John Gill's Exposition on Genesis 21:31

A historical reference excerpt for this verse. Read it alongside the biblical text and other available sources.

Exposition of the Old and New Testament
John Gill (1697–1771) · 18th-century historical commentary
Source: BibleWord.ai's local reference edition of this named work.

Wherefore he called that place Beersheba, etc.] Either Abraham or Abimelech, or both, called it so; or it may be read impersonally, “therefore the place was called Beersheba” f1240, for two reasons, one implied, the other expressed; one was, because of the seven lambs before mentioned; so the Targum of Jonathan, “and therefore he called the well the well of seven lambs;” “Beer” signifying a well, and “sheba” seven; the other, and which is more certain, being expressed, is as follows; because there they sware both of them; by the living God, to keep the covenant inviolably they had made between them.

Read Genesis 21:31 →Read the full chapter →

How to use this source
This excerpt is attributed to its named commentary. It is included as a historical study resource and should be evaluated in light of Scripture and other relevant evidence.