Background Study: Wells Flashcards
What was absolutely needed in Israel to survive because of the climate?
A well
During raining season, water would flow down through the permeable limestone and collect in where?
Underground aquifers
What was the only way to reach the underground aquifers of water?
By digging a well
Where else were wells dug besides underground aquifers?
Springs with continuous water
What was often built of wood or stone next to a well?
Toughs for watering livestock
What was the most common way to draw up water from a well?
Tying a rope to bucket or waterskin
What was built around wells to prevent people or animals from falling in?
A long stone wall (some also had covers over the top)
Because wells were such a time-consuming, labor-intensive process, what did owning a well signify?
Wealth and independence
The valuable resource of a well could sometimes cause strife between two parties who disagreed over ownership, as shown in what cross-reference?
Genesis 26:18-21
Who typically drew the water for a household?
The women
What served as social gathering spots for women?
Communal wells
Where were the wells that Isaac unstopped the wells of his father Abraham in Genesis 26:17-22?
Valley of Gerar
What well did God show Hargar to get water for her son in Genesis 21:14-19?
Beersheba
What well did Jesus tell the Samaritan woman about living in John 4:1-7?
Sychar, Jacob’s well
From what well did David long for a drink of that 3 of his mighty men broke through the garrison to get for him in 2 Samuel 23:15-16?
The well of Bethlehem
