the commander-in-chief of his forces) spake unto Abraham (having come from Gerar for the purpose), saying, God is with thee in all that thou doesta conviction derived from his former acquaintance with the patriarch (Genesis 20:1. Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? Beersheba. *** Abimelech reenters the picture with his enforcer, Phicol. Neither didst thou toll me, neither yet heard I of it, but today. Contests for wells "are now very common all over the country, but more especially in the southern deserts". 21 While he was living in the Desert of Paran, his mother got a wife for him from Egypt. Should be consulted by all who wish to be well-informed on the issues alluded to by Moses. It is not necessary to conclude from verse 1 and 2 that Sarah only became pregnant after the episode that is told in the previous chapter. Only before concluding the agreement there was a matter of a more personal character that required settlement. Related Commentaries of Genesis 21:22. Thus, Beersheba can mean, well of oath, or well of seven. So, outside of the name, Beersheba, the word shava occurs three times and the word sheva occurs three times in this passage. Vs.1-7 The birth of Isaac. - Genesis 21:22-23 Review After waiting years, God blessed Abraham and Sarah with their promised baby, Isaac. Abraham at could sing with Mary, My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spi God is with thee in all that thou doest The covenant arising out of bodily wants a civil agreement. CAME TO PASS AT THAT TIME, &C. Hence it is plain that Abraham had *** Abimelech reenters the picture with his enforcer, Phicol. If youre not dealing with your sin and seeking to live a life pleasing to God, then youd be better off not to let anybody know that you claim to be a Christian. I. But other than that, Abrahams life was fairly routine. And, God provides for his need for water through this well. His plane from Pennsylvania had been late, and a friend who had accompanied him to the Chicago airport said that he last saw him dashing through the terminal to make his flight home. So instead of fighting Abimelek or insisting on Abimelek giving back control of the well, Abraham provides a graceful way out. could sing with Mary, My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spi God is with thee in all that thou doest Arise We have had hitherto God's account of that which He had made; then the The question extends beyond how does God fit in with our ordinary schedules to, How does God fit in with ordinary people? After all, in the history of the church, not many of Gods people have been able to speak to packed stadiums around the world, like Billy Graham. CHAPTER 21 ISAAC AND ISHMAEL AND THE COVENANT WITH ABIMELECH And Abraham stayed in the land of the Philistines for a long time. A godly man is entitled to be careful of his property, to preserve it from damage, protect it from theft, and recover it when stolen or lost. In Chapter s 20, 21 we have the question of the heir and of the path Whenever he looks at the slip of paper that contains her prayer, he is amazed, for it reads, Please, dear Lord, give us this day our daily bread. (Our Daily Bread.). I like this. @#$%^&* salary!. and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken (Genesis 21:1). mll "speak," an ancient and therefore solemn and poetical word. Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible - The Birth of Isaac 7. 27:7). This passage chronicles a covenant between Abraham and Abimelech. The new cop and the driver of the car are both backed into a corner. Genesis 21:22-34 What is the meaning of these seven ewe lambs you have set apart by themselves? None ever waited in vain. The grocer, who was not a believer, was unmoved by her need. But in his case, it was his final home, in heaven. Because of the cops statement that I wont ask you again! this situation is destined to go sideways. Because there they aware both of them. Throughout Abrahams story run two great promises which God made to Abraham: a son, through whom Abraham would become a great nation, and through whose descendants all the nations would be blessed; and, the land of Canaan, where his descendants would live. And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest: , saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest, Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament. Philistines generally (Genesis 2 ISHMAEL AND ISAAC Then Abraham brings up a sore subject, a delicate matter, a touchy issue with Abimelek. 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 . 34 Each of the following people made several hugesacrifices to achieve world change, and obey their conscience. Genesis 21 This chapter deals with three different topics. V1 The *Lord had promised that he would visit Sarah. Im not suggesting that you go on sinning and tell everyone that youre a Christian. ); 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. I. 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. Name signifies mouth of all, _i.e.,_ But we also need to see that His ordinary provision of our daily food is an example of His faithfulness. CHARACTERS: Sarah, Abraham, Isaac, Hagar, Ishmael, Abimelech. 5. reasons for holding that J is here made up of two main sources ABRAHAM AND ABIMELECH MAKE A COVENANT AT BEERSHEBA. The inducement to it was God's favour to Abraham (Gen. 21:22): ?God is with thee in all that thou doest, read more, Observe, 1. Its not our job to meet out justice anyway. After the treaty had been made at Beersheba, Abimelek and Phicol the commander of his forces returned to the land of the Philistines. 3 Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore him, Isaac. ISAAC IS BORN all-commanding. Its Gods job to meet out justice. Sarah, at the unlikely age of 90 years, gives birth to Isaac, 2. It records the conversation between Abraham and Abimelech and their mutual promise of kindness to each other. Ishmael's marriage, but most probably to the former. captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in undertakings. 9. Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 21:22-34 Commentary on Genesis 21:22-34 (Read Genesis 21:22-34) Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled to Abraham. Now, without Abrahams initiative or schemes, Abimelech comes and proposes this peace agreement, so that Abraham receives from God what he previously had tried to get through his deceptive scheme. 1. A covenant between the patriarch and the Philistine king. and married, but when Isaac was weaned and Ishmael was expelled: I like this. _The Covenant with Abimelech_ (Genesis 21:22-34) Each time, the young man, who was retarded and knew only this one verse, responded simply by quoting John 3:16. At that time Abimelek and Phicol the commander of his forces said to Abraham, God is with you in everything you do. Abimelech, however, was still wary of Abraham and fearful of the God whom Abraham worshipped. 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. However, see 26:17-33, where Isaac also has a dispute with Abimelech (likely not the same person) over wells and makes a treaty with him. Abimelech protests that he is unaware of the situation regarding the disputed well and suggests that Abraham bears some of the blame for not telling him of the situation. How Jesus didnt love everyone the same (and why you shouldnt either). _AT THAT TIME_] This may either refer to the 9 Hagar & Ishmael are cast forth. Subscribe | RSS | Privacy Disclaimer. Abimelek responds, This is the first Ive heard of it. not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is. 6 Sarahs ioy. 7. "Blessed are the peace-makers," and "beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that publisheth peace.". ABRAHAM AND ABIMELECH 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. GENESIS 21:22 Wells of water are scarce and valuable in eastern countries. ), 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). vs.22-34 The treaty between Abraham and Abimelech. I. Abimelechs proposal includes his offspring, but does not specifically include any offspring of Abraham. GENESIS 21:23. Sarah who at an earlier point had The oath a testimony to God where reverently made. On the flight that crashed was a godly pastor from Southern California. Arab Ishmael is the father of all our outcasts. army H6635 spoke H559 (H8799) Abraham H85 saying And so it was at that time that Abimelech, and Phicol the captain And you know what else? 4. Sometimes when you read the Bible, you get the feeling that God majors in the spectacular. Why did she come at exactly the time the mechanism was broken? had promised to her. 22. the long-promised son was born. 4. The outcast. Yet in spite of Abrahams sins and insensitivity, Abimelech here seeks him out because he recognized God in Abrahams life! "The great well has an internal diameter at the mouth of twelve feet six inches, or a circumference of nearly forty feet. NOR WITH MY SON, NOR WITH MY SONS SON.] He walked in daily communion with God. had once laughed through unbelief; now being ashamed of that, she It is wise to connect ourselves with those who are blessed But Abraham still struggled with this fear long after he had been living in the land. Not long ago he was asked, What have you learned from the Grant Study men?, Vaillants response: That the only thing that really matters in life are your relationships to other people. (What makes us happy? Well it didnt turn out quite the way he expected. "The Lord visited Sarah as he had said." The Lord keeps His word. 2. Paul at Athens adapted himself in preaching to the people's knowledge while leading them to faith.R. One of the most comforting doctrines of Scripture is the truth that God providentially protects His children. Separate from the sheep and oxen he gave to Abimelech, and from those that were used in making the covenant. But we can have the comfort of knowing that both men were under Gods providential care. Abimelech. And Abraham reproved (literally, reasoned with, and proved to the satisfaction of) Abimelech (who was, until informed, entirely unacquainted with the action of his servants) because of a well of water, which Abimelech's servants had violently taken away. fear Abraham didnt fight with Abimeleks servants. So Abraham, to demonstrate his commitment to the treaty and to demonstrate his good will toward Abimelek, brings to Abimelek sheep and cattle. 21:32-34 A place to call on the name of the Lord. you do. of faith in another point of view. I.e. He added some more items, but to his consternation, still nothing happened. ISHMAEL AND ISAAC Genesis 21:1-34 ; Genesis 22:1-24 Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. army H6635 spoke H559 (H8799) Abraham H85 saying And so it was at that time that Abimelech, and Phicol the captain And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. GENESIS Note the significance of the word oath (Hb. The world is watching, and without a word of witness, they should be able to tell that we are Christians as they see our godly lives. After this had gone on for several times, the businessman suddenly was struck with the simple truth of that verse. at the time God Himself had We plainly see that God blesseth and prospereth thee in all thy Most of us in our land of plenty dont have to worry about where our next meal is coming from. ALL CHRISTIAN PROSPERITY IS CONSCIOUSLY IDENTIFIED WITH GOD. Genesis 21:22. 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. when Abimelech, struck with God's providential regard to him, wa 5. We have had in fine the judgment of 22._And it came to pass at that time_. This, however, was an error, which shows. Scripture Story: Genesis 21:1-5; Genesis 22:1-12. mercy in Christ the Lord. Plus, if you add the three times shava is used and the three times sheva is used with the use of Beersheba that makes a total of seven times the words are used. 21 He lived in the wilderness of Paran, and his mother took a wife for him from the land of Egypt. So the treaty is solidified. 4. shava) in this pericope (23, 24, 31, 31). He wasnt building a sprawling complex of buildings to house his international ministry. 4 And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as In gratitude for former favours he had received from him, in token of the friendship that subsisted between them, and for the confirmation of it; and to show that he was fully satisfied with Abimelech's answer to his complaint, as well as willing to enter into covenant by sacrifice, when such creatures were divided, and the covenanters passed between the pieces, for so it follows: and both of them made a covenant ; or, read more, And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves. If he would walk with God, so that it was evident to others, Abraham had nothing to fear. Are we honest, even in small matters? Then this brand new cop said,Sir, step out of the car. Now the grace of God bears its most important fruit in the history of In spite of Abrahams past deception, Abimelech recognized God in his life. And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What mean these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set by themselves? Sensible of the many favours he had received from Abimelech in times past, and was still indulged with, he very readily agreed to his proposal; and the rather, as he knew by the vision between the pieces, that it would be four hundred years before his posterity should be put into the possession of the land of Canaan; and therefore could take an oath that neither he, nor his son, nor his grandson, should be injured or dispossessed. His life wasnt made up of one spectacular event after another. In the story of Hagar and Ishmael, we notice: The LXX. He wasnt traveling all over the globe. 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. 21:22 Abimelech recognized the blessing of the Lord on Abraham. That word sounds very much like the Hebrew word for seven (sheva) used in 21:28, 29, and 30. 7. And both of them made a covenant. _Isaac;_ that is, laughter or holy joy. 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 denies his relationship Genre The passage is narrative. 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. Now therefore swear to me here by God that you will not de Genesis 21 21:28-30 The giving and receiving of the lambs stipulates that Abraham dug the well in Beersheba and thus rightfully owns the well. For these promises to be fulfilled, God had to provide Abraham with a son, which He did in an extraordinary way in the birth of Isaac. There he made, not only a constant practice, but an open profession of his religion. His calendar wasnt full of speaking engagements. favourite of God, chap. Sarah as he had spoken." he understood what the sheep and oxen were for, that they were presents to him, at least some of them, and the rest were for the solemnizing and ratifying the covenant between them; but what these were for he could not devise. And they didnt have backhoes or drilling rigs in those days. In Chapter s 20, 21 we have the question of the heir and of the path 33:18-19). ABRAHAM AND ABIMELECH God's promises never fail. You, our leader and master, have pulled the rug out from under us! This may grow out of the previous encounter when God spoke to Abimelech, called Abraham a prophet, and answered Abrahams prayer (for the infertility of the women in his house). 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.