Nor are they called upon to bear what by lawful means they are able to redress. Sarah as he had spoken." We dont always think about it, but if the world knows that were Christians, they watch us to see if were different than everyone else. When you come to a passage like this in the Bible, the question is, Why did God include this in sacred Scripture? _mlel_ speak, an ancient and therefore solemn ALL CHRISTIAN PROSPERITY IS ALSO CONSCIOUSLY IDENTIFIED WITH When the owner asked how much she could afford, she replied, My husband was killed in the war. undertakings. We live with the daily, ordinary routines that characterize the greater part of our lives: getting ready for the day, rushing off to work, getting the kids off to school, shopping for groceries, paying bills, mowing lawns, and maintaining the household. Sarah The Lords whole thing boils down to that. GENESIS You did not tell me, and I heard about it only today., So Abraham brought sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelek, and the two men made a treaty. Most days, he got up, made sure his animals were being cared for, dealt with problems like sick or straying animals, servants who had squabbles, and finding enough water and food for his flocks and family. Probably an official title. His men may have dug who knows how many dry wells before finding this one. Do we badmouth the boss or other workers behind their backs? Isaac would later have to clear up some matters over several wells with Abimelech (chap. trial and utter ruin of the creature, with the revelation of divine And Abraham plantedas a sign of his peaceful occupation of the soil (Calvin); as a memorial of the transaction about the well ('Speaker's Commentary'); or simply as a shade for his tent (Rosenmller); scarcely as an oratory (Bush, Kalisch)a grovethe wood, plantation (Targum, Vulgate, Samaritan, Kimchi); a field, (LXX. That word sounds very much like the Hebrew word for seven (sheva) used in 21:28, 29, and 30. 20 God was with the boy as he grew up. God promised that His covenant with Abraham would be an everlasting covenant; Abraham recognized God as everlasting., This foreshadows future encounters between the Israelites and the Philistines. When Abimelech confronted Abraham about things, Abraham was rather uncomplimentary, saying that his reason for deceiving him was that he assumed that there would not be any fear of God among such people (20:11). Genesis 21:22-34 What is the meaning of these seven ewe lambs you have set apart by themselves? A son was ABIMELECHS COVENANT WITH ABRAHAM. So what does Abraham do? Genesis 21 1. 'Do not do anything to him. 21:22 Abimelech recognized the blessing of the Lord on Abraham. with his wi AND IT CAME TO PASS AT THAT TIME,. Not when Ishmael was grown up Observing what he had done, and not knowing the design of it: what mean these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set by themselves ? Abimelech professed to have shown kindness (Hb. 4. ), his knowledge of Isaac's birth, and his general observation of the patriarch's prosperity. Name signifies mouth of all, _i.e.,_ 17. He rained down fire and brimstone to destroy wicked Sodom. But what about Abraham? 21:32-34 A place to call on the name of the Lord. AndIf anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. (Matthew 5:39-41). Weaned] in his second or third year, as is usual among Orientals. GODS ANCIENT PEOPLE genesis-26:26-34 - Bible Commentaries - page 8 of 14 Perhaps Abimelech had heard of how God had given Abraham and Sarah a son in their old age. Beersheba. I already did that during the night while I was watching over my sick child, she replied. Ver. to Abraham. Sometimes when you read the Bible, you get the feeling that God majors in the spectacular. and married, but when Isaac was weaned and Ishmael was expelled: ALL CHRISTIAN PROSPERITY IS CONSCIOUSLY IDENTIFIED WITH GOD. A few years ago, a Christian worker was scheduled to fly from New York to Chicago for some meetings before returning home to Los Angeles. Peace. Abimelech and Abraham, or ancient covenanters. the title not only of the king of Gerar, but of the kings of the GENESIS In an initial way, God is using Abraham to fulfill His purpose of blessing all the nations as he is blessed. Specific examples of how Jesus communicated Gods love to others. Here God shows Abraham that not only would the people of the land not take his wife, they wouldnt even take his well. And as a result things turned ugly. 27:7). Another wrong thing happens: An imperfect Christian concludes that he had better not say anything about his faith until he gets all his problems solved. (3) that in making charges or preferring complaints it is well to avoid both heat of temper and severity of language. Genesis 21:22-34 In-Context 20 God was with the lad, and he grew; and he lived in the wilderness and became an archer . PDF Scripture Story: Genesis 21:1-5; Genesis 22:1-12. Commentary And Abimelech said, I wet not who hath done this thing. THAT ABIMELECH, AND PHICHOL, THE CHIEF CAPTAIN OF HIS HOST, SPAKE And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief And both of them made a covenant. 14. . Philistines generally (Genesis 2 ISHMAEL AND ISAAC of faith in another point of view. Here he is in this situation where he dug a well, a large investment in that area at that time. Every wise person I know, finds some means of providing a graceful way out for those with whom they have an issue. Note the significance of the word oath (Hb. Genesis 21:22-34 - The Pulpit Commentaries The Net Pastors Journal, Eng. He wouldnt have had much exciting news to report in his monthly fund-raising letter. So Abimelek took Sarah into his harem. . Do you see what happened here? neit EXPOSITION You, our leader and master, have pulled the rug out from under us! Love Like Jesusbegins with the story of how after a life of regular church attendance and Bible study, Bennett was challenged by a pastor to study Jesus. Genesis 31 Genesis 32 Genesis 33 Genesis 34 Genesis 35 Genesis 36 Genesis 37 Genesis 38 Genesis 39 Genesis 40 Genesis 41 that Abimelech, and Phichol, the chief captain of his host, spake unto Abraham; Abimelech was king of Gerar, the same that is spoken of in the preceding chapter, and Phichol was the general of his army; these two great personages came together and paid Abraham a visit, and had some conversation with him, who was still in Gerar, or however in some part of that country not far from it: saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest; greatly prospered him in the things of the world, for of them only could they make a judgment; they saw that he increased in worldly substance, and that his family was increased, and that he succeeded in everything in which he engaged; and, being jealous of his growing greatness and power, were desirous of securing an interest in him and in his favour. CAME TO PASS AT THAT TIME, &C. Hence it is plain that Abraham had _Isaac;_ that is, laughter or holy joy. It is good to remember God's mercies, of which national and civil quietude is one of the greatest, and it is becoming to erect memorials of both privileges and obligations. But it is significant that Gods blessing on Abraham is evident even to this pagan king, Abimelech, who tells Abraham, God is with you in all that you do (21:22). In our last presentation of the Book of Genesis, Truth and Consequences and the opening verses of Genesis chapter 4, we hope to have once again fully established as fact the consequences of Eve's sin, as it is described in Genesis chapter 3, where three times it was acknowledged that she had already conceived, and that therefore, in spite of the . Abraham, being now in a good neighbourhood, stayed a great while there. The significance of the presence of Phichol at the ceremony indicates Abimelechs promise not to pursue military action against Abraham. CONCLUSION: Behind every promise of God is the purpose a Genesis 21:3. Good men mostly desire to have the saints as friends, and even the wicked can perceive an advantage in being allied to the righteous. CHAPTER 21 ISAAC AND ISHMAEL AND THE COVENANT WITH ABIMELECH at the time God Himself had 22-34 Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled And it came to pass at that time,possibly in immediate sequence to the incident of the preceding chapter, but, "according to the common law of Hebrew narrative, probably not long after the birth of Isaac." Abraham, thinking the herdsmen had acted on their master's orders, reproved Abimelech. You dont need a theological education to bear witness by your walk with God. CONTENTS: Birth of Isaac. surround, enclose, and _chum_ black. But what Im saying is that sinlessness isnt the requirement to bear witness for Christ. mll "speak," an ancient and therefore solemn and poetical word. 21 While he was living in the Desert of Paran, his mother got a wife for him from Egypt. his mother took him a wife --On a father's death, the mother looks out for a wife for her son, however young; and as Ishmael was now virtually deprived of his father, his mother set about forming a marriage connection for him, it would seem, among her relatives. _The birth of Isaac. As the psalmist proclaims, Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope for His loving kindness, to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive in famine (Ps. Another step in Abrahams walk with God is seen in verse 33, where he plants a tree and calls on the name of the Lord, the Everlasting God. Planting the tree was an act to remind Abraham of Gods faithfulness, especially in the everyday matter of providing the well which supplied the water for this tree to grow. 3 Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore him, Isaac. chesed) to Abraham. Isaac's birth (Genesis 22:1) 2. Phichol.] One of the most comforting doctrines of Scripture is the truth that God providentially protects His children. Ishmael mocking (Genesis 22:9) Abimelek responds, This is the first Ive heard of it. IN ALL THAT THOU DOEST:_ Paul at Athens adapted himself in preaching to the people's knowledge while leading them to faith.R. Sometimes we may wonder, How does God fit in with the ordinary?. a. The name, Beersheba seems to play on them both. 2. Now therefore swear to me here by God that you will not de Genesis 21 spokesman of all (Murphy), ruler of all (Gesenius); or "the distinguished" (Furst); believed to have been a titular designation of the Philistine monarch's grand vizier or prime minister (Lange, 'Speaker's Commentary'), who was alsothe chief captain of his host (i.e. From 1977-1992 he was the pastor of Lake Gregory Community Church in Crestline, California. Abraham's acquiescence in the king's proposal was no doubt dictated by a peaceable disposition, a sense of equity, a spirit of contentment, and an unwavering confidence in God. Genesis 21:22-34 NKJV - A Covenant with Abimelech - Bible Gateway One way Abimelech knew that Abraham walked with God is that Abraham had prayed that God would heal Abimelech and his family, and God answered that prayer (20:17-18). This is the term used in Ex. Weaned] in his second or third year, as is usual among Orientals. GODS ANCIENT PEOPLE 22. In this way he demonstrated that Isaac was heir to God's covenant promises (21:1-7; cf. 2. Abraham, the one who took his army of 318 men and rescued Lot from the armies of four kings, Abraham goes after the servants of Abimelek and takes them out, right? all that thou doest: Are we honest, even in small matters? Hence "the ownership of wells m Palestine was as jealously guarded as the possession of a mine in our own" (Inglis). Isaac's birth (Genesis 22:1) 2. army H6635 spoke H559 (H8799) Abraham H85 saying And so it was at that time that Abimelech, and Phicol the captain There he made, not only a constant practice, but an open read more, And it came to pass at that time ,. Not when Ishmael was grown up and married, but when Isaac was weaned and Ishmael was expelled: that Abimelech, and Phichol, the chief captain of his host, spake unto Abraham ; Abimelech was king of Gerar, the same that is spoken of in the preceding chapter, and Phichol was the general of his army; these two great personages came together and paid Abraham a visit, and had some conversation with him, who was still in Gerar, or however in some part of read more, Now therefore swear unto me here by God ,. By the true and living God, by whom only an oath is to be taken, who was Abraham's God, and whom Abimelech seems to have known and to have been a worshipper of; and therefore moves for an oath to be taken by him, which he knew would be sacred and binding to Abraham, could he prevail upon him to swear: that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son's son ; perhaps he had heard that God had promised to give the whole read more, And Abraham said, I will swear. 21:25-26 Interrupting the covenant-making ceremony, Abraham airs a grievance that he has with Abimelech related to Abimelechs servants taking possession of a well that Abraham previously dug. But if you have the reality of a walk with the faithful God of the ordinary, your neighbor will know that youve got something he lacks. Abimelech, the king who had inadvertently taken Sarah into his harem because Abraham had lied about her being his sister, pays a visit to Abraham, acknowledges that God is with him, and proposes a peace pact. As a tax payer Im your boss I pay your ! Of great importance for the scientific data that has been included in the author's exposition. (22) Abimelech and Phichol.Abimelech, that is Father-King, was the title not only of the king of Gerar, but of the kings of the Philistines generally (Genesis 26:1; 1Samuel 21:10, marg. 15. It records the conversation between Abraham and Abimelech and their mutual promise of kindness to each other. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. Genesis 21:34 Commentaries: And Abraham sojourned in the land of the Abimelech and PhicholHere a proof of the promise (Ge 12:2) being fulfilled, in a native prince wishing to form a solemn league with Abraham. And Abraham stayed in the land of the Philistines for a long time. Thus Abimelek narrowly averted sinning against the Lord which, the Lord informed him, would have cost him his life. Genesis 12:1-3 sets forth Gods purpose to make of Abraham a great nation, to bless him and make his name great so that he would be the channel of Gods blessing to all the families of the earth. CHAPTER 21 Genesis 21:22-34 Meaning and Commentary - Bible Study Tools In Chapter s 20, 21 we have the question of the heir and of the path The league is proposed by Abimelech, and Phichol his prime-minister of state and general of his army. Its our job to love God and to love people. Because of the cops statement that I wont ask you again! this situation is destined to go sideways. Its no wonder that Abimelek is asking Abraham to swear that he wont deal falsely with him. ); posteri et stirps (Vulgate); offspring and progeny (Kalisch); kith and kin (Murphy)but according to the kindness that I have done unto thee (vide Genesis 20:15), thou shalt do unto me, and to the land wherein thou hast sojournedthe land being put for the people (cf. 5. captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in The impelling motives. @#$ %^&*^$!, Im not doin it! ), Posted on October 2, 2011 by Kurt Bennett, Category: Bible Study, Genesis, How Jesus Loved People - How You Can Too, I Wish Someone Had Told Me This When I Was Young, Tags: Abraham and Abimelek, Bible relationships, Christian, depression, how to be happy, how to love, love, Well of Beersheba, ive had a dream on this subject and have was awaken, Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window). And Abraham said, I will swear. Youve never said anything to me about this before and I dont know who might have done it. Then this brand new cop said,Sir, step out of the car. 26), but through this treaty, God was faithfully providing for Abrahams basic physical needs. 45-46). b. And yet he was used in Gods great purpose of blessing the nations through Abrahams seed, the Lord Jesus Christ. He normally didnt attend church, but he was troubled about some matters and went to church, hoping to find some relief. That led to an obsessive seven year deep dive. Abimelek the king of Gerar and his top general Phicol approach Abraham and say to him, We recognize that God is with you in everything you do. fruit of patient waiting upon God. He sarcastically said, Write your prayer on a piece of paper and you can have its weight in groceries. To his surprise, she pulled a folded note out of her pocket and handed it to him. But other than that, Abrahams life was fairly routine. A covenant between the patriarch and the Philistine king. 14. Two powerful princes, in their conduct exemplifying the spirit of unity and peace which should bind together private persons in their daily intercourse, as well as kings and nations in their political alliance. GENESIS 21:22 We have had in fine the judgment of 22._And it came to pass at that time_. 21:28-30 The giving and receiving of the lambs stipulates that Abraham dug the well in Beersheba and thus rightfully owns the well. 1. His flight from New York was first delayed and then cancelled, so that he would have missed his meetings. fear Sarah who at an earlier point had Ed, Issue 46, Winter 2023. Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. Sarah's joy. Here we have accomplished promise the blessed CRITICAL NOTES. CHARACTERS: Sarah, Abraham, Isaac, Hagar, Ishmael, Abimelech. This new cop couldnt believe it. Peace established, Abimelech and Phichol, having accomplished their mission, returned to Philistia. How to respond to critics the way Jesus did. Abimelech was impressed with Abraham's growing prosperity. of faith in another point of view. The Treaty at Beersheba, Genesis 21:22-34 | kdmanestreet had once laughed through unbelief; now being ashamed of that, she 17 The Angel comforteth her. None ever waited in vain. fear Theyre people who live rather ordinary lives, except for one significant fact--their lives count for eternity because they are used by God to help fulfill His purpose. Wells of water are scarce and . Gunkel has given strong The Covenant Between Abraham and Abimelech NINTH SECTION Genesis 21:22 Abimelech has reason to be suspicious of Abraham, but recognizes Gods blessing on his life, so he wisely seeks a covenant of truth and peace between them. As Abraham is the father of all the faithful, so the 23 Now therefore swear to me here by God that you will not deal falsely with me or with my descendants or with my posterity, but as I have dealt kindly with you, so you will deal with me and with the . Because Abimelech wanted this covenant to apply, not only to himself, but to his posterity (21:23), it secured this source of water not only for Abraham, but for his descendants. It seems to me that the answer is, It shows the faithfulness of God in the ordinary. A believer is invincible until it is his time to go. fruit of patient waiting upon God. 21:22-34 Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled to Abraham. They watch our attitudes, our words, and our actions. all that thou _AND IT CAME TO PASS AT THAT TIME, THAT ABIMELECH AND PHICHOL THE 22. surround, enclose, and _chum_ black. 1. And Abraham sojourned in the Philistines' land many days. It is wise to connect ourselves with those who are blessed of God; and we ought to requite kindness to those who have been kind to us. xx. Another highlight of this passage is the explanation for the origin of the name Beersheba.