In biblical times, wells were essential sources of water, serving as vital resources for daily life, agriculture, and livestock. They often became central locations for social interaction, trade, and significant biblical events. The construction and ownership of wells were crucial, as water was a precious commodity in the arid regions of the Near East.

Old Testament References

1. Abraham and Isaac: Wells are prominently featured in the narratives of the patriarchs. Abraham dug wells as he journeyed through the land promised to him by God. In Genesis 21:25-31, Abraham disputes with Abimelech over a well of water, leading to a covenant at Beersheba, which means "Well of the Oath." Isaac, Abraham's son, also had significant interactions involving wells. In Genesis 26:18-22, Isaac reopens the wells dug by his father, which the Philistines had stopped up, and digs new wells, naming them Esek, Sitnah, and Rehoboth, reflecting the disputes and eventual peace over water rights.

2. Jacob: In Genesis 29, Jacob meets Rachel at a well, which becomes the setting for his introduction to his future wife. This well serves as a backdrop for the unfolding of God's providential plan for Jacob's life and the continuation of the Abrahamic covenant.

3. Moses: In Exodus 2:15-21, Moses flees to Midian and sits by a well, where he encounters the daughters of Reuel (Jethro). This meeting leads to Moses' marriage to Zipporah and his integration into the Midianite community, setting the stage for his future role as the deliverer of Israel.

New Testament References

1. Jesus and the Samaritan Woman: One of the most significant New Testament references to a well is found in John 4:5-42, where Jesus speaks with the Samaritan woman at Jacob's well. This encounter highlights themes of living water, spiritual thirst, and the breaking down of ethnic and social barriers. Jesus offers the woman "living water," symbolizing eternal life through Him: "But 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).

Symbolism and Theological Significance

Wells in the Bible often symbolize sustenance, life, and divine provision. They are places where God's faithfulness and promises are demonstrated, as seen in the lives of the patriarchs and in Jesus' ministry. The imagery of water and wells is frequently used to convey spiritual truths, such as the necessity of spiritual nourishment and the abundance of God's grace.

Cultural and Historical Context

In ancient Near Eastern culture, wells were not only practical necessities but also communal gathering places. They were often located outside city gates and served as meeting points for travelers and locals alike. The ownership and control of wells could lead to conflicts, as seen in the disputes between Isaac and the Philistines. Wells were also associated with hospitality, as travelers would often be welcomed and offered water.

Conclusion

The biblical narratives surrounding wells reflect the physical and spiritual sustenance they provided to God's people. They serve as reminders of God's provision and the living water offered through Jesus Christ, which quenches the deepest spiritual thirst.875. beer -- a well, pit
... 874, 875. beer. 876 . a well, pit. Transliteration: beer Phonetic Spelling:
(be-ayr') Short Definition: well. Word Origin from baar ...
/hebrew/875.htm - 6k

The Master's Profession --The Disciple's Pursuit
... When, in the days of his flesh, he was crying to his Father for preservation in
a season of dire distress, he might well ask that he should then be helped ...
/.../the masters professionthe disciples pursuit.htm

Songs of Deliverance
... the fountains for purposes of plunder; and instead of drawing the water by stealth
and in hasty fear, the women joined their voices around the well head, and ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 13 1867/songs of deliverance.htm

A Mystery! Saints Sorrowing and Jesus Glad!
... Faith never prospers so well as when all things are against her: tempests
are trainers, and the lightnings are her illuminators. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/a mystery saints sorrowing and.htm

Is God in the Camp?
... "Oh, well!" says one, "I never worship beneath a cathedral roof; I am quite content
to meet with a few friends in a barn." Do not suppose, my friend, that the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 38 1892/is god in the camp.htm

Well's (5 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Well's (5 Occurrences). Genesis 29:2 He looked, and behold,
a well in the field, and, behold, three flocks of sheep lying there by it. ...
/w/well's.htm - 8k

Watered (28 Occurrences)
... Genesis 13:10 Lot lifted up his eyes, and saw all the plain of the Jordan, that
it was well-watered everywhere, before Yahweh destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah ...
/w/watered.htm - 16k

Flocks (128 Occurrences)
... John 4:12 Are you greater than our father, Jacob, who gave us the well, and drank
of it himself, as did his children, and his livestock?" (See NIV). ...
/f/flocks.htm - 38k

Flock (242 Occurrences)
... Genesis 29:2 He looked, and behold, a well in the field, and, behold, three flocks
of sheep lying there by it. For out of that well they watered the flocks. ...
/f/flock.htm - 39k

Rolled (38 Occurrences)
... They rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the sheep, and put the
stone again on the well's mouth in its place. (WEB KJV JPS ASV BBE DBY WBS YLT). ...
/r/rolled.htm - 18k

Shepherds (55 Occurrences)
... water is ours. And he called the name of the well Esek, because they had
quarrelled with him. (DBY YLT). Genesis 29:3 And thither ...
/s/shepherds.htm - 24k

Thither (119 Occurrences)
... Genesis 29:3 And thither were all the flocks gathered: and they rolled the stone
from the well's mouth, and watered the sheep, and put the stone again upon the ...
/t/thither.htm - 38k

Roll (57 Occurrences)
... the street. 13. (vi) To be wound or formed into a cylinder or ball; as,
the cloth rolls unevenly; the snow rolls well. 14. (vi) To ...
/r/roll.htm - 33k

Wells (15 Occurrences)

/w/wells.htm - 11k

Sheep (413 Occurrences)
... Among the Moslems every well-to-do family sacrifices a sheep at the feast of
al-'adcha', the 10th day of the month dhu-l-chijjat, 40 days after the end of ...
/s/sheep.htm - 52k

What is the significance of Jacob's well? | GotQuestions.org

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