17 The Angel comforteth her. Abimelech, on the other hand, acts generously as of old, and shows no signs of ill-will at the growing power of one whose expectation was that his race would possess the whole land. Inductive Bible Study Genesis 21 - Study and Obey Why are we told this? Genesis 21:22-34 In-Context. 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. In Genesis 21:22-34, we see Abraham in a scene from his ordinary life. Genesis 21:22-34 Meaning and Commentary - Bible Study Tools The mistaken charge. Abraham, being now in a good neighbourhood, stayed a great while there. Genesis 21 - Commentary by Rev. John Schultz - Bible Commentaries captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in In Chapter s 20, 21 we have the question of the heir and of the path (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. As David wrote, all our days were written in Gods book before we even were born (Ps. I like that, "as He had said, and as He had spoken." 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. fruit of patient waiting upon God. But what Im saying is that sinlessness isnt the requirement to bear witness for Christ. He graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary (Th.M., 1976 in Bible exposition) and Califo More. 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. 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. There is no reason to question the sincerity of the Philistine monarch in disclaiming all knowledge of the act of robbery committed by his servants. Without even reading it, he put it on one side of his old-fashioned scale. 26), but through this treaty, God was faithfully providing for Abrahams basic physical needs. Then this brand new cop said,Sir, step out of the car. As Abraham is the father of all the faithful, so the How to respond to critics the way Jesus did. The oath a testimony to God where reverently made. Wells of water are scarce and valuable in eastern countries. 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. 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. 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. 45-46). Most of us in our land of plenty dont have to worry about where our next meal is coming from. Youre not backing us up! (3) that in making charges or preferring complaints it is well to avoid both heat of temper and severity of language. Love Like Jesus: How Jesus Loved People (and how you can love like Jesus). He suggested that Abraham and he make a treaty that would guarantee good relations between them (22-24). Do others see the hand of God on your life? with thee in all that At last in God's 'Set time," and in spite of all natural difficulties, Well it didnt turn out quite the way he expected. favourite of God, chap. 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. 7. that it could not be explained on merely natural grounds. I like this. transactions recorded in the preceding chapter, or to the time of Abimelech and Abraham, or ancient covenanters. Didnt Jesus tell us If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. _GOD IS WITH - The Birth of Isaac 1 The LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did to Sarah as he had promised. The alliance was contracted. Genesis 21:22-34 NKJV - A Covenant with Abimelech - Bible Gateway Ishmael mocking (Genesis 22:9) 21 He lived in the wilderness of Paran, and his mother took a wife for him from the land of Egypt. 6 Sarahs ioy. In an initial way, God is using Abraham to fulfill His purpose of blessing all the nations as he is blessed. Wells of water are scarce and . _mlel_ speak, an ancient and therefore solemn He spoke and the universe was created. Genesis 21:22. Th Genesis 21:22 time H6256 Abimelech H40 Phichol H6369 commander H8269 Ed, Issue 46, Winter 2023. ; Psalms 34, tit.). 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. Why did the woman have the prayer already written before he asked for it? 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. Verse Genesis 21:22. 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. Here we have accomplished promise the blessed It may have been that his servants were telling him, No way, Abraham didnt dig that well, we did! I.e. - Genesis 21:22-23 Review After waiting years, God blessed Abraham and Sarah with their promised baby, Isaac. 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. 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. But Abraham still struggled with this fear long after he had been living in the land. 22 At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army said to Abraham, "God is with you in all that you do. Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible - The Birth of Isaac 7. His friendship is valued, is courted, though a stranger, though a tenant at will to the Canaanites and Perizzites. Abraham took care to have his title to the well allowed, to prevent disputes in future. Thus, while the Lord gave Abraham authority to dwell in this land, his presence was recognized by the king of Gerar. 15. ISAAC IS BORN Observing what he had done, and not knowing the design of it: what mean these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set by themselves ? 22. On Genesis, Part 6: The Blooming of Trees. And they didnt have backhoes or drilling rigs in those days. Show to me and the country where you now reside as a foreigner the same kindness I have shown to you., Then Abraham complained to Abimelek about a well of water that Abimeleks servants had seized. NOR WITH MY SON, NOR WITH MY SONS SON.] How can we turn everyday situations into opportunities for telling others about Christ? Which things are an allegory.- Galatians 4:22. 15 Hagar in distresse. Sometimes we may wonder, How does God fit in with the ordinary?. The palpable injury. 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 . Abimelek avoids contention within his ranks. Just because youve blown it with someone in the past doesnt mean that you cant be used later to influence that person toward God. olam) as a name for the Lord, This is the word used on the covenant with Abraham (13:15; 17: 7, 8, 13, 19). army H6635 spoke H559 (H8799) Abraham H85 saying And so it was at that time that Abimelech, and Phicol the captain See also David living in the land of the Philistines (1 Sam. Genesis 21:22-34 - The Pulpit Commentaries b. Abimelech. ALL CHRISTIAN PROSPERITY IS ALSO CONSCIOUSLY IDENTIFIED WITH @#$ %^&*^$!, Im not doin it! ), 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). 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. Wells of water are scarce and valuable in eastern countries. Genesis 21:33. surround, enclose, and _chum_ black. 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. undertakings. 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. Bible Study: The Treaty at Beersheba (Genesis 21:22-34) - kdmanestreet Philistines generally (Genesis 2 ISHMAEL AND ISAAC So he changed his plans and flew home to L.A. Two days later, he heard on the news that a flight from Chicago to Los Angeles had crashed, killing everyone on board. 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). 3 Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore him, Isaac. He checked his boots, they were shiny. At that time Abimelek and Phicol the commander of his forces said to Abraham, God is with you in everything you do. 22. 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. And as a result things turned ugly. Read Genesis commentary using Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Concise). _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. In this section a. Do you call on the name of the Lord regardless of your circumstances. THE FOLLOWING COMMENTARY COVERS CHAPTER S 20 AND 21. Luke 6:21. 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." 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. 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. has The apparent contradiction between the statement of this verse and that of Genesis 21:32 may be removed by supposing either. Sometimes we think that weve got to be perfect before God can use us as a witness. Gunkel has given strong See also Genesis 21:22-34 in other biblical comments: Adam Clarke Bible Commentary. And both of them made a covenant. Here we have accomplished promise the blessed 2. The Atlantic, June 2009. He normally didnt attend church, but he was troubled about some matters and went to church, hoping to find some relief. The birth of Isaac. 20 God was with the boy as he grew up. 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. Abimelech and Phichol. Abimelech's covenant with Abraham at Beersheba. He wasnt a TV evangelist. When you come to a passage like this in the Bible, the question is, Why did God include this in sacred Scripture? 20:16 in the command not to bear false witness against ones neighbor. _ALUN OWEN_ captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God [is] with thee in Abimelech, that is _Father-King,_ was The man was educated and he articulately expressed his objections. The significance of this passage is Abraham finding a place in the land promised to him in safety. COVENANT. Q. Daily Devotion: This Thirsty World (Gen 21:22-34) - RayStedman.org Abimelech, however, was still wary of Abraham and fearful of the God whom Abraham worshipped. Abimelech was impressed with Abraham's growing prosperity. So Abraham, to demonstrate his commitment to the treaty and to demonstrate his good will toward Abimelek, brings to Abimelek sheep and cattle. Hence "the ownership of wells m Palestine was as jealously guarded as the possession of a mine in our own" (Inglis). What a privilege to be used by the Eternal God as we live our ordinary lives on this earth! 22. You know what Ive learned? In that desert land, a well was essential for survival, both for a mans flocks and for his family. the incident of the preceding chapter, but, "according to the common Why did she come at exactly the time the mechanism was broken? Since were not perfect, we do one of two wrong things. Do we work hard or slack off? _The Covenant with Abimelech_ (Genesis 21:22-34) Genesis 21:22-34 ESV - A Treaty with Abimelech - Bible Gateway 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 Now if Abraham dug the well it was his. _The Covenant with Abimelech_ (Genesis 21:22-34) Adaptation of Divine truth to those to whom it is sent. 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. The LXX. 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. Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called on the name of the LORD, the Eternal God. And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God. Gunkel has given strong Genre The passage is narrative. 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. We have had in fine the judgment of 22._And it came to pass at that time_. Yet in spite of Abrahams sins and insensitivity, Abimelech here seeks him out because he recognized God in Abrahams life! 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. NOR WITH MY SON, NOR WITH MY SONS SON.] The covenant arising out of bodily wants a civil agreement. "The great well has an internal diameter at the mouth of twelve feet six inches, or a circumference of nearly forty feet. The deal is sealed. Weaned] in his second or third year, as is usual among Orientals. GODS ANCIENT PEOPLE This new cop couldnt believe it. 8. Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers Whereas the first conflict, Scene 5 ( Genesis 20:1-18 ), concerned jeopardy of the . 4. Abimelechs proposal includes his offspring, but does not specifically include any offspring of Abraham. Nor are they called upon to bear what by lawful means they are able to redress. As already Mature, Aner, and Eshcol had formed a league with the patriarch (vide Genesis 14:13). Genesis 21:22-34 . But the problem is, most of us dont live in the realm of the spectacular. 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). 4 And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as ISAAC IS BORN The LXX. 3. The outcast. Now therefore swear to me here by God that you will not de Genesis 21 _chemet_ bottle, akin to _chamah_, Will God forgive me for losing hope and the will to live? THE FOLLOWING COMMENTARY COVERS CHAPTER S 20 AND 21. CHIEF CAPTAIN OF HIS HOST SPAKE UNTO ABRAHAM, SAYING, GOD IS WITH THEE Abraham took the occasion of Abimelechs visit to bring up the matter of a well which Abimelechs servants had seized from Abrahams servants. Numbers 14:13). Probably from JE. Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 21:22-34 Commentary on Genesis 21:22-34 (Read Genesis 21:22-34) Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled to Abraham. 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. 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. Abraham, thinking the herdsmen had acted on their master's orders, reproved Abimelech. Genesis 21:22-34 - Matthew Henry Commentary on the Bible Genesis 21 Commentary Birth of Isaac (21:1-21) When Isaac was born, Abraham circumcised him as commanded. Abimelech. 21:22 Abimelech recognized the blessing of the Lord on Abraham. A son was ABIMELECHS COVENANT WITH ABRAHAM. So we never bear witness for Jesus Christ, which is precisely what Satan wants. Hes letting Abimeleks servants off the hook! You might be protesting. Finally he blurted out, Well, thats all it will hold anyway. CONTENTS: Birth of Isaac. Abraham gets his well back. Which things are an allegory.- Galatians 4:22. the long-promised son was born. II. 1. his mother took him a wife --On a father's death, the mother looks out for a wife for her son, however young; and as Ishmael was now virtually deprived of his father, his mother set about forming a marriage connection for him, it would seem, among her relatives. In the Grant Study, 268 Harvard graduates (including John F. Kennedy by the way. The league is proposed by Abimelech, and Phichol his prime-minister of state and general of his army. when Abimelech, struck with God's providential regard to him, wa 5. The Lords whole thing boils down to that. Your neighbor may have a Ph.D. and you may be a blue collar worker. 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. 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. Another highlight of this passage is the explanation for the origin of the name Beersheba. The Covenant Between Abraham and Abimelech NINTH SECTION 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? GENESIS 21:23. 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. His flight from New York was first delayed and then cancelled, so that he would have missed his meetings. He was just living the ordinary, hum-drum, day-to-day existence of a nomad with his flocks and herds. 2 And Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age at the time of which God had spoken to him. Genesis 21:34 Commentaries: And Abraham sojourned in the land of the He rained down fire and brimstone to destroy wicked Sodom. 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. He felt 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. This event is not recorded in Scripture. Bondwoman and her son cast out. Most of Gods people have been simple, ordinary folks who are not famous or politically powerful. I wont ask you again!. CHRISTI GENESISNOTE ON GENESIS 21:22 GOD IS WITH YOU IN ALL THAT YOU DO. CAME TO PASS AT THAT TIME, &C. Hence it is plain that Abraham had And Abraham stayed in the land of the Philistines for a long time. Note the significance of the word oath (Hb. 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. Abimelech professed to have shown kindness (Hb. 17 The Angel comforteth her. Sarah 1. Here he is in this situation where he dug a well, a large investment in that area at that time. _Isaac;_ that is, laughter or holy joy. 2. This Thirsty World. CONCLUSION: Behind every promise of God is the purpose a Genesis 21:3. Genesis 20:2 Genesis 26:26 God. Abimelech claimed no prior knowledge of the matter, and the covenant the two men ratified stipulated that the well belonged to Abraham (21:30). II. Abimelech attributes Abrahams success to God. 4 He is circumcised. Heres a bag. Probably from JE. Wheres the balance between taking measures for our own safety versus trusting God to protect us? 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. And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest: , saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest, Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament. THE PROMISE FULFILLED IN ISAAC A believer is invincible until it is his time to go. 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. We wont know Gods purpose until were in heaven. On Genesis, Part 6: The Blooming of Trees | Christogenea.org 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. 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. He felt 22 And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phicol the Should be consulted by all who wish to be well-informed on the issues alluded to by Moses. It seems to me that the answer is, It shows the faithfulness of God in the ordinary. So what does Abraham do? Show to me and my country the same kindness Ive shown you. Ishmael's marriage, but most probably to the former. His calendar wasnt full of speaking engagements. The tree sealed the site of the oath. And alls well. 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 to love unlovable people the way Jesus did. Even in this ordinary incident, Abraham acknowledged Gods faithful care for him. Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. 1. Contests for wells "are now very common all over the country, but more especially in the southern deserts". Its our job to love God and to love people. The angel relieves and comforts her. How Jesus didnt love everyone the same (and why you shouldnt either). On the flight that crashed was a godly pastor from Southern California. 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.