Page 26 - Bible Geography and Near East Studies

3. Back to Beersheba, where he grew up.

4. Beer Laihairio, also known as Kadesh Barnea. This
was Isaac’s home after he married Rebekah. It was
here that his sons, Jacob and Esau, were born. (Gen.
24: 62-67)

5. Gerar. Because there was a great famine in the
land, Isaac moved to Gerar in the country of the
Philistines. This is where he repeated the sin of his
father and deceived Abimelech, the king of Gerar (Gen
26:1-16). In the Valley of Gerar, Isaac dug several
wells. The men of Gerar contended with the herdsmen
of Isaac and forced him to leave the area. He named
one of the contested wells “Esek” and the other one
“Sitnah.” (Gen. 26:22)

6. Rehoboth. Isaac was permitted to dwell in this
area of plenty, and he could now live in peace. He dug
a well, kept it, and called the place “Rehoboth,” which
means, “there is room” (Gen. 26:22).

7. Beersheba. The Philistine king made a treaty of
peace with him, and Isaac lived there many years. Isaac also renamed the site Beer-Sheba after he had
received a special revelation from the Lord (Gen. 35:27-20)

8. Hebron. Isaac spent his final days here, and at the age of 180-year-old died and was buried in the
family sepulcher at Machpelah (Gen. 35:27-29) next to Rebecca, his wife. Hebron is one of the most
ancient cities in the world still in existence. It was also known as Mamre, known for its oak trees. Here
Abraham pitched his tents. Hebron became one of the cities of refuge. It was David’s first capital for 7
½ years (2 Sam. 5:5).

P484#y

Hebron: Biblical City, Modern Significance
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yX1Gy8P8J5M

Beersheba means “well of the oath” or “well of seven.” It was originally dug by Abraham and named
after Abimelech, and he entered into a compact or oath (Gen. 21:31). Beersheba was the favorite place
of abode for both Abraham and Isaac. Beersheba is mentioned to be among the “cities” given to the
tribe of Simeon (Josh. 19:2), and over time was a landmark to point out the southern part of the Holy
Land. A distance of 144 miles, “From Dan to Beersheba” is often used to designate the whole of the
Promised Land (Judg. 20:1, I Chr. 21:2, 2 Sam 24:2).

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