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Beersheba

Locations
Modern Location Be'er Sheva, Israel
Coordinates 31.2436° N, 34.7913° E

Geographical Setting

Beersheba is an ancient archaeological site in the southern Negev Desert, historically serving as the southern boundary of the Israelite kingdoms.

What is the meaning of Beersheba in the Bible?

Beersheba was a significant settlement in the Negev that marked the southern boundary of the tribal territory of Judah, associated with patriarchal narratives involving Abraham and Isaac.

SIGNIFICANCE

Understanding Beersheba helps readers grasp the geographical extent of ancient Israel, as it is frequently cited in the Old Testament as the definitive southern limit of the land, symbolizing the fullness of the territory from Dan to Beersheba.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Beersheba (located near modern Be'er Sheva, Israel) held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Beersheba in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Beersheba clarify?

Source Attribution

Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.

How to Cite This Entry

"Beersheba." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/beersheba/
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