Abimelech was impressed with Abraham's growing prosperity. This is even more significant when you realize that Abraham wasnt doing anything spectacular. 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 alliance was contracted. Genesis 21:22. Are we cheerful and pleasant, even when were mistreated, or do we grumble and complain like everyone else? They watch our attitudes, our words, and our actions. I. The palpable injury. (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. You dont need a theological education to bear witness by your walk with God. Only before concluding the agreement there was a matter of a more personal character that required settlement. _The Covenant with Abimelech_ (Genesis 21:22-34) 4 He is circumcised. Abimelek continued, I have treated you well all this time that youve resided here in my kingdom as a foreigner. The herdsmen of the king had appropriated Abraham's well. (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. Genesis 21 Commentary - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the 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." 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. Since were not perfect, we do one of two wrong things. "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 birth of Isaac. Will God forgive me for losing hope and the will to live? Genesis 21:22-34 What is the meaning of these seven ewe lambs you have set apart by themselves? 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 EXPOSITION. Its about relationships with people. Every wise person I know, finds some means of providing a graceful way out for those with whom they have an issue. 4. Here we have accomplished promise the blessed 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. (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). 22 And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phicol the Now if Abraham dug the well it was his. There he made, not only a constant practice, but an open profession of his religion. Sarah's joy. Seemingly betraying a secret suspicion of the prince's veracity, the act aimed at preventing any recurrence of the grievance, and in this light it appears to have been regarded by Abimelech. 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. But if you have the reality of a walk with the faithful God of the ordinary, your neighbor will know that youve got something he lacks. One of the most comforting doctrines of Scripture is the truth that God providentially protects His children. A Beersheba in a heathen land. A believer is invincible until it is his time to go. After the treaty had been made at Beersheba, Abimelek and Phicol the commander of his forces returned to the land of the Philistines. all that thou _AND IT CAME TO PASS AT THAT TIME, THAT ABIMELECH AND PHICHOL THE What a privilege to be used by the Eternal God as we live our ordinary lives on this earth! Genesis 21:22-34 - DRB - And it came to pass at that t This event is not recorded in Scripture. I. God also took care of Hagar and Ishmael, remembering His promise to greatly multiply their descendants (see Birth of Isaac ). 22. Of _Abimelech, _ see GENESIS 20:2. And the Lord visited Sarah, as he had said, and the Lord did unto It seems to me that the answer is, It shows the faithfulness of God in the ordinary. the long-promised son was born. That word sounds very much like the Hebrew word for seven (sheva) used in 21:28, 29, and 30. 3 Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore him, Isaac. 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. 1. That led to an obsessive seven year deep dive. How to respond to critics the way Jesus did. He complains to Abimelek about a well of water that Abimeleks servants had seized. As a tax payer Im your boss I pay your ! In this way he demonstrated that Isaac was heir to God's covenant promises (21:1-7; cf. 5. (1) God fulfills His promise to Abraham and Sarah. Probably from JE. You many Read Genesis 21:22-34 here: Bible Gateway. Because there they aware both of them. "This scene occurs at the same time as the events of Scene 6 [ Genesis 21:1-21] but focuses on different characters and tensions. undertakings. 3. undertakings. Genesis 21:22-34 - Matthew Henry Commentary on the Bible 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 . of God; and we ought to requite kindness to those who have We plainly see that God blesseth and prospereth thee in all thy vs.22-34 The treaty between Abraham and Abimelech. 2. V2 So Sarah became *pregnant. In this section 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. (22) ABIMELECH AND PHICHOL. Q. Luke 6:21. And alls well. 15 Hagar in distresse. Peace enjoyed. That leads me to ask, Does the world see God in your everyday life?. 22 Abimelechs couenant with Abraham at Beer-sheba. 3. CHIEF CAPTAIN OF HIS HOST SPAKE UNTO ABRAHAM, SAYING, GOD IS WITH THEE trial and utter ruin of the creature, with the revelation of divine 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. When Abimelech confronted Abraham about things, Abraham was rather uncomplimentary, saying that his reason for deceiving him was that he assumed that there would not be any fear of God among such people (20:11). Abimelech and Abraham, or ancient covenanters. The trouble is, people can see that it isnt true. Ver. And Abraham replies, These seven lambs are a witness that I dug the well that your servants seized. Ishmael made fun of the covenant family, as Sarah had feared. Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers of his host, spoke to Abraham saying, God is with you in all that Genesis 21:33. Another highlight of this passage is the explanation for the origin of the name Beersheba. The mistaken charge. Jesus taught us to pray each day for our daily bread. when Abimelech, struck with God's providential regard to him, wa 5. 21:22-34 Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled to Abraham. Philistines generally (Genesis 2 ISHMAEL AND ISAAC 22 Abimelechs couenant with Abraham at Beer-sheba. Show to me and my country the same kindness Ive shown you. As the years passed, he often wondered if it was just a coincidence. 6 Sarahs ioy. The Atlantic, June 2009. The new cop and the driver of the car are both backed into a corner. 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. If you know the Savior, as you walk with Him and enjoy His faithful provision, God wants to use the ordinary events in your life to fulfill His purpose of blessing all the nations through the Seed of Abraham, the Lord Jesus Christ. genesis-21:22-34 - Bible Commentaries Category: Sermon StructureTags: Genesis, Genesis 21, Old Testament Narrative, Home | Admissions | Academics | Campus Life | Alumni, All content copyright 2023 Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Now the grace of God bears its most important fruit in the history of _GOD IS WITH - The Birth of Isaac olam) as a name for the Lord, This is the word used on the covenant with Abraham (13:15; 17: 7, 8, 13, 19). 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). On Genesis, Part 6: The Blooming of Trees | Christogenea.org On the flight that crashed was a godly pastor from Southern California. Genesis 21 Genesis 22 Genesis 23 Genesis 24 . THE PROMISE FULFILLED IN ISAAC continued in the country of the Philistines for a considerable time; The angel relieves and comforts her. 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. ISAAC IS BORN Of great importance for the scientific data that has been included in the author's exposition. He spoke and the universe was created. A Treaty with Abimelech. 1886. CONTENTS: Birth of Isaac. II. As David wrote, all our days were written in Gods book before we even were born (Ps. 1 Kings 15:19; Isaiah 30:6; Isaiah 39:1). _The birth of Isaac. Hagar in distress. The oath a testimony to God where reverently made. Why did she come at exactly the time the mechanism was broken? The things of this world made a channel of higher blessings. and poetical word. 9. Abraham kept up public worship, in which his neighbours might join. He was just living the ordinary, hum-drum, day-to-day existence of a nomad with his flocks and herds. (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. Wheres the balance between taking measures for our own safety versus trusting God to protect us? 6. The neighborhood of Beersheba, the revelation of Jehovah, the little company of believers. Ruth 1:17, and vide Genesis 14:23). army H6635 spoke H559 (H8799) Abraham H85 saying And so it was at that time that Abimelech, and Phicol the captain Isaac is weaned. I like this. Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. Genesis Commentary - Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Concise) - Genesis 21:22-23 Review After waiting years, God blessed Abraham and Sarah with their promised baby, Isaac. This is also remarkable in light of Abrahams past dealings with Abimelech. It shows how God faithfully provided all that Abraham needed apart from Abrahams schemes. CAME TO PASS AT THAT TIME, &C. Hence it is plain that Abraham had Not surprisingly, the driver of the car didnt comply. Ver. Well see how much this is worth, he muttered. (22) ABIMELECH AND PHICHOL. 3. Bible Study: The Treaty at Beersheba (Genesis 21:22-34) - kdmanestreet Another highlight of this passage is the explanation for the origin of the name Beersheba. He graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M., 1976 in Bible exposition) and Califo More. 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 . Abraham called on the name of the Lord. The covenant arising out of bodily wants a civil agreement. Inductive Bible Study Genesis 21 - Study and Obey The public ceremonial. the long-promised son was born. Abimelech and Phichol. ABRAHAM AND ABIMELECH Good men should do all they can to make others so. _mlel_ speak, an ancient and therefore solemn 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. 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. "Abraham stretched forth his hand, ABRAHAM AND ABIMELECH COVENANT As Abraham is the father of all the faithful, so the 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. The trouble with this approach, of course, is that we never get to that place. 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. Genesis 21:22. Sometimes we may wonder, How does God fit in with the ordinary?. The contemplated object. 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 that country not far from it: saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest; greatly prospered him in the things of the world, for of them only could they make a judgment; they saw that he increased in worldly substance, and that his family was increased, and that he succeeded in everything in which he engaged; and, being jealous of his growing greatness and power, were desirous of securing an interest in him and in his favour. 9 Hagar & Ishmael are cast forth. Just because youve blown it with someone in the past doesnt mean that you cant be used later to influence that person toward God. 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. But Abraham still struggled with this fear long after he had been living in the land. God's care for those beyond the covenant. 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.. not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is. 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. But He doesnt just provide for our needs so that we can live comfy lives for our own happiness. He lived in the desert and became an archer. It is as much the duty of him who has a grievance to reveal it, as it is the duty of him who has caused the grievance to remove it. Newly released book by Kurt Bennett, now available onAmazon! Genesis 21:1; Genesis 22:1 Abimelek avoids contention within his ranks. 21:22 Abimelech recognized the blessing of the Lord on Abraham. In Chapter s 20, 21 we have the question of the heir and of the path What does Genesis chapter 21 mean? | BibleRef.com DISMISSAL OF HAGAR AND ISHMAEL. And you know what else? with thee in all that At last in God's 'Set time," and in spite of all natural difficulties, all that thou doest: 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. BIRTH OF ISAAC. None ever waited in vain. He wasnt a TV evangelist. 21:23 Abimelech proposes a treaty not to deal falsely. 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. 17. Cyril Barber on Morris' The Genesis Record : a Scientific and Devotional Commentary (It can be borrowed) - Valuable as corollary reading. Hes letting Abimeleks servants off the hook! You might be protesting. 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. Arab Ishmael is the father of all our outcasts. had once laughed through unbelief; now being ashamed of that, she All these things are true and wonderful. B.C. Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? I like that, "as He had said, and as He had spoken." Note the significance of the word oath (Hb. He put a loaf of bread on the other side of the scale, and to his surprise, nothing happened. No more can be expected from an honest man than that he be ready to do right, as soon as he knows he has done wrong. Here we have accomplished promise the blessed Whereas the first conflict, Scene 5 ( Genesis 20:1-18 ), concerned jeopardy of the . (1) The world is watching the lives of believers. His friendship is valued, is courted, though a stranger, though a tenant at will to the Canaanites and Perizzites. Good men mostly desire to have the saints as friends, and even the wicked can perceive an advantage in being allied to the righteous. transactions recorded in the preceding chapter, or to the time of Ishmaels expulsion. Even as Gods kindness draws us to him, our kindness with others should point them to Him. Abimelech professed to have shown kindness (Hb. That was an extraordinary way that God provided for His children. The Covenant Between Abraham and Abimelech NINTH SECTION But we also need to see that His ordinary provision of our daily food is an example of His faithfulness. He wouldnt have had much exciting news to report in his monthly fund-raising letter. I already did that during the night while I was watching over my sick child, she replied. A son was ABIMELECHS COVENANT WITH ABRAHAM. And Abraham sojourned in the Philistines' land many days. But we can have the comfort of knowing that both men were under Gods providential care. Asking their forgiveness is often the first step in that process. Weaned] in his second or third year, as is usual among Orientals. GODS ANCIENT PEOPLE CHARACTERS: Sarah, Abraham, Isaac, Hagar, Ishmael, Abimelech. Abimelech, that is _Father-King,_ was Paul at Athens adapted himself in preaching to the people's knowledge while leading them to faith.R. 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. 45-46). 21:33 Abraham called on the name of the Lord, 21:34 Living in the land of the Philistines. V1 The *Lord had promised that he would visit Sarah. 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. neit Now the LORD visited Sarah as he had said (Genesis 21:1), We are secure in His providential care. 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. His circumcision (Genesis 22:4)_ If youre a Christian, and youre not a cop, then its not your job to come down on people. CRITICAL NOTES. And the LORD visited Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah as He had spoken. 1. Genesis 21:22-34 NKJV - A Covenant with Abimelech - Bible Gateway The honest and fearless revelations of Bennetts own moral failures affirm he wrote this book for himself as much as for others. THE FOLLOWING COMMENTARY COVERS CHAPTER S 20 AND 21. surround, enclose, and _chum_ black. *** Abimelech reenters the picture with his enforcer, Phicol. (Haydock)_ And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Sarah's demand GENESIS 12:1 TO GENESIS 25:18. has How aggressive should we be? 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.. Perhaps Abimelech had heard of how God had given Abraham and Sarah a son in their old age. 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. How can we turn everyday situations into opportunities for telling others about Christ? Th Genesis 21:22 time H6256 Abimelech H40 Phichol H6369 commander H8269 the incident of the preceding chapter, but, "according to the common In this section CONTENTS: Birth of Isaac. 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. In the story of Hagar and Ishmael, we notice: Abimelech, on the other hand, acts generously as of old, and shows no signs of ill-will at the growing power of one whose expectation was that his race would possess the whole land. The most comprehensive longitudinal study in history is a research project called the Grant Study. And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What mean these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set by themselves? Genesis 21:22-34 - The Pulpit Commentaries Beersheba. His calendar wasnt full of speaking engagements. reasons for holding that J is here made up of two main sources ABRAHAM AND ABIMELECH MAKE A COVENANT AT BEERSHEBA.