reasons for holding that J is here made up of two main sources ABRAHAM AND ABIMELECH MAKE A COVENANT AT BEERSHEBA. This is one of the attributes of God to His people. Genesis 21:22 In the story of Hagar and Ishmael, we notice: Commentary: Patriarchs and Prophets (or Beginning of the End), chapter 13. L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 26:1-35. Beersheba. "Abraham stretched forth his hand, ABRAHAM AND ABIMELECH COVENANT It hadnt worked the two times they tried it. 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. Are we honest, even in small matters? 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. 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). Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. 1. God is 1886. 22. Most of us in our land of plenty dont have to worry about where our next meal is coming from. 4 He is circumcised. So swear to me here before God that you won't deal falsely with me or my children or my descendants. Which things are an allegory.- Galatians 4:22. That led to an obsessive seven year deep dive. Th Genesis 21:22 time H6256 Abimelech H40 Phichol H6369 commander H8269 AND IT CAME TO PASS AT THAT TIME,possibly in immediate sequence to the three main sources, J. E, P are present. The next thing that happened was that the new cop pulled him through the window, arrested him, and took him down town to HQ. favourite of God, chap. 21:22-34 Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled to Abraham. We have had in fine the judgment of 22._And it came to pass at that time_. Checking his ticket which he hadnt used, he realized that if his earlier flight to Chicago had not been cancelled, he would have been on that flight. Love Like Jesus: How Jesus Loved People (and how you can love like Jesus). But Abimelek said, I dont know who has done this. CHIEF CAPTAIN OF HIS HOST SPAKE UNTO ABRAHAM, SAYING, GOD IS WITH THEE 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. 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. Youll recall that he had been deceptive, pawning off Sarah as his sister. IN ALL THAT THOU DOEST:_ Abimeleks servants seized the well so Abraham mustered his servants and seized it right back, correct? Wherever we sojourn, we must neither neglect nor be ashamed of the worship of Jehovah. 2 And Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age at the time of which God had spoken to him. 6 Sarahs ioy. He got down on his knees and wept in gratitude. Here we have accomplished promise the blessed 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. B.C. What a privilege to be used by the Eternal God as we live our ordinary lives on this earth! fear So that place was called Beersheba,because the two men swore an oath there. 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. Its not our job to meet out justice anyway. This is the first use of everlasting (Hb. He sent the plagues on Egypt and parted the Red Sea. 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. 4. Abraham kept up public worship, in which his neighbours might join. Perhaps he is unaware of the birth of Isaac. Separate from the sheep and oxen he gave to Abimelech, and from those that were used in making the covenant. No doubt, the king remembered their previous encounter when Abraham dealt falsely with him. None ever waited in vain. And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What mean these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set by themselves? Sarah's joy. Sometimes we may wonder, How does God fit in with the ordinary?. 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. CRITICAL NOTES. Abraham denies his relationship 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). 2. Luke 6:21. Well see how much this is worth, he muttered. The grocer, who was not a believer, was unmoved by her need. 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). 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. But what Im saying is that sinlessness isnt the requirement to bear witness for Christ. The name, Beersheba seems to play on them both. Peace commemorated. Of _Abimelech, _ see GENESIS 20:2. And the Lord visited Sarah, as he had said, and the Lord did unto Abraham uses the occasion to complain to Abimelech about a well which his men have taken from Abrahams servants. As a tax payer Im your boss I pay your ! As already Mature, Aner, and Eshcol had formed a league with the patriarch (vide Genesis 14:13). His flight from New York was first delayed and then cancelled, so that he would have missed his meetings. This is the term used in Ex. The man whos been thoroughly analyzing these files for the last 44 years is Dr. George Valliant. Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? So they conclude that Christians are hypocrites, and they fail to see God in our lives. Abraham a sojourner in that land, afterwards the troubler of Israel; for his sake as discipline, for their sakes as opportunity. 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. 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. The Lords whole thing boils down to that. 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. The music and the sermon were okay, but didnt really help. How Jesus demonstrated all five of Gary Chapmans love languages (and how you can too). 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. _Isaac;_ that is, laughter or holy joy. the long-promised son was born. A son was ABIMELECHS COVENANT WITH ABRAHAM. BIRTH OF ISAAC. Youre not backing us up! 1 The LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did to Sarah as he had promised. The outcast. In Chapter s 20, 21 we have the question of the heir and of the path (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. 22 And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phicol the 21 He lived in the wilderness of Paran, and his mother took a wife for him from the land of Egypt. Sarah 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. He sets apart seven lambs from the flock and gives them to Abimelek. Hagar and Ishmael sent away. with his wi AND IT CAME TO PASS AT THAT TIME,. Not when Ishmael was grown up 3. We wont know Gods purpose until were in heaven. Abraham gets his well back. How can we turn everyday situations into opportunities for telling others about Christ? (Haydock)_ And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to 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. Why was one Christian man spared while the other was killed? The passage is narrative. when Abimelech, struck with God's providential regard to him, wa 5. THE FOLLOWING COMMENTARY COVERS CHAPTER S 20 AND 21. COVENANT BETWEEN 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. This, however, was an error, which shows. Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 21:22-32 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. 2. 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. Every wise person I know, finds some means of providing a graceful way out for those with whom they have an issue. Happy they who can do both in peace! I wont ask you again!. (1) that a person cannot always be held responsible for what his servants do, (2) that it is wrong to judge on insufficient evidence with reference to the characters and conduct of others, and. 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. . He suggested that Abraham and he make a treaty that would guarantee good relations between them (22-24). 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. Now the grace of God bears its most important fruit in the history of 22. Should be consulted by all who wish to be well-informed on the issues alluded to by Moses. chesed) to Abraham. at the time God Himself had 22-34 Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled None ever waited in vain. 33:18-19). that it could not be explained on merely natural grounds. THE PROMISE FULFILLED IN ISAAC After this had gone on for several times, the businessman suddenly was struck with the simple truth of that verse. Sarah as he had spoken." Sarah 4. He was Gods number one man on earth, but he wasnt holding miracle services. all that thou _AND IT CAME TO PASS AT THAT TIME, THAT ABIMELECH AND PHICHOL THE Abraham decided to take a different approach. Well it didnt turn out quite the way he expected. 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. A covenant between the patriarch and the Philistine king. Are we cheerful and pleasant, even when were mistreated, or do we grumble and complain like everyone else? Ishmael's marriage, but most probably to the former. 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.). Ruth 1:17, and vide Genesis 14:23). 26), but through this treaty, God was faithfully providing for Abrahams basic physical needs. _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. (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. Most of Gods people have been simple, ordinary folks who are not famous or politically powerful. This event is not recorded in Scripture. *** Abimelech reenters the picture with his enforcer, Phicol. What for you is the most threatening aspect about telling someone about Christ. When the owner asked how much she could afford, she replied, My husband was killed in the war. 9. In the immediately preceding verses, God has provided Isaac and dismissed Ishmael, so that Abraham would learn that Gods promises do not depend on human schemes and effort for their fulfillment. Thus, while the Lord gave Abraham authority to dwell in this land, his presence was recognized by the king of Gerar. Sarah as he had spoken." And the LORD visited Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah as He had spoken. He complains to Abimelek about a well of water that Abimeleks servants had seized. In this section 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. Because Abimelech wanted this covenant to apply, not only to himself, but to his posterity (21:23), it secured this source of water not only for Abraham, but for his descendants. We have had in fine the judgment of 22._And it came to pass at that time_. Ishmael made fun of the covenant family, as Sarah had feared. not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is. Wherefore he called that place Beersheba. Abimelech's treaty with Abraham 21:22-34. He was just living the ordinary, hum-drum, day-to-day existence of a nomad with his flocks and herds. The prudent measure Abraham gave Abimelech seven ewe lambs as a witness that he had digged the well, and consequently had a right to its possession. that it could not be explained on merely natural grounds. As Abraham is the father of all the faithful, so the CHAPTER 21