_The Covenant with Abimelech_ (Genesis 21:22-34) GENESIS 21:23. ISAAC IS BORN (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. (1) The world is watching the lives of believers. Probably an official title. 15 Hagar in distresse. Wells of water are scarce and valuable in eastern countries. You, our leader and master, have pulled the rug out from under us! army H6635 spoke H559 (H8799) Abraham H85 saying And so it was at that time that Abimelech, and Phicol the captain Genesis 21:22-34 | Preaching Source Each time, the young man, who was retarded and knew only this one verse, responded simply by quoting John 3:16. 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. When we give thanks at the dinner table, we need to be truly thankful, and not just mumbling a ritual prayer before we say, Please pass the potatoes. God faithfully provides for our protection and for our provision. This, however, was an error, which shows. This passage raises three questions relevant for believers today: Application: Seven lambs sealed the covenant between Abraham and Abimelech, but it was one spotless lamb named Jesus who forever sealed Gods covenant with His people. The alliance was contracted. 21:32-34 A place to call on the name of the Lord. genesis-21:22-34 - Bible Commentaries But God revealed to Abimelek the truth that Sarah is Abrahams wife. "Abraham stretched forth his hand, ABRAHAM AND ABIMELECH COVENANT A.M. 2118. Abimelech professed to have shown kindness (Hb. xx. at the time God Himself had We plainly see that God blesseth and prospereth thee in all thy They watch our attitudes, our words, and our actions. Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers Wheres the justice? You might be thinking. Here God shows Abraham that not only would the people of the land not take his wife, they wouldnt even take his well. So if Abimelek gives the well back to Abraham, Abimeleks servants might react, You believe that foreigner over us? at the time God Himself had 22-34 Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled Abimelech, that is _Father-King,_ was His circumcision (Genesis 22:4)_ They formalize the peace agreement, Abimelech leaves, Abraham plants a commemorative tree, worships the Lord, and life goes on. Sarah as he had spoken." Genesis 21:22. Sarah who at an earlier point had Peace enjoyed. His calendar wasnt full of speaking engagements. And alls well. I. laughed with the laughter of incredulity, now laughed with the _Abimelech, king of Gerara, who knew that Abraham was a prophet, and a Now therefore swear unto me here by Godthe verb to swear is derived from the Hebrew numeral seven, inasmuch as the septennary number was sacred, and oaths were confirmed either by seven sacrifices (Genesis 21:28) or by seven witnesses and pledgesthat thou wilt not deal falsely with me,literally, if thou shalt lie unto me; a common form of oath in Hebrew, in which the other member of the sentence is for emphasis left unexpressed (cf. 4 He is circumcised. The trouble with this approach, of course, is that we never get to that place. (1) that as the land of the Philistines had no fixed boundary toward the desert, Beersheba may at this time have been claimed for the kingdom of Gerar (Keil); or. Gen. 21:22-34 Locate the passage This passage chronicles a covenant between Abraham and Abimelech. The satisfactory explanation. 26), but through this treaty, God was faithfully providing for Abrahams basic physical needs. The next thing that happened was that the new cop pulled him through the window, arrested him, and took him down town to HQ. 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. you do. law of Hebrew narrative, probably not Now the LORD visited Sarah as he had said (Genesis 21:1), the three main sources, J. E, P are present. 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 the long-promised son was born. _Isaac;_ that is, laughter or holy joy. But Abraham still struggled with this fear long after he had been living in the land. We have here an account of the treaty between Abimelech and Abraham, in which appears the accomplishment of that promise (Gen. 12:2) that God would make his name great. 1. In an initial way, God is using Abraham to fulfill His purpose of blessing all the nations as he is blessed. Of _Abimelech, _ see GENESIS 20:2. And the Lord visited Sarah, as he had said, and the Lord did unto The significance of this passage is Abraham finding a place in the land promised to him in safety. In this section Abraham denies his relationship I like this. His life wasnt made up of one spectacular event after another. Now the grace of God bears its most important fruit in the history of Genesis 21:22-34 In-Context. You see, I think that Abraham may have recognized that Abimelek was in a tight spot. The term for making a treaty (used here and vs. 32) is karat. Good men should do all they can to make others so. COVENANT. I. Abraham called on the name of the Lord. 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. A son was ABIMELECHS COVENANT WITH ABRAHAM. This is one of the attributes of God to His people. 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. So its a huge deal for someone to take over a well as Abimeleks servants did. _The birth of Isaac. Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. could sing with Mary, My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spi God is with thee in all that thou doest 9 Hagar & Ishmael are cast forth. We dont know how much Abimelech knew about the one true God, but he at least knew enough to see clearly that God made a difference in Abrahams life. 7. Love Like Jesusexamines a variety of stories, examples, and research, including: With genuine unfiltered honesty,Love Like Jesus, shows you how to live a life according to Gods definition of success: A life of loving God well, and loving the people around you well too. Its about your relationship with the person of God and your relationships with other people. 1. He wasnt traveling all over the globe. 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. CHAPTER 21 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." Sometimes we may wonder, How does God fit in with the ordinary?. Peace established, Abimelech and Phichol, having accomplished their mission, returned to Philistia. captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in Abraham at Arab Ishmael is the father of all our outcasts. The contemplated object. 4 And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as This is also remarkable in light of Abrahams past dealings with Abimelech. How aggressive should we be? I.e. Abraham. Philistines generally (Genesis 2 ISHMAEL AND ISAAC Abraham instituted two memorials of the important transactions, naming the well Beersheba, and planting a tamarisk beside his tent. 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? mll "speak," an ancient and therefore solemn and poetical word. Of great importance for the scientific data that has been included in the author's exposition. Show us kindness like we have been kind to you. Do others see the hand of God on your life? 8. Jesus taught us to pray each day for our daily bread. God used the only Scripture this retarded young man knew to give eternal life to this sophisticated businessman (told by Martin & Deidre Bobgan, Competent to Minister [EastGate], pp. Genesis Commentary - Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Concise) Why did she come at exactly the time the mechanism was broken? This blessing would come through Abrahams descendant, the Lord Jesus Christ. Then this brand new cop said,Sir, step out of the car. Truthfully, I have nothing to offer but a little prayer.. when Abimelech, struck with God's providential regard to him, wa 5. BIRTH OF ISAAC. I. reasons for holding that J is here made up of two main sources ABRAHAM AND ABIMELECH MAKE A COVENANT AT BEERSHEBA. 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. 3. Wells of water are scarce and valuable in eastern countries. He was Gods number one man on earth, but he wasnt holding miracle services. Show to me and the country where you now reside as a foreigner the same kindness I have shown to you., Then Abraham complained to Abimelek about a well of water that Abimeleks servants had seized. He sets apart seven lambs from the flock and gives them to Abimelek. The new cop and the driver of the car are both backed into a corner. Its no wonder that Abimelek is asking Abraham to swear that he wont deal falsely with him. Probably from JE. that it could not be explained on merely natural grounds. Read Genesis 21:22-34 Ripped Off 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. You many Read Genesis 21:22-34 here: Bible Gateway. Genesis 21:33. And both of them made a covenant. Do you call on the name of the Lord regardless of your circumstances. . ); 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. 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. From 1977-1992 he was the pastor of Lake Gregory Community Church in Crestline, California. 22 And it came to pass at that time that Abimelech and Phichol, the commander of his army, spoke to Abraham, saying, "God is with you in all that you do. The blessing made manifest. In Chapter s 20, 21 we have the question of the heir and of the path And Abraham said, I will swear. 139:16)! The things of this world made a channel of higher blessings. and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken (Genesis 21:1). Abraham took the occasion of Abimelechs visit to bring up the matter of a well which Abimelechs servants had seized from Abrahams servants. _The birth of Isaac. _chemet_ bottle, akin to _chamah_, The Atlantic, June 2009. But thats not fair! You might be saying. The days spent in Philistia left behind them some enlightenment. Wells of water are scarce and valuable in eastern countries. Genesis 20:2 Genesis 26:26 God. Though he was surrounded by pagans who had no scruples about murdering and plundering a wealthy mans belongings, Abraham could live securely because of Gods faithful protection, apart from any schemes on Abrahams part. In the immediately preceding verses, God has provided Isaac and dismissed Ishmael, so that Abraham would learn that Gods promises do not depend on human schemes and effort for their fulfillment. And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves (designing by another covenant to secure himself against future invasion of Isis rights). Its about relationships with people. As the years passed, he often wondered if it was just a coincidence. Th Genesis 21:22 time H6256 Abimelech H40 Phichol H6369 commander H8269 Genesis 21 Genesis 22 Genesis 23 Genesis 24 . Checking his ticket which he hadnt used, he realized that if his earlier flight to Chicago had not been cancelled, he would have been on that flight. _Isaac;_ that is, laughter or holy joy. Philistines generally (Genesis 2 ISHMAEL AND ISAAC In the story of Hagar and Ishmael, we notice: trial and utter ruin of the creature, with the revelation of divine He walked in daily communion with God. _ 1. - Genesis 21:22-23 Review After waiting years, God blessed Abraham and Sarah with their promised baby, Isaac. His circumcision (Genesis 22:4)_ Its Gods job to meet out justice. 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). I. Q. As a planter of tamarisks, the patriarch has been styled the father of civilization; it is more important to remark that he never neglected to worship God himself and publish his salvation to others. CAME TO PASS AT THAT TIME, &C. Hence it is plain that Abraham had Genesis 21:22. 14. . V2 So Sarah became *pregnant. Abimelech claimed no prior knowledge of the matter, and the covenant the two men ratified stipulated that the well belonged to Abraham (21:30). Genesis 21:22-34 NKJV - A Covenant with Abimelech - Bible Gateway 2. Abraham, having got into a good neighbourhood, knew when he was well off, and continued a great while there. Genesis 21 - Commentary by Rev. John Schultz - Bible Commentaries 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."(Murphy)that Abimelechthe king of Gerar (Genesis 20:2; Genesis 26:1, Genesis 26:16)and Phi-cholif the name be Shemitic, "mouth of all," i.e . Abimelech could sense that in spite of Abrahams previous failure in the incident with Sarah, he was a man who walked with God. 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. Well it didnt turn out quite the way he expected. The Atlantic, June 2009), Jesus told us that all the law and all the prophets are summed up in these two statements:Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. AndLove your neighbor as yourself.. The grocer, who was not a believer, was unmoved by her need. 23. Gunkel has given strong trial and utter ruin of the creature, with the revelation of divine Abimelech was impressed with Abraham's growing prosperity. 4 He is circumcised. 22 And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phicol the 17. Abimelechs proposal includes his offspring, but does not specifically include any offspring of Abraham. And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech As the usual covenant presents (cf. Only before concluding the agreement there was a matter of a more personal character that required settlement. So that place was called Beersheba,because the two men swore an oath there. Bondwoman and her son cast out. V1 The *Lord had promised that he would visit Sarah. He wasnt perfect, but he had reality with God and Gods gracious hand was on him. _God is with thee in all tha 1 Isaac is borne. So what does Abraham do? DISMISSAL OF HAGAR AND ISHMAEL. ; Psalms 34, tit.). 1886. Genesis 21 - Smith's Bible Commentary - StudyLight.org Sometimes when you read the Bible, you get the feeling that God majors in the spectacular. Abimelech was impressed with Abraham's growing prosperity. Ishmael mocking (Genesis 22:9) CHRISTIAN PROSPERITY He graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M., 1976 in Bible exposition) and Califo More. and poetical word. They cover or deny their sin and try to make it look like theyve got it all together. 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. Why are we told this? I. The grocer later discovered that the scale was out of order. The shaft is formed of excellent masonry to a great depth until it reaches the rock, and at this juncture a spring trickles perpetually. Sarah, at the unlikely age of 90 years, gives birth to Isaac, vs.22-34 The treaty between Abraham and Abimelech. Peace commemorated. 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. When we lived in California and would take our young children to the beach, there wasnt a second while they were playing in the waves that they were not under our watchful gaze. Luke 6:21. The story of how Billy Graham extended Christs extraordinary love and grace toward a man who misrepresented Jesus to millions. If he would walk with God, so that it was evident to others, Abraham had nothing to fear. Abimelek responds, This is the first Ive heard of it. Wells of water are scarce and . I dont have to give you my license and registration., Listen you ! Sarah 1886. 'Do not do anything to him. He sent the plagues on Egypt and parted the Red Sea. of faith in another point of view. _chemet_ bottle, akin to _chamah_, The proposal was reasonable, and agreed to [Ge 21:24]. 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. In spite of Abrahams past deception, Abimelech recognized God in his life. The LXX. We could go on and on recounting the mighty deeds that God has done. 4. Genesis 21 Commentary - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the ISAAC IS BORN He complains to Abimelek about a well of water that Abimeleks servants had seized. The music and the sermon were okay, but didnt really help. He added some more items, but to his consternation, still nothing happened. What a privilege to be used by the Eternal God as we live our ordinary lives on this earth! IN ALL THAT THOU DOEST:_ Here he is in this situation where he dug a well, a large investment in that area at that time. So swear to me here before God that you wont deal falsely with me or my children or my descendants. 21:33 Abraham called on the name of the Lord, 21:34 Living in the land of the Philistines. We have had in fine the judgment of 22._And it came to pass at that time_. 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. chesed) to Abraham. He wouldnt have had much exciting news to report in his monthly fund-raising letter. Yet in spite of Abrahams sins and insensitivity, Abimelech here seeks him out because he recognized God in Abrahams life! Because there they aware both of them. 1 Kings 15:19; Isaiah 30:6; Isaiah 39:1). Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible - The Birth of Isaac 7. Ishmael's marriage, but most probably to the former. 3. PDF Scripture Story: Genesis 21:1-5; Genesis 22:1-12. Commentary