The Negev (where Beersheba is located) has been used for grazing herds for thousands of years (and still is today). With its limited rainfall the water supply was largely provided by wells. Water rights in places such as this were established by contracts. In Genesis 21:27-32 a dispute arises between Abraham and Abimelech over the very well we stood by at Beersheba. Other Ancient Near East documents have shown how control of the water could become an international issue especially when the technological know-how and man power to construct a well was what insured the wells ability to produce and then retain the water. The significant amount of labor necessary for such an important undertaking makes it obvious why the rights to the water supply would be worth fighting over.
Since water was a precious commodity in this region laws were established to ensure that all had a fair chance of survival regarding their wells. Contracts and other agreements in most cases required a formal oath such as the one we see taking place between Abraham and Abimelech. These oaths were generally followed by stipulations which frequently included a pledge of non-hostility between the two parties. Oaths also involved a ceremonial meal or sacrifice (such as the one in Gen. 26:30) and sometimes the exchange of gifts. If you’re reading through Genesis and come upon the account of Abraham and Abimelech you can pass over these verses without really recognizing the importance of the transaction. After all we are far removed from water concerns for the most part. We pick up a bottle or turn on the faucet and the water flows freely. In this case Abraham has dug a well, but Abimelech’s servants have seized it and now Abraham can’t get to his water.
Abimelech, to his credit, recognizes Abraham as a man blessed by God. So he brings the commander of his forces (Phicol) along and meets up with Abraham at Beersheba. The covenant agreed upon follows the protocol of the day- it begins with the two men, but extends to their descendants. Abimelech asks Abraham to be honest with him (see Gen. 20:1-18 to find out why!) and Abraham asks Abimelech to publicly acknowledge that the well belongs to Abraham so that no one else will attempt to lay claim to it. As a “token of appreciation” Abraham presents Abimelech with seven ewe lambs somewhat “sealing the deal” so to speak. Then all concerned return home.
It’s not always easy to get along with your neighbors. I remember stumbling on a TV program once that featured some of the worst neighbors in the country. You really felt bad for these folks when you learned of what they had to put up with. But just as the story of Abraham and Abimelech shows, getting along with others is nothing new. The Bible is filled with passages about neighbors. It teaches that relationships with our neighbors should be built on honesty, truthfulness and respecting one another’s property (Ex. 20:15-17; 22:7-11, 14, 26; Dt. 5:20-21; 19:14; 23:25; 24:10; 27:17; Prov. 24:28; 25:17; Jer. 22:13); that we are not to steal from them or harm their reputation (Lev. 18:20; 19:13, 15, 16) and God takes a dim view of those who do (Prov. 6:29; Ps. 101:5). We are to foster good between ourselves and our neighbors (Prov. 3:28-29; 12:26) because a good relationship with our neighbor indicates our standing before God (1 Ki. 8:30-32; 2 Chr. 6:21-23; Ps. 15:2-4). But the most well-known and challenging admonition regarding neighbors is recorded in Lev. 19:18 and repeated by Jesus in the classic parable of loving one’s neighbor, The Good Samaritan (Lk. 10:25-37). The Gospels and Epistles also contain admonitions on how to deal with our neighbors as well. Check out these passages: Mt. 19:19; Mk. 12:34-40; Rom. 13:8-10; 15:2; 1 Cor. 10:24; Gal. 5:14; Eph. 4:25; Js. 2:8).
I admit that it is NOT easy to love my neighbor when their children are outside screaming all day, or when they leave their garbage cans in full view all the time, but I’m working on it! And if I want to be more like Jesus, it is what I must do (Eph. 3:14-19) because it is what He wants me to do (Lk. 10:37). In the end, the way I treat my neighbor demonstrates to them, especially those who don’t know Him, what God is like- a tall order in a day and age where it’s acceptable to complain about every little grievance. Where is Beersheba for you? How well are you living with neighbors?
Ann H. LeFevre, M. Div.
Week of 8/13/2017