Genesis 21:33: “Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called on the name of the Lord, the Eternal God.”
Years went by, and Abraham thrived in the land of the Philistines. His business affairs went extremely well and his flocks and herds continued to multiply. Everywhere Abraham went, his reputation preceded him, and word of his blessings and success reached the local king.
One day King Abimelek held a council where Phicol, the commander of his army spoke up: “Abraham has become quite the influence around here”, he said. “I am concerned that one day he might turn against you and take your throne. Did you hear how Abraham and his men busted King Kedorlaomer’s army? This was years ago before the cities in the Jordan Valley were annihilated.” The king began to look alarmed. “That was him? I thought this whole story was just a fairy tale, it sounded so unreal!” He paused, his forehead furrowed with worried wrinkles. Looking at his trusted advisors he asked, “What do you suggest?” And Phicol stood up saying out loud what everybody else in the room was thinking: “It’s time to meet with Abraham and create some sort of a non-aggression pact.” And so the decision was made.
The very next day two of the king’s servants came to deliver a message to Abraham. “The king invites you to join him and his friends for the upcoming new moon festival. We will present a sacrifice to the Lord.” And Abraham accepted the invitation.
On the day of the festival King Abimelek held a banquet. They had dancing, music, and food. Abraham was one of the first guests arriving on the scene. He brought along a generous amount of sheep and cattle and presented his gift to the king. Graciously he thanked him, but noticed that seven ewe lambs were set apart from the rest of the flock and asked Abraham: “What’s up with these seven lambs?” to which he respectfully replied, “May I request permission to speak freely, your Majesty?” At the king’s command the music stopped and the dancers stepped aside. “Go on”, the king said and Abraham explained, “It’s about the water rights. My men dug a well way out in the desert, and your men unjustly claimed this spring to be their own. Now whenever we come through the area to feed our flocks and herds they refuse to let us use our own well. This is completely unfair and there have been multiple battles between your herdsmen and mine.”
Listening to Abraham’s report, the king’s face betrayed very little. “I have not heard about this conflict until today”, he said and Abraham proposed, “Permit your servant to clarify this matter once and for all.” He motioned to the seven lambs that stood separately from the rest of the herd and added, “Here are seven lambs in addition to the flocks I have gifted you today. Let it be officially recognized that we dug this well. This water is not just for our use, but for everybody else who comes through this area.”
“Thank you for bringing this up”, the king finally stated and went on to say: “I would like to seal today’s agreement with a non-aggression pact.” He paused and then continued with a loud voice for everyone to hear: “Here is the treaty I propose to you, Abraham, Son of Terah: Swear to me that you will treat us with the same kindness that I have treated you today.” And Abraham stood up and publicly swore before the king and all of his officials: “I swear it.”
After the pact was sealed with the king, Abraham went to the well that was now officially his. He decided to name the well “Beersheba” which can be translated “Well of the Oath.” In his side pocket he had brought along a little seedling. He went about to dig a hole near the well and placed the seedling in it. Out of it would grow a strong, mature tamarisk tree. Abraham was often drawn to this place and prayed: “May we grow and take root in the land of your promise, oh Lord.”