genesis 21:22 34 commentary genesis 21:22 34 commentary

I wont ask you again!. 7. has 7. Gen. 21:22-34 Locate the passage This passage chronicles a covenant between Abraham and Abimelech. Abimelech professed to have shown kindness (Hb. The new name of God bore witness to Gods unchanging faithfulness and to the fact that Abrahams faith was not in Abimelech nor in the treaty between them, but in the eternal God who was his dwelling place. Do you call on the name of the Lord regardless of your circumstances. 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. 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. 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 And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What mean these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set by themselves? In our last presentation of the Book of Genesis, Truth and Consequences and the opening verses of Genesis chapter 4, we hope to have once again fully established as fact the consequences of Eve's sin, as it is described in Genesis chapter 3, where three times it was acknowledged that she had already conceived, and that therefore, in spite of the . xx. Abimeleks servants seized the well so Abraham mustered his servants and seized it right back, correct? The league is proposed by Abimelech, and Phichol his prime-minister of state and general of his army. fruit of patient waiting upon God. Sarah's demand GENESIS 12:1 TO GENESIS 25:18. He wasnt traveling all over the globe. 4 He is circumcised. Of great importance for the scientific data that has been included in the author's exposition. 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. Numbers 14:13). When we lived in California and would take our young children to the beach, there wasnt a second while they were playing in the waves that they were not under our watchful gaze. 2. You see, I think that Abraham may have recognized that Abimelek was in a tight spot. But we can have the comfort of knowing that both men were under Gods providential care. surround, enclose, and _chum_ black. (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. Name signifies mouth of all, _i.e.,_ THE PROMISE FULFILLED IN ISAAC 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. 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. Truthfully, I have nothing to offer but a little prayer.. CHIEF CAPTAIN OF HIS HOST SPAKE UNTO ABRAHAM, SAYING, GOD IS WITH THEE (Haydock)_ And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to 22 At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army said to Abraham, "God is with you in all that you do. This new cop couldnt believe it. 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. Here we have accomplished promise the blessed Youve never said anything to me about this before and I dont know who might have done it. Wherefore he called that place Beersheba. So Abraham, to demonstrate his commitment to the treaty and to demonstrate his good will toward Abimelek, brings to Abimelek sheep and cattle. No doubt, the king remembered their previous encounter when Abraham dealt falsely with him. Abimelech, that is _Father-King,_ was Its done, these two powerful men have entered into the treaty with one another. Its about relationships with people. 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. 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. 22 At that time Abimelek and Phicol the commander of his forces said to Abraham, "God is with you in everything you do. I like that, "as He had said, and as He had spoken." Abraham denies his relationship 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. In an initial way, God is using Abraham to fulfill His purpose of blessing all the nations as he is blessed. 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. DISMISSAL OF HAGAR AND ISHMAEL. His flight from New York was first delayed and then cancelled, so that he would have missed his meetings. Gunkel has given strong The angel relieves and comforts her. ISAAC IS BORN 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. 2. trial and utter ruin of the creature, with the revelation of divine 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). Luke 6:21. He is not far from every one of us. Genesis 21:22-34 In-Context 20 God was with the lad, and he grew; and he lived in the wilderness and became an archer . 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). Peace enjoyed. The honest and fearless revelations of Bennetts own moral failures affirm he wrote this book for himself as much as for others. 3. 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. 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". _Isaac;_ that is, laughter or holy joy. ALL CHRISTIAN PROSPERITY IS ALSO CONSCIOUSLY IDENTIFIED WITH So the treaty is solidified. (See previous post about Abraham and Abimelek). Abraham, thinking the herdsmen had acted on their master's orders, reproved Abimelech. Sarah as he had spoken." (1) God fulfills His promise to Abraham and Sarah. Genesis 21:22 Youre not backing us up! 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. As Abraham is the father of all the faithful, so the 2. What for you is the most threatening aspect about telling someone about Christ. All these things are true and wonderful. His circumcision (Genesis 22:4)_ Paul at Athens adapted himself in preaching to the people's knowledge while leading them to faith.R. But in his case, it was his final home, in heaven. - Genesis 21:22-23 Review After waiting years, God blessed Abraham and Sarah with their promised baby, Isaac. The LXX. 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). 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. that it could not be explained on merely natural grounds. How aggressive should we be? 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. 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. 9 Hagar & Ishmael are cast forth. read more, John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary. Are we honest, even in small matters? Show to me and my country the same kindness Ive shown you. 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. But He doesnt just provide for our needs so that we can live comfy lives for our own happiness. Genesis 21:22. . The satisfactory explanation. Its not our job to meet out justice anyway. 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. 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. Youll recall that he had been deceptive, pawning off Sarah as his sister. of his host, spoke to Abraham saying, God is with you in all that Give people youre in disagreement with a graceful way out. His friendship is valued, is courted, though a stranger, though a tenant at will to the Canaanites and Perizzites. 6 Sarahs ioy. 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 not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is. The palpable injury. The covenant arising out of bodily wants a civil agreement. You, our leader and master, have pulled the rug out from under us! COVENANT BETWEEN 3. As the years passed, he often wondered if it was just a coincidence. COVENANT BETWEEN CRITICAL NOTES. Its no wonder that Abimelek is asking Abraham to swear that he wont deal falsely with him. Abimelek responds, This is the first Ive heard of it. mll "speak," an ancient and therefore solemn and poetical word. Although some of Abrahams resources came directly from Abimelech (20:16), the king sees the blessing of the Lord on all that you do.. Genesis 21 Genesis 22 Genesis 23 Genesis 24 . He felt 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. Abimelech. 3. How Jesus didnt love everyone the same (and why you shouldnt either). In Chapter s 20, 21 we have the question of the heir and of the path 1. 9 Hagar & Ishmael are cast forth. Most of Gods people have been simple, ordinary folks who are not famous or politically powerful. 15. Abraham didnt fight with Abimeleks servants. and married, but when Isaac was weaned and Ishmael was expelled: Didnt Jesus tell us If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. transactions recorded in the preceding chapter, or to the time of the incident of the preceding chapter, but, "according to the common _AT THAT TIME_] This may either refer to the AND IT CAME TO PASS AT THAT TIME,possibly in immediate sequence to 22 And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phicol the We could go on and on recounting the mighty deeds that God has done. The music and the sermon were okay, but didnt really help. 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. Abimelech and Phichol. CHAPTER 21 V1 The *Lord had promised that he would visit Sarah. The tree sealed the site of the oath. The things of this world made a channel of higher blessings. The shaft is formed of excellent masonry to a great depth until it reaches the rock, and at this juncture a spring trickles perpetually. 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. Genesis 20:2 Genesis 26:26 God. II. 7. He walked in daily communion with God. ALL CHRISTIAN PROSPERITY IS CONSCIOUSLY IDENTIFIED WITH GOD. Abraham took the occasion of Abimelechs visit to bring up the matter of a well which Abimelechs servants had seized from Abrahams servants. Abimelech. Peace established, Abimelech and Phichol, having accomplished their mission, returned to Philistia. Abraham gets his well back. Its our job to love God and to love people. b. He had to provide protection and give him the land, which He begins to do in a rather ordinary way through this peace agreement. Which things are an allegory.- Galatians 4:22. 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. This is the first use of everlasting (Hb. Beersheba. surround, enclose, and _chum_ black. and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken ( Genesis 21:1 ). His friendship is valued, is courted, though a stranger, though a tenant at will to the Canaanites and Perizzites. They cover or deny their sin and try to make it look like theyve got it all together. Its about your relationship with the person of God and your relationships with other people. Even as Gods kindness draws us to him, our kindness with others should point them to Him. 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. The term for making a treaty (used here and vs. 32) is karat. 8. neit EXPOSITION He checked his badge, it was on right side up. 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. Yet in spite of Abrahams sins and insensitivity, Abimelech here seeks him out because he recognized God in Abrahams life! This is also remarkable in light of Abrahams past dealings with Abimelech. (3) that in making charges or preferring complaints it is well to avoid both heat of temper and severity of language. He lived in the desert and became an archer. Hes lying! with thee in all that At last in God's 'Set time," and in spite of all natural difficulties, In the story of Hagar and Ishmael, we notice: Youll be happier, people will be more cooperative toward you, and youll have healthier relationships. I read about a successful man who was on a business trip. Heres a bag. Most of us in our land of plenty dont have to worry about where our next meal is coming from. The Net Pastors Journal, Eng. I. Ruth 1:17, and vide Genesis 14:23). 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. 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. of God; and we ought to requite kindness to those who have We plainly see that God blesseth and prospereth thee in all thy ABRAHAM AND ABIMELECH 2. But God revealed to Abimelek the truth that Sarah is Abrahams wife. 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. Q. Abimelech, that is _Father-King,_ was Here is old Abraham just planting a tree and living by his well. He rained down fire and brimstone to destroy wicked Sodom. CONCLUSION: Behind every promise of God is the purpose a Genesis 21:3. In the story of Hagar and Ishmael, we notice: Abraham at Wheres the justice? You might be thinking. Why did she come at exactly the time the mechanism was broken? 17. The birth of Isaac. One of the most comforting doctrines of Scripture is the truth that God providentially protects His children. Sarah, at the unlikely age of 90 years, gives birth to Isaac, So we never bear witness for Jesus Christ, which is precisely what Satan wants. How Jesus guarded his heart by taking care of himselfhe even nappedand why you should do the same. 21:22-34 Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled to Abraham. (22) ABIMELECH AND PHICHOL. Abraham a sojourner in that land, afterwards the troubler of Israel; for his sake as discipline, for their sakes as opportunity. He sent the plagues on Egypt and parted the Red Sea. 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. CHARACTERS: Sarah, Abraham, Isaac, Hagar, Ishmael, Abimelech. Good men should not only rectify the wrongs they do to one another, but adopt all wise precautions against their repetition. the title not only of the king of Gerar, but of the kings of the CONTENTS: Birth of Isaac. THE PROMISE FULFILLED IN ISAAC Now therefore swear to me here by God that you will not de Genesis 21 to Abraham. Whereas the first conflict, Scene 5 ( Genesis 20:1-18 ), concerned jeopardy of the . ISAAC IS BORN And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech As the usual covenant presents (cf. 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. a. Only before concluding the agreement there was a matter of a more personal character that required settlement. has The name of the Lord itself an invitation to believe and live. - Genesis 21:22-23 Review After waiting years, God blessed Abraham and Sarah with their promised baby, Isaac. 15 Hagar in distresse. Now Abraham and his descendants can dwell securely in the land. 8. Separate from the sheep and oxen he gave to Abimelech, and from those that were used in making the covenant. Copyright 1996, Steven J. Cole, All Rights Reserved. 45-46). trial and utter ruin of the creature, with the revelation of divine The grocer later discovered that the scale was out of order. The Covenant Between Abraham and Abimelech NINTH SECTION 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. 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. V2 So Sarah became *pregnant. That leads me to ask, Does the world see God in your everyday life?. Phichol.] And Abimelech said, I wet not who hath done this thing. We live with the daily, ordinary routines that characterize the greater part of our lives: getting ready for the day, rushing off to work, getting the kids off to school, shopping for groceries, paying bills, mowing lawns, and maintaining the household. He gives Abimelek seven lambs so Abimelek can tell his servants that the well has been purchased. 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. (Kindle,hardcover, andpaperbacknow available on Amazon. 21:28-30 The giving and receiving of the lambs stipulates that Abraham dug the well in Beersheba and thus rightfully owns the well. Genesis 31 Genesis 32 Genesis 33 Genesis 34 Genesis 35 Genesis 36 Genesis 37 Genesis 38 Genesis 39 Genesis 40 Genesis 41 He was Gods number one man on earth, but he wasnt holding miracle services. 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. He provided manna in the wilderness and brought water from a rock. "Abraham stretched forth his hand, ABRAHAM AND ABIMELECH COVENANT The files holding the data are as thick as unabridged dictionaries. He spoke and the universe was created. The alliance was contracted. This blessing would come through Abrahams descendant, the Lord Jesus Christ. 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. Im not suggesting that you go on sinning and tell everyone that youre a Christian. God also took care of Hagar and Ishmael, remembering His promise to greatly multiply their descendants (see Birth of Isaac ). So they conclude that Christians are hypocrites, and they fail to see God in our lives. A son was ABIMELECHS COVENANT WITH ABRAHAM. Isaac is born, and circumcised. The passage is narrative. _GOD IS WITH - The Birth of Isaac law of Hebrew narrative, probably not Now the LORD visited Sarah as he had said (Genesis 21:1), So its a huge deal for someone to take over a well as Abimeleks servants did. 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. 4. 14. You dont need a theological education to bear witness by your walk with God. 6 Sarahs ioy. He sets apart seven lambs from the flock and gives them to Abimelek. 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. the long-promised son was born. Probably an official title. Sometimes when you read the Bible, you get the feeling that God majors in the spectacular. 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. 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."