Tel Be’er Sheva is the biblical city of Beersheba, the southernmost significant city of ancient Israel, whose name gave rise to the expression “from Dan to Beersheba” (Judges 20:1), meaning the entire length of the land. The tel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site east of the modern city, preserves a remarkably well-planned Israelite city from the Iron Age.
Abraham’s Well
Beersheba is deeply connected to the patriarchs. Abraham dug a well here and made a covenant with Abimelech: “Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called on the name of the Lord, the Eternal God” (Genesis 21:33). The name “Beersheba” means either “well of the oath” or “well of seven,” referring to the seven lambs Abraham gave as a witness (Genesis 21:28-31). Isaac also lived here and received God’s promise: “I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you” (Genesis 26:24). And Jacob set out from Beersheba on his journey during which he dreamed of a ladder reaching to heaven (Genesis 28:10).
Horned Altar
The most significant discovery at Tel Be’er Sheva is a large stone altar with horns at its four corners, dismantled and reused as building material. The altar was reconstructed and is now displayed at the . The dismantling is consistent with King Hezekiah’s reforms: “He removed the high places, smashed the sacred stones and cut down the Asherah poles” (2 Kings 18:4). The Beersheba altar is the physical evidence of these reforms.
City Plan
The Israelite city is one of the best examples of urban planning in the biblical period: a central ring road, uniform houses along the perimeter, a governor’s palace, storerooms, and a water system channeling floodwater into a large underground cistern. The city plan suggests centralized royal administration.
Water System
The water system includes a deep well (approximately 69 meters) and channels collecting seasonal floodwater. Visitors can descend into the system and see the engineering that made desert urban life possible.
Visit with Hoshen Tours
Tel Be’er Sheva connects the patriarchs to the Kingdom of Judah. Hoshen Tours visits the tel, descends into the water system, and tells the story from Abraham’s oath to Hezekiah’s reforms.