The significance of this passage is Abraham finding a place in the land promised to him in safety. all-commanding. Genesis 21 1. This is also remarkable in light of Abrahams past dealings with Abimelech. 3. Read Genesis commentary using Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Concise). 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. 7. . not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is. )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). vs.22-34 The treaty between Abraham and Abimelech. The significance of the presence of Phichol at the ceremony indicates Abimelechs promise not to pursue military action against Abraham. ALL CHRISTIAN PROSPERITY IS CONSCIOUSLY IDENTIFIED WITH GOD. with his wi AND IT CAME TO PASS AT THAT TIME,. Not when Ishmael was grown up 15 Hagar in distresse. On Genesis, Part 6: The Blooming of Trees. (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. Sarah as he had spoken." And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God. Abraham's acquiescence in the king's proposal was no doubt dictated by a peaceable disposition, a sense of equity, a spirit of contentment, and an unwavering confidence in God. Abraham denies his relationship undertakings. It seems to me that the answer is, It shows the faithfulness of God in the ordinary. What for you is the most threatening aspect about telling someone about Christ. Abimelech attributes Abrahams success to God. DISMISSAL OF HAGAR AND ISHMAEL. 15. And both of them made a covenant. Genesis 21:1; Genesis 22:1 Paul at Athens adapted himself in preaching to the people's knowledge while leading them to faith.R. "The great well has an internal diameter at the mouth of twelve feet six inches, or a circumference of nearly forty feet. Probably an official title. continued in the country of the Philistines for a considerable time; 17. 4 And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as But we also need to see that His ordinary provision of our daily food is an example of His faithfulness. So the treaty is solidified. 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. you do. It shows how God faithfully provided all that Abraham needed apart from Abrahams schemes. Peace established, Abimelech and Phichol, having accomplished their mission, returned to Philistia. of faith in another point of view. Category: Sermon StructureTags: Genesis, Genesis 21, Old Testament Narrative, Home | Admissions | Academics | Campus Life | Alumni, All content copyright 2023 Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary _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. (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. He complains to Abimelek about a well of water that Abimeleks servants had seized. Abraham, being now in a good neighbourhood, stayed a great while there. 26), but through this treaty, God was faithfully providing for Abrahams basic physical needs. 23 Now swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or my descendants. 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? The man was educated and he articulately expressed his objections. 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). Shortly after World War II, a woman went into a grocery store and asked for enough food to provide Christmas dinner for her children. 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. L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 26:1-35. Abraham kept up public worship, in which his neighbours might join. Why was one Christian man spared while the other was killed? It also signified a tranquil, settled life, under Gods providential care. Sarah who at an earlier point had He checked his police cruiser, it looked good, the light bar was on. 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. (22) ABIMELECH AND PHICHOL. Arab Ishmael is the father of all our outcasts. But thats not fair! You might be saying. The things of this world made a channel of higher blessings. 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. Because of the cops statement that I wont ask you again! this situation is destined to go sideways. B.C. Abimelech professed to have shown kindness (Hb. 6. 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.. 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. Numbers 14:13). captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in I like this. In Chapter s 20, 21 we have the question of the heir and of the path His friendship is valued, is courted, though a stranger, though a tenant at will to the Canaanites and Perizzites. and married, but when Isaac was weaned and Ishmael was expelled: (1) God fulfills His promise to Abraham and Sarah. When the owner asked how much she could afford, she replied, My husband was killed in the war. This second conflict with Abimelech creates a bracket around the Isaac birth narrative. He checked his uniform, it looked good. He normally didnt attend church, but he was troubled about some matters and went to church, hoping to find some relief. Now therefore swear to me here by God that you will not de Genesis 21 You see, I think that Abraham may have recognized that Abimelek was in a tight spot. Abraham. 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. Arise We have had hitherto God's account of that which He had made; then the 3. So that place was called Beersheba,because the two men swore an oath there. Wells of water are scarce and valuable in eastern countries. A son was ABIMELECHS COVENANT WITH ABRAHAM. He got down on his knees and wept in gratitude. b. Which things are an allegory.- Galatians 4:22. IN ALL THAT THOU DOEST:_ 22. 17 The Angel comforteth her. The public ceremonial. _God is with thee in all tha 1 Isaac is borne. Peace. 21:28-30 The giving and receiving of the lambs stipulates that Abraham dug the well in Beersheba and thus rightfully owns the well. Isaac would later have to clear up some matters over several wells with Abimelech (chap. Theyre people who live rather ordinary lives, except for one significant fact--their lives count for eternity because they are used by God to help fulfill His purpose. Hagar and Ishmael sent away. I. Abimelech was impressed with Abraham's growing prosperity. He felt Then this brand new cop said,Sir, step out of the car. CHRISTIAN PROSPERITY Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called upon the name of the LORD, the Eternal God. 22. In that desert land, a well was essential for survival, both for a mans flocks and for his family. ); 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. 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. And yet he was used in Gods great purpose of blessing the nations through Abrahams seed, the Lord Jesus Christ. Good men should do all they can to make others so. 3. Perhaps Abimelech had heard of how God had given Abraham and Sarah a son in their old age. 22 At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army said to Abraham, "God is with you in all that you do. - Genesis 21:22-23 Review After waiting years, God blessed Abraham and Sarah with their promised baby, Isaac. 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. They formalize the peace agreement, Abimelech leaves, Abraham plants a commemorative tree, worships the Lord, and life goes on. laughed with the laughter of incredulity, now laughed with the _Abimelech, king of Gerara, who knew that Abraham was a prophet, and a II. "Blessed are the peace-makers," and "beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that publisheth peace.". He wasnt traveling all over the globe. _ 1. Why? Subscribe | RSS | Privacy Disclaimer. Bondwoman and her son cast out. He provided manna in the wilderness and brought water from a rock. at the time God Himself had 22-34 Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled @#$%^&* salary!. He graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M., 1976 in Bible exposition) and Califo More. CHIEF CAPTAIN OF HIS HOST SPAKE UNTO ABRAHAM, SAYING, GOD IS WITH THEE Abimelech, that is _Father-King,_ was Most of Gods people have been simple, ordinary folks who are not famous or politically powerful. 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. ; Psalms 34, tit.). But what Im saying is that sinlessness isnt the requirement to bear witness for Christ. The outcast. Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? Good men mostly desire to have the saints as friends, and even the wicked can perceive an advantage in being allied to the righteous. Separate from the sheep and oxen he gave to Abimelech, and from those that were used in making the covenant. How Jesus didnt love everyone the same (and why you shouldnt either). 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. Abimelech and Phichol. 3. Wheres the justice? You might be thinking. A Treaty with Abimelech. Love Like Jesus: How Jesus Loved People (and how you can love like Jesus). He felt Abimelech. Why did she come at exactly the time the mechanism was broken? Not surprisingly, the driver of the car didnt comply. 1886. But He doesnt just provide for our needs so that we can live comfy lives for our own happiness. The deal is sealed. 22 And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phicol the 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. When you come to a passage like this in the Bible, the question is, Why did God include this in sacred Scripture? (Haydock)_ And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to 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. 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. A Beersheba in a heathen land. Your neighbor may have a Ph.D. and you may be a blue collar worker. 9. olam) as a name for the Lord, This is the word used on the covenant with Abraham (13:15; 17: 7, 8, 13, 19). There he planted a grove for a shade to his tent, or perhaps an orchard of fruit-trees; and there, though we cannot say he settled, for God would have him, while he lived, to be a stranger and a pilgrim, yet he sojourned many days, as many as would consist with his character, as Abraham the Hebrew, or passenger. law of Hebrew narrative, probably not Now the LORD visited Sarah as he had said (Genesis 21:1), Do you see what happened here? (Kindle,hardcover, andpaperbacknow available on Amazon. 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. neit Now the LORD visited Sarah as he had said (Genesis 21:1), This visit of the king and his vizier appears to have taken place some considerable time after the beginning of the sojourn of Abraham at Gerar; for the friendly feelings which then existed had evidently given way to a coolness, occasioned by the quarrels between their herdsmen. 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. Finally he blurted out, Well, thats all it will hold anyway. 21 He lived in the wilderness of Paran, and his mother took a wife for him from the land of Egypt. You did not tell me, and I heard about it only today., So Abraham brought sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelek, and the two men made a treaty. Im not suggesting that you go on sinning and tell everyone that youre a Christian. (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). Genesis 21:22. 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). when Abimelech, struck with God's providential regard to him, wa 5. 4. _GOD IS WITH - The Birth of Isaac Abraham decided to take a different approach. 21:22-34 Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled to Abraham. favourite of God, chap. 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 . 21:33 Abraham called on the name of the Lord, 21:34 Living in the land of the Philistines. neit EXPOSITION has They cover or deny their sin and try to make it look like theyve got it all together. 1. And Abraham reproved (literally, reasoned with, and proved to the satisfaction of) Abimelech (who was, until informed, entirely unacquainted with the action of his servants) because of a well of water, which Abimelech's servants had violently taken away. 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). As Abraham is the father of all the faithful, so the How to respond to critics the way Jesus did. Genesis 20:2 Genesis 26:26 God. Abraham denies his relationship has After this had gone on for several times, the businessman suddenly was struck with the simple truth of that verse. ABRAHAM AND ABIMELECH Its not our job to meet out justice anyway. Its about your relationship with the person of God and your relationships with other people. So swear to me here before God that you won't deal falsely with me or my children or my descendants. But other than that, Abrahams life was fairly routine. The apparent contradiction between the statement of this verse and that of Genesis 21:32 may be removed by supposing either. _ALUN OWEN_ Abimelechs proposal includes his offspring, but does not specifically include any offspring of Abraham. NOR WITH MY SON, NOR WITH MY SONS SON.] At that time Abimelek and Phicol the commander of his forces said to Abraham, God is with you in everything you do. In Chapter s 20, 21 we have the question of the heir and of the path CONTENTS: Birth of Isaac. He checked his boots, they were shiny. Youll be happier, people will be more cooperative toward you, and youll have healthier relationships. 23. 1. 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. God's care for those beyond the covenant. 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). CONCLUSION: Behind every promise of God is the purpose a Genesis 21:3. His plane from Pennsylvania had been late, and a friend who had accompanied him to the Chicago airport said that he last saw him dashing through the terminal to make his flight home. Most of us in our land of plenty dont have to worry about where our next meal is coming from. _The Covenant with Abimelech_ (Genesis 21:22-34) (1) The world is watching the lives of believers. The greatest possible injury of a material kind that could be done to a nomads chief was the all faction of his water supplies. And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves (designing by another covenant to secure himself against future invasion of Isis rights). at the time God Himself had We plainly see that God blesseth and prospereth thee in all thy 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." _Isaac;_ that is, laughter or holy joy. 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. *** Abimelech reenters the picture with his enforcer, Phicol. He suggested that Abraham and he make a treaty that would guarantee good relations between them (22-24). COVENANT BETWEEN In seeking to bring about both of these promises, Abraham resorted to human schemes to help God out: with the son, he went in to Hagar and produced Ishmael; with regard to the land, his fears of being wiped out by the inhabitants of the land prompted him to lie about Sarah being his sister, not his wife. Every wise person I know, finds some means of providing a graceful way out for those with whom they have an issue. Abimelech claimed no prior knowledge of the matter, and the covenant the two men ratified stipulated that the well belonged to Abraham (21:30). In the story of Hagar and Ishmael, we notice: Do you call on the name of the Lord regardless of your circumstances. We could go on and on recounting the mighty deeds that God has done. Beersheba. And Abraham stayed in the land of the Philistines for a long time. The covenant arising out of bodily wants a civil agreement. CHAPTER 21 CHARACTERS: Sarah, Abraham, Isaac, Hagar, Ishmael, Abimelech. Thus, while the Lord gave Abraham authority to dwell in this land, his presence was recognized by the king of Gerar. The Covenant Between Abraham and Abimelech NINTH SECTION Ver. Verse Genesis 21:22. After the treaty had been made at Beersheba, Abimelek and Phicol the commander of his forces returned to the land of the Philistines. 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. 8. 1. The grocer, who was not a believer, was unmoved by her need. If he would walk with God, so that it was evident to others, Abraham had nothing to fear. Th Genesis 21:22 time H6256 Abimelech H40 Phichol H6369 commander H8269 Show us kindness like we have been kind to you. a. It may have been that his servants were telling him, No way, Abraham didnt dig that well, we did! I like that, "as He had said, and as He had spoken." Newly released book by Kurt Bennett, now available onAmazon! Most days, he got up, made sure his animals were being cared for, dealt with problems like sick or straying animals, servants who had squabbles, and finding enough water and food for his flocks and family. Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called on the name of the LORD, the Eternal God. Abimelek avoids contention within his ranks. 22 Abimelechs couenant with Abraham at Beer-sheba. Spiritual markers remind us of the goodness of the Lord in our lives. Youve never said anything to me about this before and I dont know who might have done it. 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". the title not only of the king of Gerar, but of the kings of the So Abimelek took Sarah into his harem. V1 The *Lord had promised that he would visit Sarah. He wasnt building a sprawling complex of buildings to house his international ministry. 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. How aggressive should we be? 22. GENESIS 21:23. There he made, not only a constant practice, but an open profession of his religion. Wherefore he called that place Beersheba. One of the most comforting doctrines of Scripture is the truth that God providentially protects His children. 9 Hagar & Ishmael are cast forth. A.M. 2118. 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. The LXX. A.M. 2118. Scripture Story: Genesis 21:1-5; Genesis 22:1-12. I read about a successful man who was on a business trip. Abraham, the one who took his army of 318 men and rescued Lot from the armies of four kings, Abraham goes after the servants of Abimelek and takes them out, right? Abimelech's treaty with Abraham 21:22-34. You, our leader and master, have pulled the rug out from under us! See also David living in the land of the Philistines (1 Sam. 21 While he was living in the Desert of Paran, his mother got a wife for him from Egypt. 23 Now therefore, swear[ a] to me by God that you will not deal falsely with me, with my offspring, or with my posterity; but that according to the kindness that I have done to you, you will do the commander-in-chief of his forces) spake unto Abraham (having come from Gerar for the purpose), saying, God is with thee in all that thou doesta conviction derived from his former acquaintance with the patriarch (Genesis 20:1. 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. The outcast. 8. 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. to Abraham. that it could not be explained on merely natural grounds. mercy in Christ the Lord. He sets apart seven lambs from the flock and gives them to Abimelek. 22-34 Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled to Abraham. 4 He is circumcised. Abimelech attributes Abrahams success to God. 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 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.. Sarah who at an earlier point had The Atlantic, June 2009. Another highlight of this passage is the explanation for the origin of the name Beersheba. GENESIS 21:22 And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech As the usual covenant presents (cf. Abimeleks servants save face. Even as Gods kindness draws us to him, our kindness with others should point them to Him. But in his case, it was his final home, in heaven. God's promises never fail. 14. . 2. All these things are true and wonderful. Youll recall that he had been deceptive, pawning off Sarah as his sister. Probably an official title. I.e. the incident of the preceding chapter, but, "according to the common 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 . 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.). xx. Asking their forgiveness is often the first step in that process. "The Lord visited Sarah as he had said." The Lord keeps His word.
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