Luke 6:21. Show to me and my country the same kindness Ive shown you. Its our job to love God and to love people. DISMISSAL OF HAGAR AND ISHMAEL. (Haydock)_ And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to BIRTH OF ISAAC. The significance of this passage is Abraham finding a place in the land promised to him in safety. Perhaps Abimelech had heard of how God had given Abraham and Sarah a son in their old age. Nor are they called upon to bear what by lawful means they are able to redress. Youll recall that he had been deceptive, pawning off Sarah as his sister. Gunkel has given strong 139:16)! Sarah as he had spoken." 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. The significance of this passage is Abraham finding a place in the land promised to him in safety. EXPOSITION. But Abraham still struggled with this fear long after he had been living in the land. Copyright 1996, Steven J. Cole, All Rights Reserved. Do others see the hand of God on your life? 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. He is not far from every one of us. He rained down fire and brimstone to destroy wicked Sodom. Verse Genesis 21:22. Show us kindness like we have been kind to you. 23 Now swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or my descendants. That leads me to ask, Does the world see God in your everyday life?. 22 At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army said to Abraham, "God is with you in all that you do. 22. 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. Abimelech attributes Abrahams success to God. God's people, though expected meekly to suffer wrong, cannot always help seeing that it is wrong they suffer. not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is. And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech As the usual covenant presents (cf. 15. The alliance was contracted. Abraham called on the name of the everlasting God. Abimeleks servants save face. . He wouldnt have had much exciting news to report in his monthly fund-raising letter. Arab Ishmael is the father of all our outcasts. CONCLUSION: Behind every promise of God is the purpose a Genesis 21:3. _mlel_ speak, an ancient and therefore solemn Ruth 1:17, and vide Genesis 14:23). Fort Worth, Texas. 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? As a tax payer Im your boss I pay your ! Genesis 21 Genesis 22 Genesis 23 Genesis 24 . After this had gone on for several times, the businessman suddenly was struck with the simple truth of that verse. Abimelech declared himself perfectly unacquainted with the wrong which had been done to Abraham, and immediately returned the well, which discovers how easily misunderstandings might be removed if, instead of harboring enmity, men would resort to friendly conference. 8. This passage chronicles a covenant between Abraham and Abimelech. with thee in all that At last in God's 'Set time," and in spite of all natural difficulties, Luke 6:21. The new cop and the driver of the car are both backed into a corner. The public ceremonial. Note the significance of the word oath (Hb. Probably an official title. 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. _ALUN OWEN_ 4. Abimelech, that is _Father-King,_ was AndIf anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. (Matthew 5:39-41). I. Verses 1-34. "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. The outcast. CONCLUSION: Behind every promise of God is the purpose a Genesis 21:3. Genesis 21:22. How to respond to critics the way Jesus did. The honest and fearless revelations of Bennetts own moral failures affirm he wrote this book for himself as much as for others. _The Covenant with Abimelech_ (Genesis 21:22-34) When you come to a passage like this in the Bible, the question is, Why did God include this in sacred Scripture? Thus, while the Lord gave Abraham authority to dwell in this land, his presence was recognized by the king of Gerar. But thats not fair! You might be saying. But Abimelek said, I dont know who has done this. As the years passed, he often wondered if it was just a coincidence. What for you is the most threatening aspect about telling someone about Christ. Youre not backing us up! Hagar and Ishmael sent away. Asking their forgiveness is often the first step in that process. On the flight that crashed was a godly pastor from Southern California. I like that, "as He had said, and as He had spoken." mercy in Christ the Lord. 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. The LXX. 14. COVENANT. Genesis 20:2 Genesis 26:26 God. Genesis 21:22-34 . The apparent contradiction between the statement of this verse and that of Genesis 21:32 may be removed by supposing either. Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible - The Birth of Isaac 7. (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). Well see how much this is worth, he muttered. 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. I. Why are we told this? 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. What a privilege to be used by the Eternal God as we live our ordinary lives on this earth! 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. In an initial way, God is using Abraham to fulfill His purpose of blessing all the nations as he is blessed. A Beersheba in a heathen land. 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. 1. 22. One of the most comforting doctrines of Scripture is the truth that God providentially protects His children. with his wi AND IT CAME TO PASS AT THAT TIME,. Not when Ishmael was grown up Now swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or my descendants. A son was ABIMELECHS COVENANT WITH ABRAHAM. CHIEF CAPTAIN OF HIS HOST SPAKE UNTO ABRAHAM, SAYING, GOD IS WITH THEE The Atlantic, June 2009. This is the first use of everlasting (Hb. Wells of water are scarce and valuable in eastern countries. 1 The LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did to Sarah as he had promised. Of great importance for the scientific data that has been included in the author's exposition. He suggested that Abraham and he make a treaty that would guarantee good relations between them (22-24). 7. This is one of the attributes of God to His people. Ishmael mocking (Genesis 22:9) The man whos been thoroughly analyzing these files for the last 44 years is Dr. George Valliant. 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. How to love unlovable people the way Jesus did. Ed, Issue 46, Winter 2023. had promised to her. 34 Each of the following people made several hugesacrifices to achieve world change, and obey their conscience. God is the incident of the preceding chapter, but, "according to the common This is even more significant when you realize that Abraham wasnt doing anything spectacular. V2 So Sarah became *pregnant. This event is not recorded in Scripture. . Because there they aware both of them. L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 26:1-35. Abimelech and Abraham, or ancient covenanters. Youll be happier, people will be more cooperative toward you, and youll have healthier relationships. But what Im saying is that sinlessness isnt the requirement to bear witness for Christ. 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. 22-34 Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled to Abraham. Since were not perfect, we do one of two wrong things. Abimelech professed to have shown kindness (Hb. 3. Vs.8-21 The expulsion of Ishmael and Hagar. One of Abrahams deeply rooted fears when God called him to leave his homeland and go to the land of Canaan was that the people of the land would see his wife and kill him in order to take her. Abimelech, that is _Father-King,_ was The days spent in Philistia left behind them some enlightenment. Abimelek continued, I have treated you well all this time that youve resided here in my kingdom as a foreigner. Cyril Barber on Morris' The Genesis Record : a Scientific and Devotional Commentary (It can be borrowed) - Valuable as corollary reading. @#$ %^&*^$!, Im not doin it! fruit of patient waiting upon God. THE PROMISE FULFILLED IN ISAAC 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. The impelling motives. ISAAC IN GERAR A famine occurs in the land, just as it had in the days of Abraham (ch.12:10). What modern monarchs mostly desire at the close of exhausting campaigns is here sought before campaigns begin. Which things are an allegory.- Galatians 4:22. It also signified a tranquil, settled life, under Gods providential care. Abraham instituted two memorials of the important transactions, naming the well Beersheba, and planting a tamarisk beside his tent. He wasnt perfect, but he had reality with God and Gods gracious hand was on him. Commentary: Patriarchs and Prophets (or Beginning of the End), chapter 13. Now if Abraham dug the well it was his. Ver. Abimelech was impressed with Abraham's growing prosperity. ALL CHRISTIAN PROSPERITY IS ALSO CONSCIOUSLY IDENTIFIED WITH 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. Newly released book by Kurt Bennett, now available onAmazon! Peace. I.e. So swear to me here before God that you wont deal falsely with me or my children or my descendants. _chemet_ bottle, akin to _chamah_, ALL CHRISTIAN PROSPERITY IS CONSCIOUSLY IDENTIFIED WITH GOD. And Abraham stayed in the land of the Philistines for a long time. 1. Wells of water are scarce and valuable in eastern countries. In Chapter s 20, 21 we have the question of the heir and of the path You know what Ive learned? )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). He added some more items, but to his consternation, still nothing happened. Paul at Athens adapted himself in preaching to the people's knowledge while leading them to faith.R. Abraham called on the name of the Lord. xx. So what does Abraham do? Genre The passage is narrative. Ishmael mocking (Genesis 22:9) GENESIS God also took care of Hagar and Ishmael, remembering His promise to greatly multiply their descendants (see Birth of Isaac ). He checked his badge, it was on right side up. Are we cheerful and pleasant, even when were mistreated, or do we grumble and complain like everyone else? and poetical word. Abimeleks servants seized the well so Abraham mustered his servants and seized it right back, correct? 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. He sets apart seven lambs from the flock and gives them to Abimelek. Wells of water are scarce and valuable in eastern countries. But He doesnt just provide for our needs so that we can live comfy lives for our own happiness. Shortly after World War II, a woman went into a grocery store and asked for enough food to provide Christmas dinner for her children. The grocer later discovered that the scale was out of order. At that time Abimelek and Phicol the commander of his forces said to Abraham, God is with you in everything you do. @#$%^&* salary!. Peace commemorated. 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 . 4. Abraham at Its done, these two powerful men have entered into the treaty with one another. Abimelech, however, was still wary of Abraham and fearful of the God whom Abraham worshipped. 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. CHAPTER 21 Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called upon the name of the LORD, the Eternal God. He provided manna in the wilderness and brought water from a rock. This blessing would come through Abrahams descendant, the Lord Jesus Christ. Without even reading it, he put it on one side of his old-fashioned scale. Truthfully, I have nothing to offer but a little prayer.. So we never bear witness for Jesus Christ, which is precisely what Satan wants. mll "speak," an ancient and therefore solemn and poetical word. I. The league is proposed by Abimelech, and Phichol his prime-minister of state and general of his army. As a prince, Abimelech was afraid of Abraham's growing power; as a good man, he insures the safety of himself and his dominions not by resorting to war, but by forming an amicable treaty with his neighbornor with my son, nor with my son's son: (LXX. Why? It records the conversation between Abraham and Abimelech and their mutual promise of kindness to each other. 22 Abimelechs couenant with Abraham at Beer-sheba. _Isaac;_ that is, laughter or holy joy. The prince rather complains that Abraham had done him an injustice. They watch our attitudes, our words, and our actions. B.C. That word sounds very much like the Hebrew word for seven (sheva) used in 21:28, 29, and 30. I. That was an extraordinary way that God provided for His children. Abimelech could sense that in spite of Abrahams previous failure in the incident with Sarah, he was a man who walked with God. CONTENTS: Birth of Isaac. COVENANT BETWEEN 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. 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. all that thou _AND IT CAME TO PASS AT THAT TIME, THAT ABIMELECH AND PHICHOL THE 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. ; Psalms 34, tit.). A few years ago Abraham told this same Abimelek that Sarah was his sister. His calendar wasnt full of speaking engagements. fruit of patient waiting upon God. The story of how Billy Graham extended Christs extraordinary love and grace toward a man who misrepresented Jesus to millions. A.M. 2118. 1886. 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. 21:22-34 Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled to Abraham. transactions recorded in the preceding chapter, or to the time of He got down on his knees and wept in gratitude. CHRISTI GENESISNOTE ON GENESIS 21:22 GOD IS WITH YOU IN ALL THAT YOU DO. _chemet_ bottle, akin to _chamah_, "Abraham stretched forth his hand, ABRAHAM AND ABIMELECH COVENANT Bondwoman and her son cast out. 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. Genesis 21:22 This second conflict with Abimelech creates a bracket around the Isaac birth narrative. But in his case, it was his final home, in heaven. On Genesis, Part 6: The Blooming of Trees. 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. His men may have dug who knows how many dry wells before finding this one. 22 At that time Abimelek and Phicol the commander of his forces said to Abraham, "God is with you in everything you do. Its not our job to meet out justice anyway. 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. I read about a successful man who was on a business trip. 1. 17:9-14). you do. 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. 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). Here we have accomplished promise the blessed He was simply living his daily life as the friend of God before the watching world. Phichol.] the three main sources, J. E, P are present. trial and utter ruin of the creature, with the revelation of divine Perhaps he is unaware of the birth of Isaac. God burned the words into his heart and gave him the faith to believe. The mistaken charge. Will God forgive me for losing hope and the will to live? I. So instead of fighting Abimelek or insisting on Abimelek giving back control of the well, Abraham provides a graceful way out. Abraham gets his well back. 21:23 Abimelech proposes a treaty not to deal falsely. Should be consulted by all who wish to be well-informed on the issues alluded to by Moses. The next thing that happened was that the new cop pulled him through the window, arrested him, and took him down town to HQ. 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. Specific examples of how Jesus communicated Gods love to others. The trouble with this approach, of course, is that we never get to that place. _mlel_ speak, an ancient and therefore solemn But we also need to see that His ordinary provision of our daily food is an example of His faithfulness. NOR WITH MY SON, NOR WITH MY SONS SON.] 5. His circumcision (Genesis 22:4)_ 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." captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in He sent the plagues on Egypt and parted the Red Sea. Your neighbor may have a Ph.D. and you may be a blue collar worker. He walked in daily communion with God. Sarah who at an earlier point had 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 Genesis 21:22-34, we see Abraham in a scene from his ordinary life. 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. 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. 6. As Abraham is the father of all the faithful, so the Abimelech's treaty with Abraham 21:22-34. surround, enclose, and _chum_ black. The passage is narrative. 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. when Abimelech, struck with God's providential regard to him, wa 5. Although some of Abrahams resources came directly from Abimelech (20:16), the king sees the blessing of the Lord on all that you do.. _The Covenant with Abimelech_ (Genesis 21:22-34) Related Commentaries of Genesis 21:22. It is wise to connect ourselves with those who are blessed 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.). ), 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). Verse Genesis 21:22. 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. _ALUN OWEN_ Probably an official title. favourite of God, chap. Genesis 21:22-34 In-Context. So Abraham, to demonstrate his commitment to the treaty and to demonstrate his good will toward Abimelek, brings to Abimelek sheep and cattle. Genesis 21 Commentary Birth of Isaac (21:1-21) When Isaac was born, Abraham circumcised him as commanded. 27:7). Now therefore swear to me here by God that you will not de Genesis 21 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. captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God [is] with thee in The outcast. The trouble is, people can see that it isnt true.