Topical Encyclopedia In the ancient Near East, wells were vital sources of water, essential for survival in the arid climate. The scarcity of water made wells highly valuable and often led to disputes and conflicts. The Bible records several instances where wells became focal points of strife, reflecting the broader themes of God's provision, human conflict, and divine intervention.Genesis 21:25-31: One of the earliest accounts of strife over wells is found in the account of Abraham and Abimelech. Abraham reproached Abimelech because his servants had seized a well of water. This incident highlights the tensions between Abraham, a sojourner in the land, and the local inhabitants. The resolution of this conflict through a covenant at Beersheba underscores the importance of peaceful agreements and divine oversight in resolving disputes. "So that place was called Beersheba, because it was there that the two of them swore an oath" (Genesis 21:31). Genesis 26:15-22: Isaac, Abraham's son, also faced strife over wells. The Philistines, envious of Isaac's prosperity, stopped up the wells that Abraham's servants had dug. Isaac's servants then dug new wells, but the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with them over the water. Isaac named the wells Esek and Sitnah, meaning "contention" and "enmity," respectively. Eventually, Isaac moved and dug another well, which was not contested, and he named it Rehoboth, saying, "Now the LORD has given us room, and we will be fruitful in the land" (Genesis 26:22). This narrative illustrates the recurring theme of conflict over resources and the eventual divine provision of peace and abundance. Exodus 2:15-17: Moses, before his calling as the leader of Israel, encountered strife over a well in Midian. When the daughters of Reuel came to draw water, shepherds drove them away. Moses intervened and helped them, an act that led to his integration into the Midianite community. This incident not only highlights the commonality of disputes over wells but also serves as a prelude to Moses' role as a deliverer and protector. Numbers 20:1-13: The Israelites themselves experienced strife over water at Meribah. Lacking water in the wilderness, they quarreled with Moses, leading to God's provision of water from the rock. This event, marked by Moses' disobedience in striking the rock, resulted in God's judgment, barring Moses from entering the Promised Land. "These were the waters of Meribah, where the Israelites quarreled with the LORD, and He showed Himself holy among them" (Numbers 20:13). The episode underscores the spiritual dimensions of strife over resources, highlighting themes of faith, obedience, and divine holiness. John 4:5-14: In the New Testament, the well at Sychar becomes a setting for Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman. While not a account of conflict, it reflects the cultural and historical tensions surrounding wells. Jesus offers the woman "living water," symbolizing eternal life and spiritual fulfillment beyond physical needs. "Whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a fount of water springing up to eternal life" (John 4:14). This interaction transforms the well from a site of potential strife to one of reconciliation and spiritual revelation. Throughout Scripture, wells serve as more than mere physical resources; they are places where human conflict and divine intervention intersect. The recurring theme of strife over wells reflects the broader human condition and the need for divine guidance and provision. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 21:25And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water, which Abimelech's servants had violently taken away. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 26:21,22 Exodus 2:16,17 Library The Church of Rome in the Third Century. Church Fabrics and Services. The Reaction against Egypt The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus Robert Nelson, his Friends, and Church Principles. The Abrogation of the Saybrook Platform Introductory Notice Respecting Tauler's Life and Times Ancient Chaldaea The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt The Assyrian Revival and the Struggle for Syria 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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