the three main sources, J. E, P are present. laughed with the laughter of incredulity, now laughed with the _Abimelech, king of Gerara, who knew that Abraham was a prophet, and a 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. transactions recorded in the preceding chapter, or to the time of Abimelech declared himself perfectly unacquainted with the wrong which had been done to Abraham, and immediately returned the well, which discovers how easily misunderstandings might be removed if, instead of harboring enmity, men would resort to friendly conference. Peace enjoyed. Sometimes we think that weve got to be perfect before God can use us as a witness. Truthfully, I have nothing to offer but a little prayer.. @#$ %^&*^$!, Im not doin it! and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken ( Genesis 21:1 ). Note the significance of the word oath (Hb. army H6635 spoke H559 (H8799) Abraham H85 saying And so it was at that time that Abimelech, and Phicol the captain 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.. 9 Hagar & Ishmael are cast forth. How much specialized training (if any) do Christians need to be effective witnesses for Christ? Abraham instituted two memorials of the important transactions, naming the well Beersheba, and planting a tamarisk beside his tent. The significance of the presence of Phichol at the ceremony indicates Abimelechs promise not to pursue military action against Abraham. 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. Ishmael mocking (Genesis 22:9) CAME TO PASS AT THAT TIME, &C. Hence it is plain that Abraham had Wells of water are scarce and . Wherever we sojourn, we must neither neglect nor be ashamed of the worship of Jehovah. Abraham gets his well back. God also took care of Hagar and Ishmael, remembering His promise to greatly multiply their descendants (see Birth of Isaac ). . Its our job to love God and to love people. So why, after he already gave Abimelek flocks of sheep and cattle, did Abraham give him seven lambs as a witness that Abraham dug the well? Abraham called on the name of the Lord. 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. Genesis 20:2 Genesis 26:26 God. II. DISMISSAL OF HAGAR AND ISHMAEL. 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. Genesis 21:22-34 - DRB - And it came to pass at that t On Genesis, Part 6: The Blooming of Trees | Christogenea.org Ver. _ALUN OWEN_ None ever waited in vain. Hagar and Ishmael sent away. Hagar in distress. 2. Heres a bag. So instead of fighting Abimelek or insisting on Abimelek giving back control of the well, Abraham provides a graceful way out. His circumcision (Genesis 22:4)_ 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. GENESIS 21:22 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. In Chapter s 20, 21 we have the question of the heir and of the path ABRAHAM AND ABIMELECH Sarah's demand GENESIS 12:1 TO GENESIS 25:18. _The birth of Isaac. Verse Genesis 21:22. So they conclude that Christians are hypocrites, and they fail to see God in our lives. Arab Ishmael is the father of all our outcasts. The next thing that happened was that the new cop pulled him through the window, arrested him, and took him down town to HQ. How Jesus guarded his heart by taking care of himselfhe even nappedand why you should do the same. And the LORD visited Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah as He had spoken. It also signified a tranquil, settled life, under Gods providential care. _GOD IS WITH - The Birth of Isaac ALL CHRISTIAN PROSPERITY IS ALSO CONSCIOUSLY IDENTIFIED WITH 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. 6 Sarahs ioy. The trouble is, people can see that it isnt true. 4. I read about a successful man who was on a business trip. ), 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). Daily Devotion: This Thirsty World (Gen 21:22-34) - RayStedman.org The tree sealed the site of the oath. had promised to her. undertakings. neit EXPOSITION So swear to me here before God that you won't deal falsely with me or my children or my descendants. and poetical word. _The Covenant with Abimelech_ (Genesis 21:22-34) 22 Abimelechs couenant with Abraham at Beer-sheba. Sarah who at an earlier point had And alls well. neit Now the LORD visited Sarah as he had said (Genesis 21:1), Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called upon the name of the LORD, the Eternal God. How Jesus didnt love everyone the same (and why you shouldnt either). Genesis 21:22-34 | Preaching Source 22. Genesis 21 Commentary - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Abraham at From 1977-1992 he was the pastor of Lake Gregory Community Church in Crestline, California. Abimelek avoids contention within his ranks. _mlel_ speak, an ancient and therefore solemn On the flight that crashed was a godly pastor from Southern California. surround, enclose, and _chum_ black. Your neighbor may have a Ph.D. and you may be a blue collar worker. 14. . He checked his uniform, it looked good. that it could not be explained on merely natural grounds. He is not far from every one of us. Genesis 21 1. 8. Genesis 20:2 Genesis 26:26 God. Because of the cops statement that I wont ask you again! this situation is destined to go sideways. 22. Show us kindness like we have been kind to you. favourite of God, chap. What makes us happy? _Isaac;_ that is, laughter or holy joy. Genesis 21 This chapter deals with three different topics. The league is proposed by Abimelech, and Phichol his prime-minister of state and general of his army. Isaac is born, and circumcised. CHAPTER 21 ISAAC AND ISHMAEL AND THE COVENANT WITH ABIMELECH He wasnt perfect, but he had reality with God and Gods gracious hand was on him. a. In Chapter s 20, 21 we have the question of the heir and of the path Cyril Barber on Morris' The Genesis Record : a Scientific and Devotional Commentary (It can be borrowed) - Valuable as corollary reading. Abimeleks servants save face. Abimelech and Phichol. Do you call on the name of the Lord regardless of your circumstances. When you come to a passage like this in the Bible, the question is, Why did God include this in sacred Scripture? Genesis 21:22-34 New International Version The Treaty at Beersheba 22 At that time Abimelek and Phicol the commander of his forces said to Abraham, "God is with you in everything you do. Weaned] in his second or third year, as is usual among Orientals. GODS ANCIENT PEOPLE Perhaps Abimelech had heard of how God had given Abraham and Sarah a son in their old age. God promised that His covenant with Abraham would be an everlasting covenant; Abraham recognized God as everlasting., This foreshadows future encounters between the Israelites and the Philistines. Abimelech was impressed with Abraham's growing prosperity. _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. (Haydock)_ And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to It shows how God faithfully provided all that Abraham needed apart from Abrahams schemes. Will God forgive me for losing hope and the will to live? 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. 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. Luke 6:21. 34 Each of the following people made several hugesacrifices to achieve world change, and obey their conscience. Spiritual markers remind us of the goodness of the Lord in our lives. 1886. He was, to put it gently, directed to find a way to verbally persuade subjects to cooperate. *** Abimelech reenters the picture with his enforcer, Phicol. I. Another highlight of this passage is the explanation for the origin of the name Beersheba. 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. Gunkel has given strong @#$%^&* salary!. CRITICAL NOTES. 1. But what Im saying is that sinlessness isnt the requirement to bear witness for Christ. He was simply living his daily life as the friend of God before the watching world. THE STORY OF ABRAHAM. _mlel_ speak, an ancient and therefore solemn The Treaty at Beersheba, Genesis 21:22-34 | kdmanestreet Newly released book by Kurt Bennett, now available onAmazon! 22 At that time Abimelek and Phicol the commander of his forces said to Abraham, "God is with you in everything you do. Abimelech and Abraham, or ancient covenanters. What for you is the most threatening aspect about telling someone about Christ. It hadnt worked the two times they tried it. So its a huge deal for someone to take over a well as Abimeleks servants did. NOR WITH MY SON, NOR WITH MY SONS SON.] The inducement to it was God's favour to Abraham (Gen. 21:22): ?God is with thee in all that thou doest, read more, Observe, 1. Genesis Commentaries & Sermons | Precept Austin What does Genesis chapter 21 mean? | BibleRef.com Wells of water are scarce and valuable in eastern countries. And Abraham stayed in the land of the Philistines for a long time. If he would walk with God, so that it was evident to others, Abraham had nothing to fear. (22) ABIMELECH AND PHICHOL. And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God. the title not only of the king of Gerar, but of the kings of the The prince rather complains that Abraham had done him an injustice. The alliance was contracted. Now the grace of God bears its most important fruit in the history of 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. When we give thanks at the dinner table, we need to be truly thankful, and not just mumbling a ritual prayer before we say, Please pass the potatoes. God faithfully provides for our protection and for our provision. And Abraham said, I will swear. 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 21:33. Now therefore swear to me here by God that you will not de Genesis 21 After the treaty had been made at Beersheba, Abimelek and Phicol the commander of his forces returned to the land of the Philistines. could sing with Mary, My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spi God is with thee in all that thou doest ), his knowledge of Isaac's birth, and his general observation of the patriarch's prosperity. 23 Now swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or my descendants. Abraham decided to take a different approach. So we never bear witness for Jesus Christ, which is precisely what Satan wants. Some try to convey that they are perfect. Abimelech's covenant with Abraham at Beersheba. 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. Even as Gods kindness draws us to him, our kindness with others should point them to Him. Most of Gods people have been simple, ordinary folks who are not famous or politically powerful. Probably from JE. Abraham denies his relationship 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. You many Read Genesis 21:22-34 here: Bible Gateway. This passage chronicles a covenant between Abraham and Abimelech. IN ALL THAT THOU DOEST:_ CHRISTIAN PROSPERITY Peace commemorated. Probably an official title. he understood what the sheep and oxen were for, that they were presents to him, at least some of them, and the rest were for the solemnizing and ratifying the covenant between them; but what these were for he could not devise. fear Here is old Abraham just planting a tree and living by his well. Q. He spoke and the universe was created. God burned the words into his heart and gave him the faith to believe. It is wise to connect ourselves with those who are blessed Yet in spite of Abrahams sins and insensitivity, Abimelech here seeks him out because he recognized God in Abrahams life! And Abimelech said, I wet not who hath done this thing. THE FOLLOWING COMMENTARY COVERS CHAPTER S 20 AND 21. The herdsmen of the king had appropriated Abraham's well. Sarah's joy. "The great well has an internal diameter at the mouth of twelve feet six inches, or a circumference of nearly forty feet. Bondwoman and her son cast out. The man whos been thoroughly analyzing these files for the last 44 years is Dr. George Valliant. No doubt, the king remembered their previous encounter when Abraham dealt falsely with him. So the treaty is solidified. all that thou doest: In this section 4. Asking their forgiveness is often the first step in that process. 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. 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. Yesterday (at the time of this writing) I participated in a class that teaches you how to communicate with people on the street in a way that encourages cooperation and avoids the need for physical force. Here we have accomplished promise the blessed He sets apart seven lambs from the flock and gives them to Abimelek. THE STORY OF ABRAHAM. The birth of Isaac. (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. 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. Arise We have had hitherto God's account of that which He had made; then the _The Covenant with Abimelech_ (Genesis 21:22-34) Separate from the sheep and oxen he gave to Abimelech, and from those that were used in making the covenant. Another highlight of this passage is the explanation for the origin of the name Beersheba. 22 At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army said to Abraham, "God is with you in all that you do. Arise We have had hitherto God's account of that which He had made; then the How can we turn everyday situations into opportunities for telling others about Christ? Now if Abraham dug the well it was his. The shaft is formed of excellent masonry to a great depth until it reaches the rock, and at this juncture a spring trickles perpetually. all that thou doest: The LORD visited Sarah as He had said: It took a long time (25 years) for this promise to come to pass, but God was faithful to His promise. 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. God also took care of Hagar and Ishmael, remembering His promise to greatly multiply their descendants (see Birth of Isaac ). The grocer, who was not a believer, was unmoved by her need. 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. So what does Abraham do? (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. He sarcastically said, Write your prayer on a piece of paper and you can have its weight in groceries. To his surprise, she pulled a folded note out of her pocket and handed it to him. One of Abrahams deeply rooted fears when God called him to leave his homeland and go to the land of Canaan was that the people of the land would see his wife and kill him in order to take her. Abraham uses the occasion to complain to Abimelech about a well which his men have taken from Abrahams servants. you do. 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 Abimelech was impressed with Abraham's growing prosperity. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. THE FOLLOWING COMMENTARY COVERS CHAPTER S 20 AND 21. 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 neighborhood of Beersheba, the revelation of Jehovah, the little company of believers. _God is with thee in all tha 1 Isaac is borne. The public ceremonial. CHARACTERS: Sarah, Abraham, Isaac, Hagar, Ishmael, Abimelech. But thats not fair! You might be saying. And Abraham replies, These seven lambs are a witness that I dug the well that your servants seized. He provided manna in the wilderness and brought water from a rock. Abimelech. CONCLUSION: Behind every promise of God is the purpose a Genesis 21:3. In the Grant Study, 268 Harvard graduates (including John F. Kennedy by the way. Specific examples of how Jesus communicated Gods love to others. 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). 23 Now therefore swear to me here by God that you will not deal falsely with me or with my descendants or with my posterity, but as I have dealt kindly with you, so you will deal with me and with the . 20:16 in the command not to bear false witness against ones neighbor. fruit of patient waiting upon God. 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. 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. THE PROMISE FULFILLED IN ISAAC Wheres the balance between taking measures for our own safety versus trusting God to protect us? Here God shows Abraham that not only would the people of the land not take his wife, they wouldnt even take his well. captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God [is] with thee in As David wrote, all our days were written in Gods book before we even were born (Ps. 17. Isaac's birth (Genesis 22:1) 2. The proposal was reasonable, and agreed to [Ge 21:24]. favourite of God, chap. 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. Are we honest, even in small matters? The impelling motives. CHAPTER 21 ISAAC AND ISHMAEL AND THE COVENANT WITH ABIMELECH A.M. 2118. Peace established, Abimelech and Phichol, having accomplished their mission, returned to Philistia. all that thou _AND IT CAME TO PASS AT THAT TIME, THAT ABIMELECH AND PHICHOL THE Abraham took care to have his title to the well allowed, to prevent disputes in future. 3. Hes lying! God is Do others see the hand of God on your life? 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. 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. Abraham, thinking the herdsmen had acted on their master's orders, reproved Abimelech. Good men should not only rectify the wrongs they do to one another, but adopt all wise precautions against their repetition. Are we cheerful and pleasant, even when were mistreated, or do we grumble and complain like everyone else? What modern monarchs mostly desire at the close of exhausting campaigns is here sought before campaigns begin. the incident of the preceding chapter, but, "according to the common Read Genesis 21:22-34 Ripped Off 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. This blessing would come through Abrahams descendant, the Lord Jesus Christ. Genre The passage is narrative. The name, Beersheba seems to play on them both. with thee in all that At last in God's 'Set time," and in spite of all natural difficulties, But what about Abraham? Ishmaels expulsion. with his wi AND IT CAME TO PASS AT THAT TIME,. Not when Ishmael was grown up And they didnt have backhoes or drilling rigs in those days. 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. Why did the woman have the prayer already written before he asked for it? When the owner asked how much she could afford, she replied, My husband was killed in the war. 15. Wells of water are scarce and valuable in eastern countries. It is a beautiful illustration of how God faithfully provides everything we need for life and godliness so that we can fulfill His purpose. Related Commentaries of Genesis 21:22. 4 He is circumcised. CHAPTER 21 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. 14. The contemplated object. not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is. You dont need a theological education to bear witness by your walk with God. 1. The Lords whole thing boils down to that. See also Genesis 21:22-34 in other biblical comments: Adam Clarke Bible Commentary. Vs.1-7 The birth of Isaac. mercy in Christ the Lord. Genesis 21:1; Genesis 22:1 Why are we told this? I dont have to give you my license and registration., Listen you ! Then Abraham does something unexpected. 4. Every wise person I know, finds some means of providing a graceful way out for those with whom they have an issue. . 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. has DISMISSAL OF HAGAR AND ISHMAEL. And as a result things turned ugly. As the years passed, he often wondered if it was just a coincidence. Now therefore swear to me here by God that you will not de Genesis 21 33:18-19). A few years ago Abraham told this same Abimelek that Sarah was his sister. I like this. This second conflict with Abimelech creates a bracket around the Isaac birth narrative. Abraham called on the name of the everlasting God. _The birth of Isaac. 21 He lived in the wilderness of Paran, and his mother took a wife for him from the land of Egypt. Only before concluding the agreement there was a matter of a more personal character that required settlement. The oath a testimony to God where reverently made. Probably from JE. He added some more items, but to his consternation, still nothing happened. God is V1 The *Lord had promised that he would visit Sarah. A son was ABIMELECHS COVENANT WITH ABRAHAM. Abimelech, however, was still wary of Abraham and fearful of the God whom Abraham worshipped. How Jesus loved his betrayer Judas, even to the very end. AndIf anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. (Matthew 5:39-41). 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. We are secure in His providential care. 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. the long-promised son was born. Which things are an. This Thirsty World. 4 He is circumcised. We could go on and on recounting the mighty deeds that God has done. The Covenant Between Abraham and Abimelech NINTH SECTION 22. This is the first use of everlasting (Hb. And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech As the usual covenant presents (cf. The man was educated and he articulately expressed his objections. 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. Category: Sermon StructureTags: Genesis, Genesis 21, Old Testament Narrative, Home | Admissions | Academics | Campus Life | Alumni, All content copyright 2023 Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Sometimes we may wonder, How does God fit in with the ordinary?. the long-promised son was born. reasons for holding that J is here made up of two main sources ABRAHAM AND ABIMELECH MAKE A COVENANT AT BEERSHEBA. The Atlantic, June 2009. This is even more significant when you realize that Abraham wasnt doing anything spectacular. It records the conversation between Abraham and Abimelech and their mutual promise of kindness to each other. This event is not recorded in Scripture. 1 Kings 15:19; Isaiah 30:6; Isaiah 39:1). Do you see what happened here? 15 Hagar in distresse. It seems to me that the answer is, It shows the faithfulness of God in the ordinary. In like manner Phichol, mouth of all, seems to have been the official designation of the prime minister, and commander-in-chief. captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God [is] with thee in