Topical Encyclopedia In the ancient Near East, wells were essential for sustaining life, particularly in arid regions where water sources were scarce. The Bible frequently mentions wells, highlighting their importance in the daily lives of the people and their role in biblical narratives. Wells were often constructed outside cities, serving as vital communal resources for both humans and livestock.Biblical Significance and Examples 1. Abraham and Isaac's Wells: The patriarchs Abraham and Isaac are closely associated with wells, which they dug to establish their presence and claim to the land. In Genesis 21:30, Abraham makes a covenant with Abimelech over a well at Beersheba, saying, "Accept these seven ewe lambs from my hand as a witness that I dug this well." Similarly, Isaac reopens the wells that had been dug in the days of his father Abraham, which the Philistines had stopped up after Abraham's death (Genesis 26:18). 2. Jacob's Well: One of the most famous wells in the Bible is Jacob's well, located near the city of Sychar in Samaria. This well is significant in the New Testament, where Jesus speaks to the Samaritan woman, offering her "living water" (John 4:10). The well's location outside the city underscores its role as a gathering place and a site of divine encounter. 3. Moses and the Well of Midian: In Exodus 2:15-21, Moses flees to the land of Midian and sits by a well. Here, he encounters the daughters of Reuel (Jethro), who come to draw water. Moses assists them, leading to his eventual marriage to Zipporah, one of Reuel's daughters. The well serves as a place of refuge and new beginnings for Moses. 4. Hagar and the Well in the Desert: In Genesis 16:7, the Angel of the LORD finds Hagar by a spring of water in the wilderness, on the road to Shur. Later, in Genesis 21:19, God opens Hagar's eyes to see a well of water, saving her and her son Ishmael from perishing in the desert. These encounters highlight God's provision and care for those in distress. Cultural and Practical Aspects Wells were typically located outside city limits due to practical considerations. They required significant labor to dig and maintain, and their placement outside the city walls allowed for easier access to water for agricultural purposes and for travelers. Wells also served as social hubs where people gathered, exchanged news, and conducted business. In biblical times, the control and ownership of wells could lead to disputes, as seen in the conflicts between Isaac's herdsmen and those of Gerar (Genesis 26:20-22). These disputes underscore the wells' critical role in sustaining life and the prosperity of communities. Spiritual Symbolism Wells in the Bible often carry spiritual symbolism, representing sustenance, life, and divine provision. The imagery of water from a well is used metaphorically to describe spiritual nourishment and the life-giving presence of God. Jesus' offer of "living water" to the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well (John 4:13-14) illustrates the transition from physical to spiritual sustenance, emphasizing the eternal life found in Him. In summary, wells outside cities in biblical narratives serve as essential resources, social centers, and symbols of God's provision and faithfulness. They are integral to the accounts of the patriarchs, the journeys of biblical figures, and the teachings of Jesus, reflecting both the physical and spiritual dimensions of life in the biblical world. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 24:11And he made his camels to kneel down without the city by a well of water at the time of the evening, even the time that women go out to draw water. Torrey's Topical Textbook John 4:6,8 Library Jewish Homes Connecticut at the Close of the Revolution The Memphite Empire Letter cviii. To Eustochium. The First Theban Empire The Abrogation of the Saybrook Platform Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest The Political Constitution of Egypt The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Introductory Notice Respecting Tauler's Life and Times Resources What is the significance of Dothan in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgHow can the light of stars billions of light years away from the earth have reached us if the earth is only thousands of years old? | GotQuestions.org Who was Isaac in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Wells of the Holy Spirit in Saints Wells of the Mouth of the Righteous Wells of the Ordinances of the Church Wells of Wisdom and Understanding in Man Wells were a Frequent Cause of Strife Wells were often Stopped up by Enemies Wells: (A Fruitful Bough By) of Joseph's Numerous Posterity Wells: (Drinking from One's Own) of Enjoyment of Domestic Wells: (Without Water) Hypocrites Wells: Flgurative of Salvation Wells: Flgurative without Water Wells: Frequented by Travellers Wells: Frequented by Women Who Came to Draw Water Wells: Frequently Made in the Courts of Houses Wells: Frequently Made in the Desert Wells: Frequently Made: Near Encampments Wells: Frequently Made: Outside Cities Wells: had Troughs Placed Near for Watering Cattle Wells: Many Supplied from Lebanon Wells: Often Afforded No Water Wells: Often Covered to Prevent Their Being Filled With Sand Wells: Often Deep and Difficult to Draw From Wells: Strangers not to Draw From, Without Permission Wells: The Occasion of Feuds: Between Abraham and Abimelech Wells: The Occasion of Feuds: Between Isaac and Abimelech Wells: Water of, Frequently Sold Related Terms |
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