Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the act of pitching tents near wells is a recurring theme that underscores the importance of water sources in the ancient Near Eastern context. Wells were vital for survival, providing necessary water for people, livestock, and agriculture. Consequently, they often became central locations for encampments and settlements.Genesis 24:11 provides an early example of this practice: "He made the camels kneel down near the well outside the town at evening, the time when the women go out to draw water." Here, Abraham's servant stops by a well to find a wife for Isaac, indicating the well's role as a gathering place and a site of social interaction. In Genesis 26:17-25, Isaac's experience with wells further illustrates their significance. After disputes over water rights with the Philistines, Isaac moves and pitches his tent in the Valley of Gerar, where he reopens the wells dug by his father Abraham. "Isaac moved away from there and encamped in the Valley of Gerar and settled there" (Genesis 26:17). The reopening of these wells symbolizes a return to God's promises and blessings, as well as a practical necessity for sustaining life. The account of Jacob in Genesis 29:1-3 also highlights the importance of wells. Jacob arrives at a well in Paddan-aram, where he meets Rachel. The well serves as a pivotal location for this significant encounter, marking the beginning of Jacob's journey to establish his family. "Jacob continued on his journey and came to the land of the eastern peoples. There he saw a well in the field, with three flocks of sheep lying beside it" (Genesis 29:1-2). In the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites, wells again play a crucial role. In Numbers 21:16-18, the Israelites sing a song of praise at the well of Beer, where the Lord provided water for them. "From there they went on to Beer, the well where the LORD said to Moses, 'Gather the people, and I will give them water'" (Numbers 21:16). This event underscores God's provision and the community's reliance on wells for sustenance. The strategic placement of tents near wells is not only a practical decision but also a reflection of divine providence and blessing. Wells are often associated with God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises, serving as physical and spiritual sustenance for His people. Throughout the biblical narrative, the proximity of tents to wells signifies the intersection of human need and divine provision, a theme that resonates deeply within the scriptural context. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 13:10,12And Lot lifted up his eyes, and beheld all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered every where, before the LORD destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the LORD, like the land of Egypt, as you come to Zoar. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 26:17,18 1 Samuel 29:1 Library Mission Tours. The Power of Assyria at Its Zenith; Esarhaddon and Assur-Bani-Pal The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus The Memphite Empire Resources What was the story of Jacob and Esau? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about the possibility of Bigfoot/Sasquatch? | GotQuestions.org Who was Tubal-Cain in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Tents of the Jews Contrasted With Those of the Arabs Tents were Pitched in the Neighbourhood of Wells Tents were Pitched with Order and Regularity Tents were Pitched: On the Tops of Houses Tents were Pitched: Under Trees Tents were Used by all Eastern Nations Tents were Used by Israel in the Desert Tents were Used by Shepherds While Tending Their Flocks Tents were Used by The People of Israel in all Their Wars Tents were Used by The Rechabites Tents: (Enlarging of) of the Great Extension of the Church Tents: (Spread Out) the Heavens Tents: Custom of Sitting and Standing at the Door of Tents: Ease and Rapidity of Their Removal, Alluded To Tents: Fastened by Cords to Stakes or Nails Tents: Origin and Antiquity of Tents: Sending Persons to Seek a Convenient Place For, Alluded To Tents: Separate, for Females of the Family Tents: Separate, for the Servants Related Terms Living-places (17 Occurrences) Water-springs (12 Occurrences) Drinking-water (4 Occurrences) |
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