Genesis 21:33
ESV
Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba and called there on the name of the Lord, the Everlasting God.
NIV
Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called on the name of the Lord, the Eternal God.
NASB
Abraham planted a tamarisk tree at Beersheba, and there he called on the name of the Lord, the Everlasting God.
CSB
Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beer-sheba, and there he called on the name of the Lord, the Everlasting God.
NLT
Then Abraham planted a tamarisk tree at Beersheba, and there he worshiped the Lord, the Eternal God.
KJV
And Abraham planted a grove in Beersheba, and called there on the name of the Lord, the everlasting God.
NKJV
Then Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there called on the name of the Lord, the Everlasting God.
What does Genesis 21:33 mean?
In prior verses, Abraham formally accepted a covenant with Abimelech, the king of Gerar (Genesis 21:22–24). As part of this agreement, Abraham gave seven sheep to Abimelech to absolutely secure his right to a particular well. Abraham had dug this water source himself, but Abimelech's men, at some point, had taken it over (Genesis 21:25).Having secured the ownership rights to the well at Beersheba, Abraham further puts down roots, so to speak, by planting a tamarisk tree. Tamarisk trees could reach 30 feet high and would provide excellent shade in the desert climate of the region. The planting of a tree required a reliable water source, and this further symbolizes the importance of this location.
The planting of this tree may have been related to Abraham's calling on the name of "El-Olam," the Everlasting God. Much later, Abraham's son Isaac would meet the Lord here at Beersheba and build and altar to Him. Beersheba becomes a significant spot for Israel's patriarchs and the nation.
Genesis 21:22–34 describes a covenant treaty between Abraham and Abimelech, king of Gerar. Abimelech had previously given Abraham land to occupy. Now the king wishes to formalize their relationship. Abraham swears not to deceive Abimelech or his offspring again, and to deal kindly with all in the land. Abimelech agrees to recognize Abraham's ownership of a well at the place which becomes known as Beersheba, which means ''well of seve'' or ''well of the oath.''
The Lord did as He had promised. Sarah, now 90 years old, gives birth to Isaac, the long-awaited child. Her joy sours, though, over a fear that Isaac might have to share an inheritance with Ishmael. In obedience to the Lord, who promises to safeguard Ishmael, Abraham sends him and his mother, Hagar, into the wilderness. God rescues them and renews His promise to make Ishmael a great nation in his own right. Meanwhile, Abimelech, king of Gerar, approaches Abraham to make a permanent treaty between them and their descendants. The agreement includes Abraham's possession of a well, at a place which will become known as Beersheba.
