Spiritual markers remind us of the goodness of the Lord in our lives. Separate from the sheep and oxen he gave to Abimelech, and from those that were used in making the covenant. that it could not be explained on merely natural grounds. In the story of Hagar and Ishmael, we notice: The alliance was contracted. The driver of the vehicle wasnt given a graceful way out. Its done, these two powerful men have entered into the treaty with one another. ISAAC IS BORN II. all that thou _AND IT CAME TO PASS AT THAT TIME, THAT ABIMELECH AND PHICHOL THE A believer is invincible until it is his time to go. No doubt, the king remembered their previous encounter when Abraham dealt falsely with him. He put a loaf of bread on the other side of the scale, and to his surprise, nothing happened. God is laughed with the laughter of incredulity, now laughed with the _Abimelech, king of Gerara, who knew that Abraham was a prophet, and a So Abimelek took Sarah into his harem. 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. Good men mostly desire to have the saints as friends, and even the wicked can perceive an advantage in being allied to the righteous. and poetical word. Copyright 1996, Steven J. Cole, All Rights Reserved. Sarah who at an earlier point had Genesis 21:22. This is one of the attributes of God to His people. ALL CHRISTIAN PROSPERITY IS CONSCIOUSLY IDENTIFIED WITH GOD. The question extends beyond how does God fit in with our ordinary schedules to, How does God fit in with ordinary people? After all, in the history of the church, not many of Gods people have been able to speak to packed stadiums around the world, like Billy Graham. 21:32-34 A place to call on the name of the Lord. 21:25-26 Interrupting the covenant-making ceremony, Abraham airs a grievance that he has with Abimelech related to Abimelechs servants taking possession of a well that Abraham previously dug. He sent the plagues on Egypt and parted the Red Sea. One way Abimelech knew that Abraham walked with God is that Abraham had prayed that God would heal Abimelech and his family, and God answered that prayer (20:17-18). Without even reading it, he put it on one side of his old-fashioned scale. Abimeleks servants save face. xx. Now Abraham and his descendants can dwell securely in the land. the title not only of the king of Gerar, but of the kings of the Love Like Jesus: How Jesus Loved People (and how you can love like Jesus). Abraham, thinking the herdsmen had acted on their master's orders, reproved Abimelech. captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God [is] with thee in And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech As the usual covenant presents (cf. _GOD IS WITH - The Birth of Isaac continued in the country of the Philistines for a considerable time; Th Genesis 21:22 time H6256 Abimelech H40 Phichol H6369 commander H8269 This new cop couldnt believe it. Probably an official title. Genesis 31 Genesis 32 Genesis 33 Genesis 34 Genesis 35 Genesis 36 Genesis 37 Genesis 38 Genesis 39 Genesis 40 Genesis 41 14. . Peace enjoyed. The Covenant Between Abraham and Abimelech NINTH SECTION You dont need a theological education to bear witness by your walk with God. CAME TO PASS AT THAT TIME, &C. Hence it is plain that Abraham had CONTENTS: Birth of Isaac. This Thirsty World. And both of them made a covenant. The outcast. (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. All these things are true and wonderful. So its a huge deal for someone to take over a well as Abimeleks servants did. chesed) to Abraham. had once laughed through unbelief; now being ashamed of that, she surround, enclose, and _chum_ black. Most of us in our land of plenty dont have to worry about where our next meal is coming from. That led to an obsessive seven year deep dive. Th Genesis 21:22 time H6256 Abimelech H40 Phichol H6369 commander H8269 Genre The passage is narrative. The story of how Billy Graham extended Christs extraordinary love and grace toward a man who misrepresented Jesus to millions. CHAPTER 21 )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). 23. Since were not perfect, we do one of two wrong things. CHRISTI GENESISNOTE ON GENESIS 21:22 GOD IS WITH YOU IN ALL THAT YOU DO. 45-46). I like this. The league is proposed by Abimelech, and Phichol his prime-minister of state and general of his army. Even as Gods kindness draws us to him, our kindness with others should point them to Him. DISMISSAL OF HAGAR AND ISHMAEL. Abraham called on the name of the Lord. neit EXPOSITION 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. 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. 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. (1) The world is watching the lives of believers. 2. "The great well has an internal diameter at the mouth of twelve feet six inches, or a circumference of nearly forty feet. Another wrong thing happens: An imperfect Christian concludes that he had better not say anything about his faith until he gets all his problems solved. _ALUN OWEN_ 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. 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. AndIf anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. (Matthew 5:39-41). V2 So Sarah became *pregnant. COVENANT BETWEEN trial and utter ruin of the creature, with the revelation of divine In that desert land, a well was essential for survival, both for a mans flocks and for his family. Give people youre in disagreement with a graceful way out. Ishmaels expulsion. 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 22-34 Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled reasons for holding that J is here made up of two main sources ABRAHAM AND ABIMELECH MAKE A COVENANT AT BEERSHEBA. He wouldnt have had much exciting news to report in his monthly fund-raising letter. Here God shows Abraham that not only would the people of the land not take his wife, they wouldnt even take his well. 9. He got down on his knees and wept in gratitude. He sets apart seven lambs from the flock and gives them to Abimelek. 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. Isaac would later have to clear up some matters over several wells with Abimelech (chap. . So swear to me here before God that you won't deal falsely with me or my children or my descendants. 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. It hadnt worked the two times they tried it. 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. Its not our job to meet out justice anyway. _God is with thee in all tha 1 Isaac is borne. 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. all-commanding. In an initial way, God is using Abraham to fulfill His purpose of blessing all the nations as he is blessed. 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". 34 Each of the following people made several hugesacrifices to achieve world change, and obey their conscience. Genesis 21:22-34 . @#$%^&* salary!. You many Read Genesis 21:22-34 here: Bible Gateway. Do we badmouth the boss or other workers behind their backs? His calendar wasnt full of speaking engagements. Because there they aware both of them. Asking their forgiveness is often the first step in that process. I like that, "as He had said, and as He had spoken." 7. This may grow out of the previous encounter when God spoke to Abimelech, called Abraham a prophet, and answered Abrahams prayer (for the infertility of the women in his house). Abraham was the friend of God. CHIEF CAPTAIN OF HIS HOST SPAKE UNTO ABRAHAM, SAYING, GOD IS WITH THEE Name signifies mouth of all, _i.e.,_ I like that, "as He had said, and as He had spoken." I've got that underlined that just sort of hit me. Verse Genesis 21:22. 1886. Perhaps Abimelech had heard of how God had given Abraham and Sarah a son in their old age. CHAPTER 21 ISAAC AND ISHMAEL AND THE COVENANT WITH ABIMELECH Are we honest, even in small matters? transactions recorded in the preceding chapter, or to the time of (Haydock)_ And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Yet in spite of Abrahams sins and insensitivity, Abimelech here seeks him out because he recognized God in Abrahams life! A.M. 2118. Abimelech professed to have shown kindness (Hb. IN ALL THAT THOU DOEST:_ There he planted a grove for a shade to his tent, or perhaps an orchard of fruit-trees; and there, though we cannot say he settled, for God would have him, while he lived, to be a stranger and a pilgrim, yet he sojourned many days, as many as would consist with his character, as Abraham the Hebrew, or passenger. The covenanting parties. 2 And Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age at the time of which God had spoken to him. God is Abimelech attributes Abrahams success to God. THE STORY OF ABRAHAM. Its Gods job to meet out justice. 14. The passage is narrative. @#$ %^&*^$!, Im not doin it! THE STORY OF ABRAHAM. Numbers 14:13). 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. He was simply living his daily life as the friend of God before the watching world. Now if Abraham dug the well it was his. And as a result things turned ugly. Ishmael's marriage, but most probably to the former. Abraham took the occasion of Abimelechs visit to bring up the matter of a well which Abimelechs servants had seized from Abrahams servants. all-commanding. the three main sources, J. E, P are present. Contests for wells "are now very common all over the country, but more especially in the southern deserts". 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. _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. 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). 1. But the problem is, most of us dont live in the realm of the spectacular. A few years ago Abraham told this same Abimelek that Sarah was his sister. Of _Abimelech, _ see GENESIS 20:2. And the Lord visited Sarah, as he had said, and the Lord did unto The days spent in Philistia left behind them some enlightenment. Philistines generally (Genesis 2 ISHMAEL AND ISAAC Isaac is weaned. Happy they who can do both in peace! The birth of Isaac. spokesman of all (Murphy), ruler of all (Gesenius); or "the distinguished" (Furst); believed to have been a titular designation of the Philistine monarch's grand vizier or prime minister (Lange, 'Speaker's Commentary'), who was alsothe chief captain of his host (i.e. Sometimes we think that weve got to be perfect before God can use us as a witness. Shortly after World War II, a woman went into a grocery store and asked for enough food to provide Christmas dinner for her children. 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. Abraham instituted two memorials of the important transactions, naming the well Beersheba, and planting a tamarisk beside his tent. ), 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). _Isaac;_ that is, laughter or holy joy. Read the Scripture: Genesis 21:22-34. Show us kindness like we have been kind to you. had promised to her. Because Abimelech had taken Sarah into his harem, God struck him and all his household with some illness and threatened to kill them if he didnt return Sarah to Abraham. 15 Hagar in distresse. 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. The Atlantic, June 2009. Good men should do all they can to make others so. Genesis 20:2 Genesis 26:26 God. Name signifies mouth of all, _i.e.,_ Genesis 21:22 This is the first use of everlasting (Hb. transactions recorded in the preceding chapter, or to the time of Phichol.] List one sac- When the owner asked how much she could afford, she replied, My husband was killed in the war. Abimelech has reason to be suspicious of Abraham, but recognizes Gods blessing on his life, so he wisely seeks a covenant of truth and peace between them. 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. Abraham didnt fight with Abimeleks servants. 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. I.e. See also Genesis 21:22-34 in other biblical comments: Adam Clarke Bible Commentary. This is the term used in Ex. The significance of this passage is Abraham finding a place in the land promised to him in safety. In Genesis 21:22-34, we see Abraham in a scene from his ordinary life. _mlel_ speak, an ancient and therefore solemn And yet he was used in Gods great purpose of blessing the nations through Abrahams seed, the Lord Jesus Christ. But God revealed to Abimelek the truth that Sarah is Abrahams wife. Abimelech was impressed with Abraham's growing prosperity. Now the LORD visited Sarah as he had said ( Genesis 21:1 ), I like this. NOR WITH MY SON, NOR WITH MY SONS SON.] So what does Abraham do? (22) ABIMELECH AND PHICHOL. 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? Good men should not only rectify the wrongs they do to one another, but adopt all wise precautions against their repetition. Observing what he had done, and not knowing the design of it: what mean these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set by themselves ? 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). Genesis 20:17 Genesis 26:28 College Press Bible Study Textbook Series, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible, G. Campbell Morgan's Exposition on the Whole Bible, George Haydock's Catholic Bible Commentary, Introductory Lectures - Commentary by William Kelly, John Gill's Exposition of the Whole Bible, Kretzmann's Popular Commentary of the Bible, Lange's Commentary on the Holy Scriptures, Leslie M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible, Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible, Matthew Poole's Concise Commentary On The Bible, Notes on the Pentateuch by Charles Henry Mackintosh, Sutcliffe's Commentary on the Old and New Testaments, The Preacher's Complete Homiletical Commentary, Through The Bible C2000 Serie by Chuck Smith. captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in We dont always think about it, but if the world knows that were Christians, they watch us to see if were different than everyone else. Will God forgive me for losing hope and the will to live? On Genesis, Part 6: The Blooming of Trees. Sarah A Treaty with Abimelech.