Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba and called there on the name of the LORD, the Everlasting God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Abraham planted a tamarisk tree, not just for shade, but likely as a place to worship. In calling on "the Everlasting God," he emphasizes God's eternal nature, setting Him apart from any earthly ruler or fleeting alliance he had just made.
Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba and called there on the name of the LORD, the Everlasting God.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After a tumultuous period involving the birth of Isaac, the banishment of Ishmael, and a significant covenant negotiation with the local king, Abraham establishes a more settled presence in Beersheba. This act of planting a tree and dedicating a place to worship signifies a moment of peace and gratitude after these major life events. It marks Abraham's ongoing relationship with God, acknowledging Him as the eternal source of all his blessings and promises.
Why plant a tree after making a covenant? Abraham's grove wasn't just for shade; it was a deliberate act of worship in a newly established place.
After securing peace with Abimelech and the Philistines, Abraham didn't just settle in; he established a sacred space. Planting a tamarisk tree (or a grove, as some translations suggest) in Beersheba created a specific location for encountering God. This act signifies more than just finding shelter; it's about dedicating a place for worship and fellowship.
This practice echoes ancient traditions where natural elements, like trees and springs, were seen as places where the divine could be approached. Abraham, establishing his presence in this new land, deliberately chose to root his worship in this physical location.
Abraham calls God 'the everlasting God.' What did this title mean to him in this specific moment, and what does it reveal about God's nature?
The title 'El Olam' (Everlasting God) that Abraham uses for the LORD is profound. It's the first time this specific name appears in Scripture, and it comes after Abraham has navigated immense trials: the expulsion of Ishmael, the covenant with Abimelech, and securing water rights.
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Through these experiences, Abraham has seen God act in faithfulness, power, and provision. He recognizes God not just as his personal God, but as the One who transcends all time and circumstances.
Understand the original words
eshel · Hebrew Noun
A tree known for its ability to survive in arid, desert climates; it is often associated with long-term presence, endurance, and memorial in the patriarchal narratives.
qara' · Hebrew Verb
To proclaim, invoke, or acknowledge the character and authority of Yahweh in worship or petition. It signifies a public confession of reliance upon God.
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The personal, covenantal name of God in the Old Testament, representing His self-existence, faithfulness, and holiness.
'olam · Hebrew Adjective
An attribute of God signifying that He is outside of time, existing without beginning or end. It emphasizes His unchanging nature and eternal sovereignty.
Abraham's act of planting a tree and calling on God in Beersheba signifies a moment of settled worship and deepens his understanding of God's eternal nature, occurring shortly after the tumultuous expulsion of Hagar and Ishmael and the establishment of a covenant with local rulers.
~2000 BC
Abraham's Covenant with God
God establishes a covenant with Abraham, promising him numerous descendants and a special land, marking the beginning of Abraham's relationship with God as a chosen patriarch.
~1990 BC
Birth of Ishmael
Ishmael is born to Abraham and Hagar. Though Abraham's son, he is not the heir of the covenant promise, which later leads to significant family conflict.
~1985 BC— this verse
Birth of Isaac and Expulsion of Hagar
Isaac, the promised heir, is born to Abraham and Sarah. Soon after, Hagar and Ishmael are sent away into the wilderness, a pivotal event that leads to their survival by God's intervention near Beersheba.
~1985 BC
Covenant at Beersheba
Following the departure of Hagar and Ishmael, Abraham makes a covenant with Abimelech, the king of the Philistines, securing his right to a well and establishing peace. This event gives the place its name, Beersheba ('well of the oath' or 'well of seven').
This verse speaks of God as the 'everlasting arms' beneath his people, echoing the eternal nature of God Abraham invokes in Genesis.
Psalm 90:2This psalm beautifully describes God's eternal existence before the mountains were made, underscoring the title 'everlasting God' that Abraham uses.
Isaiah 40:28Here Isaiah calls God 'the Everlasting God,' the Creator of the ends of the earth, reinforcing the concept of God's enduring power and sovereignty that Abraham acknowledged.
John 8:58Jesus declares 'Before Abraham was, I am,' directly linking his eternal nature to the era of Abraham and confirming the title 'everlasting God' applied to the Lord.
Romans 1:20This passage states that God's 'eternal power and divine nature' have been clearly perceived from the creation of the world, showing that Abraham's recognition of God's everlasting nature was a reflection of an observable truth.
calvinGenesis 21:1-34: "And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken."
And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.
Et dixit Deus ad Abraham, Ne displiceat in oculis tuis super puero, et super ancilla tua: in omnibus quae dixerit tibi Sarah, audi vocem ejus: quia in Ishac vocabitur…
ellicottGenesis 21:33: "And Abraham planted a grove in Beersheba, and called there on the name of the LORD, the everlasting God."
(33) And Abraham planted a grove in Beer-sheba. —Heb., a tamarisk tree. Under a noble tree of this kind, which grows to a great size in hot countries, Saul held his court at Gibeah, and under another his bones were laid at Jabesh ( 1Samuel 22:6 ; 1Samuel 31:13 ). And called there on the name of the Lord, the everlasting God.—Heb., on the name of Jehovah, El ‘olam (comp. Gene…
Abraham planted a tamarisk tree, not just for shade, but likely as a place to worship. In calling on "the Everlasting God," he emphasizes God's eternal nature, setting Him apart from any earthly ruler or fleeting alliance he had just made.
After a tumultuous period involving the birth of Isaac, the banishment of Ishmael, and a significant covenant negotiation with the local king, Abraham establishes a more settled presence in Beersheba. This act of planting a tree and dedicating a place to worship signifies a moment of peace and gratitude after these major life events. It marks Abraham's ongoing relationship with God, acknowledging Him as the eternal source of all his blessings and promises.
After a tumultuous period involving the birth of Isaac, the banishment of Ishmael, and a significant covenant negotiation with the local king, Abraham establishes a more settled presence in Beersheba. This act of planting a tree and dedicating a place to worship signifies a moment of peace and gratitude after these major life events. It marks Abraham's ongoing relationship with God, acknowledging Him as the eternal source of all his blessings and promises.
"Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba and called there on the name of the LORD, the Everlasting God." — Abraham planted a tamarisk tree, not just for shade, but likely as a place to worship. In calling on "the Everlasting God," he emphasizes God's eternal nature, setting Him apart from any earthly rule…
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Last reviewed October 2026