You know what Ive learned? Separate from the sheep and oxen he gave to Abimelech, and from those that were used in making the covenant. His circumcision (Genesis 22:4)_ a. 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. He sent the plagues on Egypt and parted the Red Sea. Abimelek continued, I have treated you well all this time that youve resided here in my kingdom as a foreigner. His friendship is valued, is courted, though a stranger, though a tenant at will to the Canaanites and Perizzites. reasons for holding that J is here made up of two main sources ABRAHAM AND ABIMELECH MAKE A COVENANT AT BEERSHEBA. When the owner asked how much she could afford, she replied, My husband was killed in the war. Scripture Story: Genesis 21:1-5; Genesis 22:1-12. This is even more significant when you realize that Abraham wasnt doing anything spectacular. This, however, was an error, which shows. Show us kindness like we have been kind to you. GENESIS 21:22 The things of this world made a channel of higher blessings. Abimelech could sense that in spite of Abrahams previous failure in the incident with Sarah, he was a man who walked with God. So swear to me here before God that you wont deal falsely with me or my children or my descendants. 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. ), 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). As a tax payer Im your boss I pay your ! Peace established, Abimelech and Phichol, having accomplished their mission, returned to Philistia. CHRISTIAN PROSPERITY The shaft is formed of excellent masonry to a great depth until it reaches the rock, and at this juncture a spring trickles perpetually. Which things are an allegory.- Galatians 4:22. From 1977-1992 he was the pastor of Lake Gregory Community Church in Crestline, California. Then this brand new cop said,Sir, step out of the car. You dont need a theological education to bear witness by your walk with God. AndIf anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. (Matthew 5:39-41). His file is sealed until 2040) have receivedregular medical exams, taken psychological tests, returned questionnaires, and sat for interviews for the last 72 years or until they died. 23 Now swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or my descendants. Because there they aware both of them. Gunkel has given strong Are we honest, even in small matters? This Bible study on Genesis 21 shows God's promise to Sarah and Abraham fulfilled in the birth of their son Isaac, the son of promise. Bondwoman and her son cast out. I wont ask you again!. COVENANT BETWEEN It records the conversation between Abraham and Abimelech and their mutual promise of kindness to each other. The term for making a treaty (used here and vs. 32) is karat. _ 1. But what Im saying is that sinlessness isnt the requirement to bear witness for Christ. Its our job to love God and to love people. Adaptation of Divine truth to those to whom it is sent. ABRAHAM AND ABIMELECH _The Covenant with Abimelech_ (Genesis 21:22-34) I. So its a huge deal for someone to take over a well as Abimeleks servants did. THE PROMISE FULFILLED IN ISAAC Sarah who at an earlier point had 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.. He checked his badge, it was on right side up. The grocer, who was not a believer, was unmoved by her need. 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. Sometimes we think that weve got to be perfect before God can use us as a witness. Genesis 20:17 Genesis 26:28 College Press Bible Study Textbook Series, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible, George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary, Introductory Lectures - Commentary by William Kelly, John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible, Kretzmann's Popular Commentary of the Bible, Lange's Commentary on the Holy Scriptures, Leslie M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible, Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible, Matthew Poole's Concise Commentary On The Bible, Notes on the Pentateuch by Charles Henry Mackintosh, Sutcliffe's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments, The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary, Through The Bible C2000 Serie by Chuck Smith. 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. And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech As the usual covenant presents (cf. Truthfully, I have nothing to offer but a little prayer.. This new cop couldnt believe it. Are we cheerful and pleasant, even when were mistreated, or do we grumble and complain like everyone else? 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. Not surprisingly, the driver of the car didnt comply. _AT THAT TIME_] This may either refer to the Then Abraham brings up a sore subject, a delicate matter, a touchy issue with Abimelek. The point is, as God faithfully provides protection and for our daily needs, and as we walk with Him and give Him the credit for His care for us, as Abraham did, He uses us in the ordinary matters of life to bear witness to a world that desperately needs to turn to Him. b. *** Abimelech reenters the picture with his enforcer, Phicol. Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called upon the name of the LORD, the Eternal God. 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. I dont have to give you my license and registration., Listen you ! Abimelechs proposal includes his offspring, but does not specifically include any offspring of Abraham. 17:9-14). Isaac's birth (Genesis 22:1) 2. the long-promised son was born. 1. "the well of the oath," (LXX; Gesenius, Furst, Rosenmller), or the well of the seven (Keil), rather than the seven wells (Lange); discovered by Robinson in Bir-es-seba, in the Wady-es-seba, twelve miles to the south of Hebron, with two deep wells of excellent water. Phichol.] GENESIS Genesis 31 Genesis 32 Genesis 33 Genesis 34 Genesis 35 Genesis 36 Genesis 37 Genesis 38 Genesis 39 Genesis 40 Genesis 41 8. God's promises never fail. Abraham didnt fight with Abimeleks servants. the three main sources, J. E, P are present. And both of them made a covenant. One of the most comforting doctrines of Scripture is the truth that God providentially protects His children. shava) in this pericope (23, 24, 31, 31). Abimeleks servants save face. So they conclude that Christians are hypocrites, and they fail to see God in our lives. But other than that, Abrahams life was fairly routine. of his host, spoke to Abraham saying, God is with you in all that Vs.1-7 The birth of Isaac. In the story of Hagar and Ishmael, we notice: I already did that during the night while I was watching over my sick child, she replied. Even as Gods kindness draws us to him, our kindness with others should point them to Him. 21:22-34 Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled to Abraham. Genesis 21 1. Abraham, thinking the herdsmen had acted on their master's orders, reproved Abimelech. Why was one Christian man spared while the other was killed? has I. Note the significance of the word oath (Hb. The name, Beersheba seems to play on them both. And they didnt have backhoes or drilling rigs in those days. 3. Here we have accomplished promise the blessed Wheres the balance between taking measures for our own safety versus trusting God to protect us? But the problem is, most of us dont live in the realm of the spectacular. Heres a bag. Wells of water are scarce and . Youll recall that he had been deceptive, pawning off Sarah as his sister. THE FOLLOWING COMMENTARY COVERS CHAPTER S 20 AND 21. Abraham's name of God, Jehovah El Olam; the two revelations, the God of nature and the God of grace. And Abimelech said, I wet not who hath done this thing. 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. 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. Abimelech, that is _Father-King,_ was ISAAC IN GERAR A famine occurs in the land, just as it had in the days of Abraham (ch.12:10). Hes letting Abimeleks servants off the hook! You might be protesting. What makes us happy? But we can have the comfort of knowing that both men were under Gods providential care. 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. Most of Gods people have been simple, ordinary folks who are not famous or politically powerful. "Abraham stretched forth his hand, ABRAHAM AND ABIMELECH COVENANT Spiritual markers remind us of the goodness of the Lord in our lives. has CAME TO PASS AT THAT TIME, &C. Hence it is plain that Abraham had But Abimelek said, I dont know who has done this. Contests for wells "are now very common all over the country, but more especially in the southern deserts". See also David living in the land of the Philistines (1 Sam. 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 . Name signifies mouth of all, _i.e.,_ )was probably the Tamarix Africanae (Gesenius, Furst, Delitzsch, Rosenmller, Kalisch), which, besides being common in Egypt and Petraea, is mid to have been found growing near the ancient Beershebain Beersheba, and called there (not beneath the tree or in the grove, but in the place) on the name of the Lord,Jehovah (vide Genesis 12:8; Genesis 13:4)the everlasting Godliterally, the God of eternity (LXX; Vulgate, Onkelos); not in contrast to heathen deities, who are born and die (Clericus), but "as the everlasting Vindicator of the faith of treaties, and as the infallible Source of the believer's rest and peace" (Murphy). captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God [is] with thee in 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. Read the Scripture: Genesis 21:22-34. Neither didst thou toll me, neither yet heard I of it, but today. law of Hebrew narrative, probably not Now the LORD visited Sarah as he had said (Genesis 21:1), _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. Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? 4. The angel relieves and comforts her. After pouring over Jesus every interaction with another human being, he realized he was doing a much better job ofstudyingJesus words than he wasfollowingJesus words and example. When you come to a passage like this in the Bible, the question is, Why did God include this in sacred Scripture? 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. Its no wonder that Abimelek is asking Abraham to swear that he wont deal falsely with him. Here God shows Abraham that not only would the people of the land not take his wife, they wouldnt even take his well. As the years passed, he often wondered if it was just a coincidence. It is a beautiful illustration of how God faithfully provides everything we need for life and godliness so that we can fulfill His purpose. CONCLUSION: Behind every promise of God is the purpose a Genesis 21:3. The one great miracle in his life was the birth of Isaac in his old age. Philistines generally (Genesis 2 ISHMAEL AND ISAAC 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. 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. "Blessed are the peace-makers," and "beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that publisheth peace.". In Genesis 21:22-34, we see Abraham in a scene from his ordinary life. 20:16 in the command not to bear false witness against ones neighbor. 9 Hagar & Ishmael are cast forth. (Haydock)_ And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Thus Abimelek narrowly averted sinning against the Lord which, the Lord informed him, would have cost him his life. 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. But what about Abraham? Abimelech. Sarah's demand GENESIS 12:1 TO GENESIS 25:18. fear Should be consulted by all who wish to be well-informed on the issues alluded to by Moses. Weaned] in his second or third year, as is usual among Orientals. GODS ANCIENT PEOPLE 7. The apparent contradiction between the statement of this verse and that of Genesis 21:32 may be removed by supposing either. 23. The herdsmen of the king had appropriated Abraham's well. captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in "This scene occurs at the same time as the events of Scene 6 [ Genesis 21:1-21] but focuses on different characters and tensions. The Covenant Between Abraham and Abimelech NINTH SECTION Hes lying! As Abraham is the father of all the faithful, so the He was simply living his daily life as the friend of God before the watching world. THE STORY OF ABRAHAM. "'Do not lay a hand on the boy,' he said. The Net Pastors Journal, Eng. Copyright 1996, Steven J. Cole, All Rights Reserved. (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. When Abraham and Abimelech previously met, on the occasion when Abraham lied about his wife, Abimelech endorsed Abraham living where it pleases you (20:15). He checked his uniform, it looked good. 22 And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phicol the Ishmael mocking (Genesis 22:9) Around the mouth of the well is a circular course of masonry, topped by a circular parapet of about a foot high; and at a distance of ten or twelve feet are stone troughs placed in a concentric circle with the well, the sides of which have deep indentions made by the wear of ropes on the upper edges The second well, about 200 yards farther south, is not more than five feet in diameter, but is formed of equally good masonry, and furnishes equally good water". He wasnt a TV evangelist. Abimelech's covenant with Abraham at Beersheba. Abimelech, however, was still wary of Abraham and fearful of the God whom Abraham worshipped. Verse Genesis 21:22. 22-34 Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled to Abraham. Hagar in distress. The birth of Isaac. There he called on the name of the Lord, as the everlasting God; probably in the grove he planted, which was his place of prayer. Wherever we sojourn, we must neither neglect nor be ashamed of the worship of Jehovah. 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. 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. So that place was called Beersheba,because the two men swore an oath there. Good men mostly desire to have the saints as friends, and even the wicked can perceive an advantage in being allied to the righteous. Abraham, having got into a good neighbourhood, knew when he was well off, and continued a great while there. Some try to convey that they are perfect. Probably an official title. Gen. 21:22-34 Locate the passage This passage chronicles a covenant between Abraham and Abimelech. 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 . captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in Abraham instituted two memorials of the important transactions, naming the well Beersheba, and planting a tamarisk beside his tent. 27:7). Well it didnt turn out quite the way he expected. Sarah, at the unlikely age of 90 years, gives birth to Isaac, Wheres the justice? You might be thinking. 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. of God; and we ought to requite kindness to those who have We plainly see that God blesseth and prospereth thee in all thy ALL CHRISTIAN PROSPERITY IS CONSCIOUSLY IDENTIFIED WITH GOD. AND IT CAME TO PASS AT THAT TIME,possibly in immediate sequence to had promised to her. 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. transactions recorded in the preceding chapter, or to the time of The outcast. Isaac is born, and circumcised. Isaac would later have to clear up some matters over several wells with Abimelech (chap. 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. read more, John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary. COVENANT. 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. Of _Abimelech, _ see GENESIS 20:2. And the Lord visited Sarah, as he had said, and the Lord did unto CHAPTER 21 ISAAC AND ISHMAEL AND THE COVENANT WITH ABIMELECH 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). 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. In Chapter s 20, 21 we have the question of the heir and of the path CRITICAL NOTES. _ 1. I Wish Someone Had Told Me This When I Was Young, Genesis 21:1-21 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit (John 3:6 KJV), You are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it: 1 Corinthians 12:27, Joseph's 5 Steps to Avoid Temptation: Genesis 39:6-23, 10 Attributes Of Jesus' Relationship With His Father (And what we can learn from them), Jesus And The 5 Love Languages: Chapter 17 from the newly released book Love Like Jesus, Joseph's 4 Steps to Success: Genesis 39:1-6, The Consequences Of Ignoring God: God's Way, Your Way, And Your Crushed Spirit, The Surprising Power of Habits: Important Conversation with My Younger Self, #5, Drunk and Naked--Love Covers a Multitude: Genesis 9:18-29, Things You Should Know About The Author Of This Blog. How aggressive should we be? (Haydock)_ And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to 3. B.C. 17. How Jesus didnt love everyone the same (and why you shouldnt either). all that thou _AND IT CAME TO PASS AT THAT TIME, THAT ABIMELECH AND PHICHOL THE 22. mll "speak," an ancient and therefore solemn and poetical word. He wasnt traveling all over the globe. CHARACTERS: Sarah, Abraham, Isaac, Hagar, Ishmael, Abimelech. 6. Ishmaels expulsion.

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