In biblical times, wells were essential sources of water, serving as vital resources for daily life, agriculture, and livestock. They often became significant landmarks and were sometimes named to commemorate events, covenants, or divine encounters. The naming of wells in the Bible reflects their importance in the narrative and spiritual life of the people.

1. Beer-lahai-roi: This well is first mentioned in Genesis 16:14, where Hagar, the maidservant of Sarai, encounters the Angel of the Lord. The name Beer-lahai-roi means "Well of the Living One who sees me." It signifies God's providence and care, as Hagar acknowledges God's awareness of her plight. The well is located between Kadesh and Bered.

2. Beersheba: One of the most frequently mentioned wells, Beersheba, means "Well of the Oath" or "Well of Seven." It is associated with the covenant between Abraham and Abimelech, as recorded in Genesis 21:31. The well symbolizes peace and agreement, marking the place where Abraham planted a tamarisk tree and called on the name of the Lord, the Eternal God.

3. Esek: In Genesis 26:20, Isaac's servants dig a well, but the herdsmen of Gerar quarrel with them, claiming the water as their own. Isaac names the well Esek, meaning "Contention," reflecting the strife over the water rights. This incident highlights the challenges faced by the patriarchs in securing resources.

4. Sitnah: Following the dispute over Esek, Isaac's servants dig another well, which also leads to conflict. Isaac names this well Sitnah, meaning "Opposition" or "Enmity" (Genesis 26:21). The repeated disputes emphasize the persistent challenges Isaac faced in establishing his household.

5. Rehoboth: After the conflicts over Esek and Sitnah, Isaac's servants dig another well, and this time there is no quarrel. Isaac names it Rehoboth, meaning "Broad Places" or "Room," saying, "Now the LORD has given us room, and we will flourish in the land" (Genesis 26:22). This name signifies God's provision and the eventual peace and prosperity granted to Isaac.

6. En-rogel: Mentioned in Joshua 15:7 and 2 Samuel 17:17, En-rogel is a well located near Jerusalem. The name means "Well of the Fuller" or "Well of the Spy." It served as a boundary marker and a strategic location during Absalom's rebellion against King David.

7. Jacob's Well: Although not named in the Old Testament, Jacob's Well is a significant site in the New Testament. Located in Sychar, it is where Jesus converses with the Samaritan woman in John 4:6-14. The well symbolizes spiritual nourishment and the living water that Jesus offers, transcending the physical need for water.

Wells in the Bible are more than mere water sources; they are places of divine encounter, human conflict, and covenantal significance. The names given to these wells often reflect the historical and spiritual narratives associated with them, providing insight into the lives and faith of the biblical characters.Genesis 16:14
Why the well was called Beerlahairoi; behold, it is between Kadesh and Bered.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 21:31
Why he called that place Beersheba; because there they swore both of them.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The First Apostle of Peace at any Price
... promises, and the prospect of a high destiny often disgusts its ... should dream of would
be to revive the old names. But the old wells were not enough for the new ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the first apostle of peace.htm

A Little Maid
... honorable, because by him the Lord had given deliverance unto ... understand why girls
with so noble names as Anna ... me foolish and even ignoble, and I often fear it ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/a little maid.htm

The Anti-Missionary Agitation.
... for the Chinese at Amoy, where the names of the ... from the foreign chapels, was often
thrown into wells, and secretly ... who knew better, and it was often said, "It ...
/.../fagg/forty years in south china/x the anti-missionary agitation.htm

The Family Bible.
... How often is this precious book abused! ... Christian parents, when you thus close up
the wells of salvation ... and clasped with gold, and have their names labeled in ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter viii the family bible.htm

Early Christian Literature and Art
... The names of the Three occur in this form and order ... importance; were well acquainted
with it, and often quoted it ... The verse "O ye wells," etc., is said to be a ...
/.../the three additions to daniel a study/early christian literature and art.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... and sometimes comfortably; also he would be often reading in ... a review of the coat
or garment that was given him as ... acts that he had done, and the names of many ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/the pilgrims progress.htm

Upon the Gathering Together of the Waters.
... Thus we often see the furious sea raising mighty waves to ... For wells are also gathering
places for water, made by ... The seas have even their own names, the Euxine ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily iv upon the gathering.htm

On the Negative Spirit
... thing, the brutal thing, the thing that called names. ... It is often said, and with
perfect truth, that no ... Mr. HG Wells, that exceedingly clear-sighted man, has ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chesterton/heretics/ii on the negative spirit.htm

The Blood of the Covenant
... from many flowers, and the honey is often flavored with ... Other names may have small
significance, but in the ... as Isaac, the quiet shepherd, digging wells for his ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 20 1874/the blood of the covenant.htm

The Redeemer's Prayer
... tell you by the mere hearing of your names; but if ... We sometimes come to the wells
of Elim and the seventy ... my loins when I have been weary, and often steeled my ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the redeemers prayer.htm

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