Genesis 26:33

And he called it Shebah: therefore the name of the citie is Beer-sheba vnto this day. Genesis 26:33 (KJV)

Genesis 26 tells the story of Isaac, the son of Abraham, and his experiences in the land of Gerar. Because of a severe famine, Isaac went down to Gerar, where he faced challenges and conflicts with the Philistines. The narrative records his movement, his labor, and the divine guidance that accompanied him.

In this passage Isaac digs a well and names it Shebah. The name “Shebah” signifies “oath” or “seven,” and it reflects the covenantal context that is tied to Abraham’s earlier dealings with Abimelech. The act of establishing a well was significant, for wells were vital in the ancient world for survival and prosperity. By securing a water source, Isaac demonstrated his commitment to settling in the land and persevering through adversity.

Beer‑sheba, meaning “well of the oath” or “well of seven,” has maintained its historical importance throughout biblical narratives. The city often served as a boundary or landmark for various tribes and kingdoms, marking a place of agreement and remembrance. The name of the city originates from Genesis 21:31, where Abraham named the place after making a covenant with Abimelech: “And he called that place Beersheba; because there they sware both of them.”

Thus the verse, “And he called it Shibah: therefore the name of the city is Beer‑sheba unto this day,” encapsulates the lasting legacy of Isaac’s well‑making, the oath associated with the site, and its continued identification as a place of covenant and continuity in the biblical record.