THE STORY OF ABRAHAM. He checked his police cruiser, it looked good, the light bar was on. 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. 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. 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. 27:7). 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. Specific examples of how Jesus communicated Gods love to others. I like that, "as He had said, and as He had spoken." I've got that underlined that just sort of hit me. Genesis 21:22-34 NIV - The Treaty at Beersheba - Bible Gateway The angel relieves and comforts her. This blessing would come through Abrahams descendant, the Lord Jesus Christ. Sarah as he had spoken." CONTENTS: Birth of Isaac. Here he is in this situation where he dug a well, a large investment in that area at that time. Genesis 21:22 Without even reading it, he put it on one side of his old-fashioned scale. The oath a testimony to God where reverently made. Arise We have had hitherto God's account of that which He had made; then the Abimeleks servants seized the well so Abraham mustered his servants and seized it right back, correct? "'Do not lay a hand on the boy,' he said. Genesis 21:22-34 | Preaching Source So if Abimelek gives the well back to Abraham, Abimeleks servants might react, You believe that foreigner over us? surround, enclose, and _chum_ black. Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible - The Birth of Isaac 7. Abimelechs proposal includes his offspring, but does not specifically include any offspring of Abraham. Weaned] in his second or third year, as is usual among Orientals. GODS ANCIENT PEOPLE And alls well. CHRISTIAN PROSPERITY No doubt, the king remembered their previous encounter when Abraham dealt falsely with him. The significance of the presence of Phichol at the ceremony indicates Abimelechs promise not to pursue military action against Abraham. of faith in another point of view. How Jesus didnt love everyone the same (and why you shouldnt either). 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. As already Mature, Aner, and Eshcol had formed a league with the patriarch (vide Genesis 14:13). Well see how much this is worth, he muttered. How aggressive should we be? fear The covenant arising out of bodily wants a civil agreement. Genesis 21:22-34 In-Context. Sensible of the many favours he had received from Abimelech in times past, and was still indulged with, he very readily agreed to his proposal; and the rather, as he knew by the vision between the pieces, that it would be four hundred years before his posterity should be put into the possession of the land of Canaan; and therefore could take an oath that neither he, nor his son, nor his grandson, should be injured or dispossessed. A Beersheba in a heathen land. I heard a story about a new police officer who, on his first day on the job, caught someone speeding. 5. Luke 6:21. Verse Genesis 21:22. Do you call on the name of the Lord regardless of your circumstances. THE FOLLOWING COMMENTARY COVERS CHAPTER S 20 AND 21. 15. I.e. "Abraham stretched forth his hand, ABRAHAM AND ABIMELECH COVENANT But other than that, Abrahams life was fairly routine. laughed with the laughter of incredulity, now laughed with the _Abimelech, king of Gerara, who knew that Abraham was a prophet, and a Philistines generally (Genesis 2 ISHMAEL AND ISAAC I dont have to give you my license and registration., Listen you ! Because there they aware both of them. Genesis 21:22 - Verse-by-Verse Bible Commentary - StudyLight.org That led to an obsessive seven year deep dive. Abraham. The grocer later discovered that the scale was out of order. His friendship is valued, is courted, though a stranger, though a tenant at will to the Canaanites and Perizzites. 9. 8. On Genesis, Part 6: The Blooming of Trees. ), his knowledge of Isaac's birth, and his general observation of the patriarch's prosperity. Abraham gets his well back. Most of Gods people have been simple, ordinary folks who are not famous or politically powerful. Subscribe | RSS | Privacy Disclaimer. Abimelech, that is _Father-King,_ was Bondwoman and her son cast out. CHIEF CAPTAIN OF HIS HOST SPAKE UNTO ABRAHAM, SAYING, GOD IS WITH THEE Give people youre in disagreement with a graceful way out. He rained down fire and brimstone to destroy wicked Sodom. That word sounds very much like the Hebrew word for seven (sheva) used in 21:28, 29, and 30. 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. (1) The world is watching the lives of believers. List one sac- 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. Didnt Jesus tell us If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. Abraham at Genesis 20:2 Genesis 26:26 God. 7. _God is with thee in all tha 1 Isaac is borne. 1. 1. BIRTH OF ISAAC. And yet he was used in Gods great purpose of blessing the nations through Abrahams seed, the Lord Jesus Christ. As you think about Abrahams life, you realize that he was a fairly ordinary man, except that he was a man of extraordinary faith and obedience to God. 6 Sarahs ioy. Genesis 31 Genesis 32 Genesis 33 Genesis 34 Genesis 35 Genesis 36 Genesis 37 Genesis 38 Genesis 39 Genesis 40 Genesis 41 Wells of water are scarce and valuable in eastern countries. 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. The Covenant Between Abraham and Abimelech NINTH SECTION As Abraham is the father of all the faithful, so the GENESIS 21:23. All these things are true and wonderful. 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. Genesis 20:2 Genesis 26:26 God. And Abimelech said, I wet not who hath done this thing. Related Commentaries of Genesis 21:22. A son was ABIMELECHS COVENANT WITH ABRAHAM. Are we honest, even in small matters? 4 He is circumcised. 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. Wherefore he called that place Beersheba. 4. Weaned] in his second or third year, as is usual among Orientals. GODS ANCIENT PEOPLE God is Of _Abimelech, _ see GENESIS 20:2. And the Lord visited Sarah, as he had said, and the Lord did unto God's care for those beyond the covenant. Name signifies mouth of all, _i.e.,_ 21:32-34 A place to call on the name of the Lord. The most comprehensive longitudinal study in history is a research project called the Grant Study. In the story of Hagar and Ishmael, we notice: 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. (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. ISAAC IS BORN Abimelech attributes Abrahams success to God. 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). 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.). He was, to put it gently, directed to find a way to verbally persuade subjects to cooperate. He wasnt a TV evangelist. 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. 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. This new cop couldnt believe it. None ever waited in vain. 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. Sarah, at the unlikely age of 90 years, gives birth to Isaac, It may have been that his servants were telling him, No way, Abraham didnt dig that well, we did! Q. None ever waited in vain. 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. Probably from JE. But He doesnt just provide for our needs so that we can live comfy lives for our own happiness. 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. Happy they who can do both in peace! If he would walk with God, so that it was evident to others, Abraham had nothing to fear. 9 Hagar & Ishmael are cast forth. 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". 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. favourite of God, chap. Throughout Abrahams story run two great promises which God made to Abraham: a son, through whom Abraham would become a great nation, and through whose descendants all the nations would be blessed; and, the land of Canaan, where his descendants would live. Genesis 21:22-34 NKJV - A Covenant with Abimelech - Bible Gateway fruit of patient waiting upon God. In this section So Abimelek took Sarah into his harem. has THAT ABIMELECH, AND PHICHOL, THE CHIEF CAPTAIN OF HIS HOST, SPAKE And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief But what Im saying is that sinlessness isnt the requirement to bear witness for Christ. And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What mean these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set by themselves? and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken ( Genesis 21:1 ). He wasnt building a sprawling complex of buildings to house his international ministry. Youll have to put these things in yourself. With a tearful thank you, the woman took her groceries and left. Abimelech, that is _Father-King,_ was CHAPTER 21 ISAAC AND ISHMAEL AND THE COVENANT WITH ABIMELECH Heres a bag. Genesis 21 Commentary - Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the b. Genesis 21:22. I already did that during the night while I was watching over my sick child, she replied. Only before concluding the agreement there was a matter of a more personal character that required settlement. V2 So Sarah became *pregnant. Gen. 21:22-34 Locate the passage This passage chronicles a covenant between Abraham and Abimelech. _ 1. 3. It is wise to connect ourselves with those who are blessed Do others see the hand of God on your life? could sing with Mary, My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spi God is with thee in all that thou doest Sometimes when you read the Bible, you get the feeling that God majors in the spectacular. Abimelech could sense that in spite of Abrahams previous failure in the incident with Sarah, he was a man who walked with God. _ALUN OWEN_ Abraham kept up public worship, in which his neighbours might join. - Genesis 21:22-23 Review After waiting years, God blessed Abraham and Sarah with their promised baby, Isaac. Do we badmouth the boss or other workers behind their backs? In Genesis 21:22-34, we see Abraham in a scene from his ordinary life. So Abraham, to demonstrate his commitment to the treaty and to demonstrate his good will toward Abimelek, brings to Abimelek sheep and cattle. 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. II. 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. NOR WITH MY SON, NOR WITH MY SONS SON.] The tree sealed the site of the oath. He did what he ; Psalms 34, tit.). Why was one Christian man spared while the other was killed? Genesis 21 - Commentary by Rev. John Schultz - Bible Commentaries 6 Sarahs ioy. GENESIS 21:23. He spoke and the universe was created. _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. Abraham was the friend of God. 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. For these promises to be fulfilled, God had to provide Abraham with a son, which He did in an extraordinary way in the birth of Isaac. So they conclude that Christians are hypocrites, and they fail to see God in our lives. Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? Genesis 21:22-34 - Matthew Henry Commentary on the Bible ABRAHAM AND ABIMELECH had once laughed through unbelief; now being ashamed of that, she A.M. 2118. 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. 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. And, God provides for his need for water through this well. transactions recorded in the preceding chapter, or to the time of Genesis 21:34 Commentaries: And Abraham sojourned in the land of the with his wi AND IT CAME TO PASS AT THAT TIME,. Not when Ishmael was grown up The apparent contradiction between the statement of this verse and that of Genesis 21:32 may be removed by supposing either. What for you is the most threatening aspect about telling someone about Christ. and poetical word. His friendship is valued, is courted, though a stranger, though a tenant at will to the Canaanites and Perizzites. Now Abraham and his descendants can dwell securely in the land. Should be consulted by all who wish to be well-informed on the issues alluded to by Moses. What makes us happy? Youll be happier, people will be more cooperative toward you, and youll have healthier relationships. Copyright 1996, Steven J. Cole, All Rights Reserved. when Abimelech, struck with God's providential regard to him, wa 5. What does Genesis chapter 21 mean? | BibleRef.com Perhaps he is unaware of the birth of Isaac. Genesis Commentary - Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Concise) 15 Hagar in distresse. has COVENANT BETWEEN 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. 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.. 1. Inductive Bible Study Genesis 21 - Study and Obey the title not only of the king of Gerar, but of the kings of the But what about Abraham? _The birth of Isaac. The neighborhood of Beersheba, the revelation of Jehovah, the little company of believers. Abimelech protests that he is unaware of the situation regarding the disputed well and suggests that Abraham bears some of the blame for not telling him of the situation. 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). and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken (Genesis 21:1). So what does Abraham do? Its Gods job to meet out justice. CONCLUSION: Behind every promise of God is the purpose a Genesis 21:3. 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. _ALUN OWEN_ So its a huge deal for someone to take over a well as Abimeleks servants did. Peace enjoyed. Abraham. The alliance was contracted. 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. As the years passed, he often wondered if it was just a coincidence. olam) as a name for the Lord, This is the word used on the covenant with Abraham (13:15; 17: 7, 8, 13, 19). II. 2. had promised to her. CHIEF CAPTAIN OF HIS HOST SPAKE UNTO ABRAHAM, SAYING, GOD IS WITH THEE Another highlight of this passage is the explanation for the origin of the name Beersheba. (1) God fulfills His promise to Abraham and Sarah. He wouldnt have had much exciting news to report in his monthly fund-raising letter. ISAAC IS BORN He lived in the desert and became an archer. 1 Kings 15:19; Isaiah 30:6; Isaiah 39:1). The Treaty at Beersheba, Genesis 21:22-34 | kdmanestreet 3. _The birth of Isaac. Truthfully, I have nothing to offer but a little prayer.. Isaac's birth (Genesis 22:1) 2. Abimelech was impressed with Abraham's growing prosperity. His circumcision (Genesis 22:4)_ and married, but when Isaac was weaned and Ishmael was expelled: 14. 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. Gunkel has given strong The Lords whole thing boils down to that. Th Genesis 21:22 time H6256 Abimelech H40 Phichol H6369 commander H8269 He is not far from every one of us. Genesis 21 Commentary - King James Version Online Ed, Issue 46, Winter 2023. They formalize the peace agreement, Abimelech leaves, Abraham plants a commemorative tree, worships the Lord, and life goes on. Luke 6:21. 22 At that time Abimelek and Phicol the commander of his forces said to Abraham, "God is with you in everything you do. 3. xx. Wheres the balance between taking measures for our own safety versus trusting God to protect us? 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. In this way he demonstrated that Isaac was heir to God's covenant promises (21:1-7; cf. the three main sources, J. E, P are present. all-commanding. Hagar and Ishmael sent away. EXPOSITION. Why did the woman have the prayer already written before he asked for it? But in his case, it was his final home, in heaven. 21:22-34 Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled to Abraham. the three main sources, J. E, P are present. NOR WITH MY SON, NOR WITH MY SONS SON.] _Isaac;_ that is, laughter or holy joy. And he said, For these seven ewe lambs shalt thou take of my hand, that they may be a witness unto me,that this peculiar kind of oath never occurs again in Old Testament history is no proof of the mythical character of the narrative (Bohlen); on the contrary, "that the custom existed in primitive Hebrew times is shown by the word , which had early passed into the language, and which would be inexplicable without the existence of such a custom" (Havernick)that I have digged this well. A covenant between the patriarch and the Philistine king. The honest and fearless revelations of Bennetts own moral failures affirm he wrote this book for himself as much as for others. In this section I. Arise We have had hitherto God's account of that which He had made; then the xx. Do we work hard or slack off? We could go on and on recounting the mighty deeds that God has done.