(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). If he would walk with God, so that it was evident to others, Abraham had nothing to fear. all that thou _AND IT CAME TO PASS AT THAT TIME, THAT ABIMELECH AND PHICHOL THE 1. Related Commentaries of Genesis 21:22. "Abraham stretched forth his hand, ABRAHAM AND ABIMELECH COVENANT So swear to me here before God that you won't deal falsely with me or my children or my descendants. Hagar and Ishmael sent away. How to respond to critics the way Jesus did. The files holding the data are as thick as unabridged dictionaries. Just because youve blown it with someone in the past doesnt mean that you cant be used later to influence that person toward God. Each time, the young man, who was retarded and knew only this one verse, responded simply by quoting John 3:16. Good men should do all they can to make others so. Nor are they called upon to bear what by lawful means they are able to redress. Genesis 21:22. Neither didst thou toll me, neither yet heard I of it, but today. The Net Pastors Journal, Eng. Spiritual markers remind us of the goodness of the Lord in our lives. 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. GENESIS 21:23. 1 Kings 15:19; Isaiah 30:6; Isaiah 39:1). captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in The name of the Lord itself an invitation to believe and live. (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. you do. Youll be happier, people will be more cooperative toward you, and youll have healthier relationships. Beersheba. I. "Abraham stretched forth his hand, ABRAHAM AND ABIMELECH COVENANT 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. He did what he A son was ABIMELECHS COVENANT WITH ABRAHAM. CONTENTS: Birth of Isaac. 14. @#$%^&* salary!. 7. Do we badmouth the boss or other workers behind their backs? It shows how God faithfully provided all that Abraham needed apart from Abrahams schemes. and poetical word. 22 At that time Abimelek and Phicol the commander of his forces said to Abraham, "God is with you in everything you do. undertakings. He wouldnt have had much exciting news to report in his monthly fund-raising letter. He suggested that Abraham and he make a treaty that would guarantee good relations between them (22-24). Abraham kept up public worship, in which his neighbours might join. 1886. Which things are an. I wont ask you again!. What modern monarchs mostly desire at the close of exhausting campaigns is here sought before campaigns begin. ISAAC IS BORN Bondwoman and her son cast out. Verse Genesis 21:22. IN ALL THAT THOU DOEST:_ And Abraham said, I will swear. 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. with thee in all that At last in God's 'Set time," and in spite of all natural difficulties, The birth of Isaac. Its our job to love God and to love people. The days spent in Philistia left behind them some enlightenment. THE PROMISE FULFILLED IN ISAAC God's people, though expected meekly to suffer wrong, cannot always help seeing that it is wrong they suffer. In Genesis 21:22-34, we see Abraham in a scene from his ordinary life. B.C. Probably from JE. He was simply living his daily life as the friend of God before the watching world. The driver of the vehicle wasnt given a graceful way out. 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. _mlel_ speak, an ancient and therefore solemn The grocer, who was not a believer, was unmoved by her need. Sarah's joy. undertakings. He wasnt perfect, but he had reality with God and Gods gracious hand was on him. Here we have accomplished promise the blessed 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. In the story of Hagar and Ishmael, we notice: Isaac is born, and circumcised. The apparent contradiction between the statement of this verse and that of Genesis 21:32 may be removed by supposing either. Of _Abimelech, _ see GENESIS 20:2. And the Lord visited Sarah, as he had said, and the Lord did unto He provided manna in the wilderness and brought water from a rock. "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. I like that, "as He had said, and as He had spoken." His circumcision (Genesis 22:4)_ Its no wonder that Abimelek is asking Abraham to swear that he wont deal falsely with him. Are we honest, even in small matters? When you come to a passage like this in the Bible, the question is, Why did God include this in sacred Scripture? _chemet_ bottle, akin to _chamah_, 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). In that case Abraham went down to Egypt, whereas Isaac went only as far as Gerar, in the land of the Philistines, but the same place where we read of Abraham denying his relationship with Sarah. Well see how much this is worth, he muttered. 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 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. - Genesis 21:22-23 Review After waiting years, God blessed Abraham and Sarah with their promised baby, Isaac. 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. 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. CHIEF CAPTAIN OF HIS HOST SPAKE UNTO ABRAHAM, SAYING, GOD IS WITH THEE The neighborhood of Beersheba, the revelation of Jehovah, the little company of believers. ABRAHAM AND ABIMELECH At that time Abimelek and Phicol the commander of his forces said to Abraham, God is with you in everything you do. It hadnt worked the two times they tried it. Sometimes when you read the Bible, you get the feeling that God majors in the spectacular. 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. He put a loaf of bread on the other side of the scale, and to his surprise, nothing happened. ALL CHRISTIAN PROSPERITY IS CONSCIOUSLY IDENTIFIED WITH GOD. One of the most comforting doctrines of Scripture is the truth that God providentially protects His children. Abimelek responds, This is the first Ive heard of it. 4. Maybe youre sinking into sudden depression, because youre thinking, Im not perfect! Stay tuned: (2) For the world to see God in our lives we dont have to be perfect. The music and the sermon were okay, but didnt really help. not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is. 1. Read Genesis commentary using Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Concise). Now Abraham and his descendants can dwell securely in the land. The covenanting parties. laughed with the laughter of incredulity, now laughed with the _Abimelech, king of Gerara, who knew that Abraham was a prophet, and a Sarah, at the unlikely age of 90 years, gives birth to Isaac, But He doesnt just provide for our needs so that we can live comfy lives for our own happiness. 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. Q. I. Show to me and my country the same kindness Ive shown you. As already Mature, Aner, and Eshcol had formed a league with the patriarch (vide Genesis 14:13). As Abraham is the father of all the faithful, so the could sing with Mary, My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spi God is with thee in all that thou doest BIRTH OF ISAAC. A Treaty with Abimelech. _ALUN OWEN_ ABRAHAM AND ABIMELECH Thus Abimelek narrowly averted sinning against the Lord which, the Lord informed him, would have cost him his life. Abimelech's treaty with Abraham 21:22-34. Note the significance of the word oath (Hb. The man whos been thoroughly analyzing these files for the last 44 years is Dr. George Valliant. 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. Another highlight of this passage is the explanation for the origin of the name Beersheba. Fort Worth, Texas. We are secure in His providential care. So if Abimelek gives the well back to Abraham, Abimeleks servants might react, You believe that foreigner over us? 'Do not do anything to him. His calendar wasnt full of speaking engagements. I like this. at the time God Himself had 22-34 Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled neit Now the LORD visited Sarah as he had said (Genesis 21:1), So he changed his plans and flew home to L.A. Two days later, he heard on the news that a flight from Chicago to Los Angeles had crashed, killing everyone on board. Now therefore swear to me here by God that you will not de Genesis 21 Genesis 21:22. 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. COVENANT BETWEEN Abraham. 2. Sarah who at an earlier point had "This scene occurs at the same time as the events of Scene 6 [ Genesis 21:1-21] but focuses on different characters and tensions. Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? Name signifies mouth of all, _i.e.,_ Abimelech and Abraham, or ancient covenanters. He is not far from every one of us. 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. I like that, "as He had said, and as He had spoken." I've got that underlined that just sort of hit me. So the treaty is solidified. _ 1. the incident of the preceding chapter, but, "according to the common and married, but when Isaac was weaned and Ishmael was expelled: _ 1. THE FOLLOWING COMMENTARY COVERS CHAPTER S 20 AND 21. 7. surround, enclose, and _chum_ black. 5. Verse Genesis 21:22. 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. In the Grant Study, 268 Harvard graduates (including John F. Kennedy by the way. surround, enclose, and _chum_ black. Genesis 20:17 Genesis 26:28 Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible, 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 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. BIRTH OF ISAAC. Luke 6:21. Hagar in distress. The Lords whole thing boils down to that. And Abraham replies, These seven lambs are a witness that I dug the well that your servants seized. But thats not fair! You might be saying. THE STORY OF ABRAHAM. Genesis 21:1; Genesis 22:1 A.M. 2118. Peace. The most comprehensive longitudinal study in history is a research project called the Grant Study. 4. Numbers 14:13). He was, to put it gently, directed to find a way to verbally persuade subjects to cooperate. Wells of water are scarce and . He did what he Then Abraham brings up a sore subject, a delicate matter, a touchy issue with Abimelek. Phichol.] Do you call on the name of the Lord regardless of your circumstances. In this section Ishmael made fun of the covenant family, as Sarah had feared. How to love unlovable people the way Jesus did. Every wise person I know, finds some means of providing a graceful way out for those with whom they have an issue. In the story of Hagar and Ishmael, we notice: The trouble is, people can see that it isnt true. ALL CHRISTIAN PROSPERITY IS ALSO CONSCIOUSLY IDENTIFIED WITH 20 God was with the boy as he grew up. 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. CRITICAL NOTES. His circumcision (Genesis 22:4)_ I heard a story about a new police officer who, on his first day on the job, caught someone speeding. ALL CHRISTIAN PROSPERITY IS CONSCIOUSLY IDENTIFIED WITH GOD. 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. at the time God Himself had We plainly see that God blesseth and prospereth thee in all thy The grocer later discovered that the scale was out of order. the three main sources, J. E, P are present. 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. This second conflict with Abimelech creates a bracket around the Isaac birth narrative. His friendship is valued, is courted, though a stranger, though a tenant at will to the Canaanites and Perizzites. Ruth 1:17, and vide Genesis 14:23). As he was leaving, a young man walked up and quoted John 3:16: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. The businessman didnt see how such a thing could be true and he didnt understand the connection between Gods giving His Son and a person having eternal life. He added some more items, but to his consternation, still nothing happened. Verse Genesis 21:22. Genesis 12:1-3 sets forth Gods purpose to make of Abraham a great nation, to bless him and make his name great so that he would be the channel of Gods blessing to all the families of the earth. He was just living the ordinary, hum-drum, day-to-day existence of a nomad with his flocks and herds. Paul at Athens adapted himself in preaching to the people's knowledge while leading them to faith.R. Abraham. Shortly after World War II, a woman went into a grocery store and asked for enough food to provide Christmas dinner for her children. _AT THAT TIME_] This may either refer to the CONCLUSION: Behind every promise of God is the purpose a Genesis 21:3.