The home of Abraham (Gen. 21: 31); Isaac (Gen. 26: 23); Jacob (Gen. 28: 10), so called from the covenant Abraham made here with Abimelech, king of Gerar (Gen. 21: 31). It was afterwards in the tribe of Simeon (Josh. 19: 2) and was regarded as the southern limit of Israel (Judg. 20: 1; 1 Sam. 3: 20; etc.). The district contained much rich pasture land.