Beersheba

Beersheba ("the well of the seven") is mentioned in Genesis 21:22-34 as where Abraham made a treaty with the people of this area. Both Abraham and Isaac dug wells here (Genesis 21:30-31; 26:32-33). The expression "from Dan to Beersheba" defines the classic dimensions of the Israelite kingdom (Judges 20:1). Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Elijah, and Joshua passed through here. Today Beersheba is the capital of the Negev (the southern desert) and is developing as a huge modern city in Israel. It is growing in its tourism, art centers, schools, the Ben Gurion University, museums, etc. It is inhabited by people from more than 70 countries. One of the most interesting things about Beersheba is the Bedouin market that has been taking place every Thursday morning, they say, for several thousand years. The Bedouin people from the desert and nearby communities bring their wares, and it is a spectacular sight to behold. Shopping is incredible.