Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, wells play a significant role in the life of Jacob, the patriarch whose account is foundational to the history of Israel. Wells were essential in the ancient Near East, serving as vital sources of water for people, livestock, and agriculture. They often became sites of significant encounters and events in biblical accounts.Jacob's Well in Shechem One of the most notable wells associated with Jacob is the one located near the city of Shechem. This well is traditionally identified as "Jacob's Well," although it is not explicitly named in the Old Testament. The well is mentioned in the New Testament in the Gospel of John, where Jesus has a profound conversation with a Samaritan woman. John 4:6-7 states, "Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, worn out from His journey, sat down by the well. It was about the sixth hour. A woman of Samaria came to draw water. 'Give Me a drink,' Jesus said to her." This encounter highlights the well's historical and spiritual significance, as it becomes a place where Jesus reveals His identity as the Messiah and speaks of the "living water" that leads to eternal life (John 4:10-14). The well thus serves as a bridge between the patriarchal past and the redemptive work of Christ. Jacob's Encounter at the Well in Haran Another significant well-related event in Jacob's life occurs when he travels to Haran. Upon arriving, Jacob encounters a well where shepherds are gathered with their flocks. Genesis 29:2-3 describes the scene: "He looked and saw a well in the field, and behold, three flocks of sheep were lying there beside it, because the flocks were watered from that well. Now the stone on the mouth of the well was large." At this well, Jacob meets Rachel, the daughter of Laban, his mother's brother. This meeting is pivotal, as Rachel becomes Jacob's beloved wife. The well thus serves as a setting for divine providence and the unfolding of God's plan for Jacob's life. Genesis 29:10 recounts, "As soon as Jacob saw Rachel, the daughter of his uncle Laban, and the sheep of his uncle Laban, he went over and rolled the stone away from the mouth of the well and watered his uncle’s sheep." Symbolism and Significance Wells in the biblical narrative often symbolize sustenance, life, and divine encounter. In Jacob's account, they are places where God's promises and blessings are furthered. The wells associated with Jacob underscore themes of provision, covenant, and the unfolding of God's redemptive history through the patriarchs. Jacob's interactions at these wells reflect the broader biblical motif of God meeting His people in ordinary places and using everyday circumstances to fulfill His divine purposes. The wells serve as reminders of God's faithfulness and the continuity of His covenant promises from generation to generation. Torrey's Topical Textbook John 4:6Now Jacob's well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with his journey, sat thus on the well: and it was about the sixth hour. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Here Beginneth the Life of Isaac Concerning the Sons of Isaac, Esau and Jacob; of their Nativity ... Appendix D. Here Beginneth the History of Joseph and his Brethren Here Next Followeth the History of Moses Letter W Here Followeth the History of Tobit Jesus at the Well. The General Conference of 1828 Joseph the Dreamer. Resources What is the river of life? | GotQuestions.orgWhat happened at the Pool of Siloam? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to do good unto all men in Galatians 6:10? | 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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