genesis-26:26-34 - Bible Commentaries - page 8 of 14 read more, John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary. Bondwoman and her son cast out. the three main sources, J. E, P are present. Ver. One of the most comforting doctrines of Scripture is the truth that God providentially protects His children. Abimelech was impressed with Abraham's growing prosperity. A believer is invincible until it is his time to go. The angel relieves and comforts her. 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. Why are we told this? And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech As the usual covenant presents (cf. As a tax payer Im your boss I pay your ! He checked his badge, it was on right side up. Genesis 21:1; Genesis 22:1 Abraham. _GOD IS WITH - The Birth of Isaac Asking their forgiveness is often the first step in that process. I like that, "as He had said, and as He had spoken." After this had gone on for several times, the businessman suddenly was struck with the simple truth of that verse. In Chapter s 20, 21 we have the question of the heir and of the path 23. I. 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. This is one of the attributes of God to His people. 4. I wont ask you again!. There he made, not only a constant practice, but an open profession of his religion. That word sounds very much like the Hebrew word for seven (sheva) used in 21:28, 29, and 30. And Abraham sojourned in the Philistines' land many days. Genesis 21:22 - Verse-by-Verse Bible Commentary - StudyLight.org B.C. 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. Commentary: Patriarchs and Prophets (or Beginning of the End), chapter 13. A few years ago Abraham told this same Abimelek that Sarah was his sister. Genesis 21 Commentary - King James Version Online They watch our attitudes, our words, and our actions. Verse Genesis 21:22. I read about a successful man who was on a business trip. And as a result things turned ugly. ), his knowledge of Isaac's birth, and his general observation of the patriarch's prosperity. And alls well. army H6635 spoke H559 (H8799) Abraham H85 saying And so it was at that time that Abimelech, and Phicol the captain _ALUN OWEN_ 17 The Angel comforteth her. Isaac would later have to clear up some matters over several wells with Abimelech (chap. I like this. Then this brand new cop said,Sir, step out of the car. Even as Gods kindness draws us to him, our kindness with others should point them to Him. Ishmael mocking (Genesis 22:9) ); 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. could sing with Mary, My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spi God is with thee in all that thou doest Yesterday (at the time of this writing) I participated in a class that teaches you how to communicate with people on the street in a way that encourages cooperation and avoids the need for physical force. Abraham took the occasion of Abimelechs visit to bring up the matter of a well which Abimelechs servants had seized from Abrahams servants. As David wrote, all our days were written in Gods book before we even were born (Ps. with thee in all that At last in God's 'Set time," and in spite of all natural difficulties, BIRTH OF ISAAC. And you know what else? Genesis 21:22-34 ESV - A Treaty with Abimelech - Bible Gateway _AT THAT TIME_] This may either refer to the transactions recorded in the preceding chapter, or to the time of Ishmael's marriage, but most probably to the former. (1) God fulfills His promise to Abraham and Sarah. Abraham at reasons for holding that J is here made up of two main sources ABRAHAM AND ABIMELECH MAKE A COVENANT AT BEERSHEBA. Neither didst thou toll me, neither yet heard I of it, but today. The LXX. Peace. Most of us in our land of plenty dont have to worry about where our next meal is coming from. So instead of fighting Abimelek or insisting on Abimelek giving back control of the well, Abraham provides a graceful way out. Hagar and Ishmael sent away. Treaty with Abimelech (21:22-34) Abraham had settled in the south of Canaan in Abimelech's territory and at Abimelech's invitation (see 20:15). In like manner Phichol, mouth of all, seems to have been the official designation of the prime minister, and commander-in-chief. He spoke and the universe was created. Ruth 1:17, and vide Genesis 14:23). Good men mostly desire to have the saints as friends, and even the wicked can perceive an advantage in being allied to the righteous. Abimelech and Abraham, or ancient covenanters. 14. Numbers 14:13). Whereas the first conflict, Scene 5 ( Genesis 20:1-18 ), concerned jeopardy of the . Contests for wells "are now very common all over the country, but more especially in the southern deserts". CHAPTER 21 ISAAC AND ISHMAEL AND THE COVENANT WITH ABIMELECH Abimeleks servants save face. Philistines generally (Genesis 2 ISHMAEL AND ISAAC 3. Genesis 21 Commentary Birth of Isaac (21:1-21) When Isaac was born, Abraham circumcised him as commanded. Will God forgive me for losing hope and the will to live? And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves (designing by another covenant to secure himself against future invasion of Isis rights). 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). His friendship is valued, is courted, though a stranger, though a tenant at will to the Canaanites and Perizzites. all-commanding. Good men should do all they can to make others so. Genesis 20:2 Genesis 26:26 God. Abraham a sojourner in that land, afterwards the troubler of Israel; for his sake as discipline, for their sakes as opportunity. Perhaps he is unaware of the birth of Isaac. 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. How Jesus loved his betrayer Judas, even to the very end. ISAAC IS BORN Here we have accomplished promise the blessed The tree sealed the site of the oath. He did what he fruit of patient waiting upon God. Even in this ordinary incident, Abraham acknowledged Gods faithful care for him. Genesis 21:22-34 - DRB - And it came to pass at that t 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. How to love unlovable people the way Jesus did. Abraham called on the name of the Lord. 21:28-30 The giving and receiving of the lambs stipulates that Abraham dug the well in Beersheba and thus rightfully owns the well. Hes letting Abimeleks servants off the hook! You might be protesting. Because of that fear, before they left Haran, he and Sarah had worked out a deceptive scheme to pawn her off as his sister (20:13). Why did she come at exactly the time the mechanism was broken? of his host, spoke to Abraham saying, God is with you in all that The name, Beersheba seems to play on them both. when Abimelech, struck with God's providential regard to him, wa 5. He is not far from every one of us. Abraham called on the name of the everlasting God. Well see how much this is worth, he muttered. L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 26:1-35. Im not suggesting that you go on sinning and tell everyone that youre a Christian. He lived in the desert and became an archer. Luke 6:21. _Isaac;_ that is, laughter or holy joy. He normally didnt attend church, but he was troubled about some matters and went to church, hoping to find some relief. Heres a bag. Then Abraham does something unexpected. His life wasnt made up of one spectacular event after another. 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. Genesis 31 Genesis 32 Genesis 33 Genesis 34 Genesis 35 Genesis 36 Genesis 37 Genesis 38 Genesis 39 Genesis 40 Genesis 41 IN ALL THAT THOU DOEST:_ The prudent measure Abraham gave Abimelech seven ewe lambs as a witness that he had digged the well, and consequently had a right to its possession. 17:9-14). He wasnt a TV evangelist. He added some more items, but to his consternation, still nothing happened. 6. How can we turn everyday situations into opportunities for telling others about Christ? 3. Worldly policy may have urged Abimelech to cement a league with the powerful chieftain in his neighborhood, but religions affinity would also seem to have exercised an influence in drawing him to seek the friendship of one who appeared to enjoy celestial protection. 22-34 Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled to Abraham. Genesis 21 1. Isaac is born, and circumcised. Calling on Gods Name in whatever land you live, Despite the struggles in this new land, Abraham remembers his covenant with God (the God of Everlasting) and calls on His name. It hadnt worked the two times they tried it. _ 1. Now the LORD visited Sarah as he had said ( Genesis 21:1 ), I like this. mercy in Christ the Lord. 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 . Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture Quotations are from the New American Standard Bible, The Lockman Foundation, Related Topics: Character of God, Discipleship, Ecclesiology (The Church), Empower, Spiritual Life, Steve served as the pastor of Flagstaff Christian Fellowship from May, 1992 through his retirement in December, 2018. The passage is narrative. Thus, while the Lord gave Abraham authority to dwell in this land, his presence was recognized by the king of Gerar. shava) in this pericope (23, 24, 31, 31). Genesis 21:22-34 NIV - The Treaty at Beersheba - Bible Gateway Cyril Barber on Morris' The Genesis Record : a Scientific and Devotional Commentary (It can be borrowed) - Valuable as corollary reading. Sarah who at an earlier point had Peace established, Abimelech and Phichol, having accomplished their mission, returned to Philistia. 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. 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. He got down on his knees and wept in gratitude. Why? God burned the words into his heart and gave him the faith to believe. But Abimelek said, I dont know who has done this. "Abraham stretched forth his hand, ABRAHAM AND ABIMELECH COVENANT Good men should not only rectify the wrongs they do to one another, but adopt all wise precautions against their repetition. Arise We have had hitherto God's account of that which He had made; then the Abraham set apart seven ewe lambs from the flock,and Abimelek asked Abraham, What is the meaning of these seven ewe lambs you have set apart by themselves?, He replied, Accept these seven lambs from my hand as a witness that I dug this well.. "This scene occurs at the same time as the events of Scene 6 [ Genesis 21:1-21] but focuses on different characters and tensions. In Chapter s 20, 21 we have the question of the heir and of the path In this narrative, Abraham appears as a chieftain powerful enough for a king to wish to make an alliance with him; and thus his abandonment of Sarah, and his receiving of presents in compensation for the wrong done her, seems the more unworthy of him. There he planted a grove for a shade to his tent, or perhaps an orchard of fruit-trees; and there, though we cannot say he settled, for God would have him, while he lived, to be a stranger and a pilgrim, yet he sojourned many days, as many as would consist with his character, as Abraham the Hebrew, or passenger. 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. Peace enjoyed. fear Genesis 21:22 Commentaries: Now it came about at that time that And Abimelech said, I wet not who hath done this thing. Nor are they called upon to bear what by lawful means they are able to redress. _The birth of Isaac. The most comprehensive longitudinal study in history is a research project called the Grant Study. *** Abimelech reenters the picture with his enforcer, Phicol. The honest and fearless revelations of Bennetts own moral failures affirm he wrote this book for himself as much as for others. Its our job to love God and to love people. (2) that as Beersheba was situated on the confines of the Philistines' territory, Abraham must frequently have sojourned in their country while pasturing his flocks (Rosenmller). That led to an obsessive seven year deep dive. He was just living the ordinary, hum-drum, day-to-day existence of a nomad with his flocks and herds. (1) The world is watching the lives of believers. Sarah's demand GENESIS 12:1 TO GENESIS 25:18. Ishmaels expulsion. Which things are an. Genesis 21:33. Not surprisingly, the driver of the car didnt comply. Of _Abimelech, _ see GENESIS 20:2. And the Lord visited Sarah, as he had said, and the Lord did unto Abimelech professed to have shown kindness (Hb. We have had in fine the judgment of 22._And it came to pass at that time_. I. (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. It also signified a tranquil, settled life, under Gods providential care. fruit of patient waiting upon God. Now swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or my descendants. Abimelech was impressed with Abraham's growing prosperity. Which things are an allegory.- Galatians 4:22. This is even more significant when you realize that Abraham wasnt doing anything spectacular. Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible - The Birth of Isaac 7. Genesis Commentaries & Sermons | Precept Austin Wherever we sojourn, we must neither neglect nor be ashamed of the worship of Jehovah. Wells of water are scarce and valuable in eastern countries. all-commanding. 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. CONCLUSION: Behind every promise of God is the purpose a Genesis 21:3. Genesis 21:22-34 What is the meaning of these seven ewe - God Running Abimelech. Abimelek responds, This is the first Ive heard of it. Finally he blurted out, Well, thats all it will hold anyway. How much specialized training (if any) do Christians need to be effective witnesses for Christ? His flight from New York was first delayed and then cancelled, so that he would have missed his meetings. mll "speak," an ancient and therefore solemn and poetical word. "Blessed are the peace-makers," and "beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that publisheth peace.". 3. 8. had once laughed through unbelief; now being ashamed of that, she Sarah, at the unlikely age of 90 years, gives birth to Isaac, I. _God is with thee in all tha 1 Isaac is borne. A.M. 2118. But what about Abraham? As you think about Abrahams life, you realize that he was a fairly ordinary man, except that he was a man of extraordinary faith and obedience to God. In seeking to bring about both of these promises, Abraham resorted to human schemes to help God out: with the son, he went in to Hagar and produced Ishmael; with regard to the land, his fears of being wiped out by the inhabitants of the land prompted him to lie about Sarah being his sister, not his wife. Youll be happier, people will be more cooperative toward you, and youll have healthier relationships. On Genesis, Part 6: The Blooming of Trees | Christogenea.org 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. Youve never said anything to me about this before and I dont know who might have done it. _The birth of Isaac. So swear to me here before God that you won't deal falsely with me or my children or my descendants. CONTENTS: Birth of Isaac. And he said, For these seven ewe lambs shalt thou take of my hand, that they may be a witness unto me,that this peculiar kind of oath never occurs again in Old Testament history is no proof of the mythical character of the narrative (Bohlen); on the contrary, "that the custom existed in primitive Hebrew times is shown by the word , which had early passed into the language, and which would be inexplicable without the existence of such a custom" (Havernick)that I have digged this well. "Abraham stretched forth his hand, ABRAHAM AND ABIMELECH COVENANT (Haydock)_ And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Here is old Abraham just planting a tree and living by his well. Its about relationships with people. (22) ABIMELECH AND PHICHOL. captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in Abimelech attributes Abrahams success to God. _God is with thee in all tha 1 Isaac is borne. If youre a Christian, and youre not a cop, then its not your job to come down on people. Genesis 21:22-34 Meaning and Commentary - Bible Study Tools 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 Here we have accomplished promise the blessed Abraham uses the occasion to complain to Abimelech about a well which his men have taken from Abrahams servants. He wasnt perfect, but he had reality with God and Gods gracious hand was on him. Abimelech could sense that in spite of Abrahams previous failure in the incident with Sarah, he was a man who walked with God. The driver of the vehicle wasnt given a graceful way out. On Genesis, Part 6: The Blooming of Trees. The next thing that happened was that the new cop pulled him through the window, arrested him, and took him down town to HQ. THE FOLLOWING COMMENTARY COVERS CHAPTER S 20 AND 21. 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. He felt when Abimelech, struck with God's providential regard to him, wa 5. @#$ %^&*^$!, Im not doin it! (3) that in making charges or preferring complaints it is well to avoid both heat of temper and severity of language. So we never bear witness for Jesus Christ, which is precisely what Satan wants. Luke 6:21. trial and utter ruin of the creature, with the revelation of divine But in his case, it was his final home, in heaven. The shaft is formed of excellent masonry to a great depth until it reaches the rock, and at this juncture a spring trickles perpetually. captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in How aggressive should we be? Sarah as he had spoken." None ever waited in vain. 139:16)! Your neighbor may have a Ph.D. and you may be a blue collar worker. 4. What makes us happy? Abimelech claimed no prior knowledge of the matter, and the covenant the two men ratified stipulated that the well belonged to Abraham (21:30). As already Mature, Aner, and Eshcol had formed a league with the patriarch (vide Genesis 14:13). 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. After the treaty had been made at Beersheba, Abimelek and Phicol the commander of his forces returned to the land of the Philistines. Probably an official title. He checked his boots, they were shiny. 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. Gunkel has given strong 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. 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. You dont need a theological education to bear witness by your walk with God. It may have been that his servants were telling him, No way, Abraham didnt dig that well, we did! transactions recorded in the preceding chapter, or to the time of with thee in all that At last in God's 'Set time," and in spite of all natural difficulties, 45-46). had once laughed through unbelief; now being ashamed of that, she It is wise to connect ourselves with those who are blessed By the way the new cops boss, the Police Chief, called him into his office the next day for what the new cop thought was going to be an atta-boy. 27:7). All rights reserved. The palpable injury. laughed with the laughter of incredulity, now laughed with the _Abimelech, king of Gerara, who knew that Abraham was a prophet, and a So swear to me here before God that you wont deal falsely with me or my children or my descendants. Genesis 21 Commentary - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Abimelech's treaty with Abraham 21:22-34. 21:32-34 A place to call on the name of the Lord. Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called upon the name of the LORD, the Eternal God. 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. The things of this world made a channel of higher blessings. Abraham, having got into a good neighbourhood, knew when he was well off, and continued a great while there. the long-promised son was born. 'Do not do anything to him. Note the significance of the word oath (Hb. Genesis 21 - Smith's Bible Commentary - StudyLight.org 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. CRITICAL NOTES. Because of the cops statement that I wont ask you again! this situation is destined to go sideways. Genesis 21:22-34 - Matthew Henry Commentary on the Bible Hes lying! army H6635 spoke H559 (H8799) Abraham H85 saying And so it was at that time that Abimelech, and Phicol the captain of his host, spoke to Abraham saying, God is with you in all that 2. all that thou doest: So the treaty is solidified. 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. COVENANT. Weaned] in his second or third year, as is usual among Orientals. GODS ANCIENT PEOPLE Paul at Athens adapted himself in preaching to the people's knowledge while leading them to faith.R.