to as the most southern part of the land possessed, as Dan is pointed to as the most northern; thus “from Dan to Beer-sheba” was the common expression for the whole territory even in the days of Solomon (1 Kings 4:25).
The prophet Amos warns the people not to trust in any places of renown or of former blessing, as Bethel, Gilgal, nor Beersheba; the glory of all had faded: they must seek Jehovah, and they should live (Amos 5:5-6; Amos 8:14). On the return of the exiles some of them dwelt at Beer-sheba, and from thence northward to the valley of Hinnom (Neh. 11:27, 30). Beer-sheba is identified with Bir es Seba, 31° 15’ N, 34° 48’ E. There are still two principal wells in the district giving excellent water, besides five smaller ones.