The impelling motives. Because Abimelech wanted this covenant to apply, not only to himself, but to his posterity (21:23), it secured this source of water not only for Abraham, but for his descendants. Abraham was the friend of God. 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. laughed with the laughter of incredulity, now laughed with the _Abimelech, king of Gerara, who knew that Abraham was a prophet, and a CONTENTS: Birth of Isaac. 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. COVENANT. 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. 2. Abraham decided to take a different approach. Abraham at BIRTH OF ISAAC. This is the first use of everlasting (Hb. that it could not be explained on merely natural grounds. Abraham's name of God, Jehovah El Olam; the two revelations, the God of nature and the God of grace. 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. He felt This is one of the attributes of God to His people. Hagar in distress. 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. Will God forgive me for losing hope and the will to live? A few years ago Abraham told this same Abimelek that Sarah was his sister. The covenant arising out of bodily wants a civil agreement. Even so, as believers, we know that every second of our lives is under the watchful care of the heavenly Father. A covenant between the patriarch and the Philistine king. He complains to Abimelek about a well of water that Abimeleks servants had seized. He checked his badge, it was on right side up. Sometimes we may wonder, How does God fit in with the ordinary?. He got down on his knees and wept in gratitude. Genesis 21:1; Genesis 22:1 with thee in all that At last in God's 'Set time," and in spite of all natural difficulties, 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. He checked his uniform, it looked good. No more can be expected from an honest man than that he be ready to do right, as soon as he knows he has done wrong. CAME TO PASS AT THAT TIME, &C. Hence it is plain that Abraham had 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 . 27:7). Now the grace of God bears its most important fruit in the history of Just because youve blown it with someone in the past doesnt mean that you cant be used later to influence that person toward God. Even in this ordinary incident, Abraham acknowledged Gods faithful care for him. When Abimelech confronted Abraham about things, Abraham was rather uncomplimentary, saying that his reason for deceiving him was that he assumed that there would not be any fear of God among such people (20:11). CHAPTER 21 ISAAC AND ISHMAEL AND THE COVENANT WITH ABIMELECH Weaned] in his second or third year, as is usual among Orientals. GODS ANCIENT PEOPLE GENESIS 21:23. Then Abraham does something unexpected. Subscribe | RSS | Privacy Disclaimer. captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in 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. 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. L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 26:1-35. transactions recorded in the preceding chapter, or to the time of 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. 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.). Contests for wells "are now very common all over the country, but more especially in the southern deserts". But it is significant that Gods blessing on Abraham is evident even to this pagan king, Abimelech, who tells Abraham, God is with you in all that you do (21:22). continued in the country of the Philistines for a considerable time; 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. Luke 6:21. *** Abimelech reenters the picture with his enforcer, Phicol. the long-promised son was born. And the LORD visited Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah as He had spoken. Commentary: Patriarchs and Prophets (or Beginning of the End), chapter 13. THE STORY OF ABRAHAM. Verse Genesis 21:22. Do you see what happened here? I heard a story about a new police officer who, on his first day on the job, caught someone speeding. 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? Newly released book by Kurt Bennett, now available onAmazon! ALL CHRISTIAN PROSPERITY IS CONSCIOUSLY IDENTIFIED WITH GOD. trial and utter ruin of the creature, with the revelation of divine 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 called on the name of the everlasting God. The alliance was contracted. 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. "This scene occurs at the same time as the events of Scene 6 [ Genesis 21:1-21] but focuses on different characters and tensions. CHAPTER 21 1. Truthfully, I have nothing to offer but a little prayer.. So what does Abraham do? Checking his ticket which he hadnt used, he realized that if his earlier flight to Chicago had not been cancelled, he would have been on that flight. the three main sources, J. E, P are present. This Thirsty World. In the story of Hagar and Ishmael, we notice: 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. the three main sources, J. E, P are present. But God revealed to Abimelek the truth that Sarah is Abrahams wife. Abimeleks servants save face. Wheres the justice? You might be thinking. Vs.8-21 The expulsion of Ishmael and Hagar. CHIEF CAPTAIN OF HIS HOST SPAKE UNTO ABRAHAM, SAYING, GOD IS WITH THEE I like that, "as He had said, and as He had spoken." 45-46). The man was educated and he articulately expressed his objections. The covenanting parties. And Abimelech said, I wet not who hath done this thing. Some try to convey that they are perfect. I wont ask you again!. Abimelek continued, I have treated you well all this time that youve resided here in my kingdom as a foreigner. But Abimelek said, I dont know who has done this. God's people, though expected meekly to suffer wrong, cannot always help seeing that it is wrong they suffer. Peace enjoyed. We dont always think about it, but if the world knows that were Christians, they watch us to see if were different than everyone else. I. of faith in another point of view. 4. of his host, spoke to Abraham saying, God is with you in all that God is 3. He provided manna in the wilderness and brought water from a rock. mercy in Christ the Lord. Sarah's demand GENESIS 12:1 TO GENESIS 25:18. We have had in fine the judgment of 22._And it came to pass at that time_. THE PROMISE FULFILLED IN ISAAC If youre a Christian, and youre not a cop, then its not your job to come down on people. He normally didnt attend church, but he was troubled about some matters and went to church, hoping to find some relief. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. Separate from the sheep and oxen he gave to Abimelech, and from those that were used in making the covenant. Abraham took care to have his title to the well allowed, to prevent disputes in future. _The Covenant with Abimelech_ (Genesis 21:22-34) CRITICAL NOTES. Jesus taught us to pray each day for our daily bread. 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 the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken (Genesis 21:1). Abraham called on the name of the Lord. Abimelech's treaty with Abraham 21:22-34. The contemplated object. That world could tell that God was with him in all he did! Abimelek responds, This is the first Ive heard of it. ALL CHRISTIAN PROSPERITY IS CONSCIOUSLY IDENTIFIED WITH GOD. 17. See also David living in the land of the Philistines (1 Sam. Do others see the hand of God on your life? (Haydock)_ And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is. you do. Bondwoman and her son cast out. 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 COVENANT BETWEEN 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 gratitude for former favours he had received from him, in token of the friendship that subsisted between them, and for the confirmation of it; and to show that he was fully satisfied with Abimelech's answer to his complaint, as well as willing to enter into covenant by sacrifice, when such creatures were divided, and the covenanters passed between the pieces, for so it follows: and both of them made a covenant ; or, read more, And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves. The tree sealed the site of the oath. Spiritual markers remind us of the goodness of the Lord in our lives. 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 ISAAC IS BORN Genesis 21 Genesis 22 Genesis 23 Genesis 24 . 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. Why was one Christian man spared while the other was killed? of his host, spoke to Abraham saying, God is with you in all that Peace established, Abimelech and Phichol, having accomplished their mission, returned to Philistia. 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. @#$%^&* salary!. 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. Because there they aware both of them. Abraham instituted two memorials of the important transactions, naming the well Beersheba, and planting a tamarisk beside his tent. Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible - The Birth of Isaac 7. V2 So Sarah became *pregnant. 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. 3. 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. Perhaps he is unaware of the birth of Isaac. olam) as a name for the Lord, This is the word used on the covenant with Abraham (13:15; 17: 7, 8, 13, 19). Another step in Abrahams walk with God is seen in verse 33, where he plants a tree and calls on the name of the Lord, the Everlasting God. Planting the tree was an act to remind Abraham of Gods faithfulness, especially in the everyday matter of providing the well which supplied the water for this tree to grow. that it could not be explained on merely natural grounds. Here we have accomplished promise the blessed The blessing made manifest. CHRISTI GENESISNOTE ON GENESIS 21:22 GOD IS WITH YOU IN ALL THAT YOU DO. Love Like Jesus: How Jesus Loved People (and how you can love like Jesus). So Abimelek took Sarah into his harem. transactions recorded in the preceding chapter, or to the time of 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. 8. 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. 6 Sarahs ioy. Good men should not only rectify the wrongs they do to one another, but adopt all wise precautions against their repetition. That word sounds very much like the Hebrew word for seven (sheva) used in 21:28, 29, and 30. Finally he blurted out, Well, thats all it will hold anyway. But other than that, Abrahams life was fairly routine. A son was ABIMELECHS COVENANT WITH ABRAHAM. Do you call on the name of the Lord regardless of your circumstances. 15 Hagar in distresse. 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. CONCLUSION: Behind every promise of God is the purpose a Genesis 21:3. So the treaty is solidified. 26), but through this treaty, God was faithfully providing for Abrahams basic physical needs. Wells of water are scarce and valuable in eastern countries. Read the Scripture: Genesis 21:22-34. CHAPTER 21 It also signified a tranquil, settled life, under Gods providential care. What modern monarchs mostly desire at the close of exhausting campaigns is here sought before campaigns begin. The significance of this passage is Abraham finding a place in the land promised to him in safety. with his wi AND IT CAME TO PASS AT THAT TIME,. Not when Ishmael was grown up Most of Gods people have been simple, ordinary folks who are not famous or politically powerful. Sarah's demand GENESIS 12:1 TO GENESIS 25:18. Abraham uses the occasion to complain to Abimelech about a well which his men have taken from Abrahams servants. 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 she come at exactly the time the mechanism was broken? laughed with the laughter of incredulity, now laughed with the _Abimelech, king of Gerara, who knew that Abraham was a prophet, and a How much specialized training (if any) do Christians need to be effective witnesses for Christ? favourite of God, chap. 2 And Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age at the time of which God had spoken to him. Asking their forgiveness is often the first step in that process. Abraham didnt fight with Abimeleks servants. 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. Related Commentaries of Genesis 21:22. Sometimes when you read the Bible, you get the feeling that God majors in the spectacular. The man whos been thoroughly analyzing these files for the last 44 years is Dr. George Valliant. Genesis 21:22 How Jesus didnt love everyone the same (and why you shouldnt either). It hadnt worked the two times they tried it. Abraham, thinking the herdsmen had acted on their master's orders, reproved Abimelech. How aggressive should we be? 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. And as a result things turned ugly. Sarah who at an earlier point had And Abraham replies, These seven lambs are a witness that I dug the well that your servants seized. His circumcision (Genesis 22:4)_ Of _Abimelech, _ see GENESIS 20:2. And the Lord visited Sarah, as he had said, and the Lord did unto 7. _mlel_ speak, an ancient and therefore solemn The apparent contradiction between the statement of this verse and that of Genesis 21:32 may be removed by supposing either. 1. In spite of Abrahams past deception, Abimelech recognized God in his life. 22 And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phicol the This passage raises three questions relevant for believers today: Application: Seven lambs sealed the covenant between Abraham and Abimelech, but it was one spotless lamb named Jesus who forever sealed Gods covenant with His people. The name, Beersheba seems to play on them both. 5. 2. A believer is invincible until it is his time to go. On the flight that crashed was a godly pastor from Southern California. Abimelech and Phichol. 17 The Angel comforteth her. Abimelech. Sarah Genesis 21:22. The things of this world made a channel of higher blessings. 1. None ever waited in vain. Genesis 21:22-34 . Youre not backing us up! THE FOLLOWING COMMENTARY COVERS CHAPTER S 20 AND 21. Thus, while the Lord gave Abraham authority to dwell in this land, his presence was recognized by the king of Gerar. 17:9-14). Read Genesis commentary using Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Concise). The oath a testimony to God where reverently made. A Beersheba in a heathen land. He was just living the ordinary, hum-drum, day-to-day existence of a nomad with his flocks and herds. In that desert land, a well was essential for survival, both for a mans flocks and for his family. Wherefore he called that place Beersheba. Genesis 20:2 Genesis 26:26 God. ), his knowledge of Isaac's birth, and his general observation of the patriarch's prosperity. 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. 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. 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. Most of us in our land of plenty dont have to worry about where our next meal is coming from. Wells of water are scarce and valuable in eastern countries. 2. all-commanding. favourite of God, chap. As David wrote, all our days were written in Gods book before we even were born (Ps. 22 Abimelechs couenant with Abraham at Beer-sheba. fruit of patient waiting upon God. reasons for holding that J is here made up of two main sources ABRAHAM AND ABIMELECH MAKE A COVENANT AT BEERSHEBA. And Abraham stayed in the land of the Philistines for a long time. And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What mean these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set by themselves? 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 Scripture Story: Genesis 21:1-5; Genesis 22:1-12. None ever waited in vain. But we can have the comfort of knowing that both men were under Gods providential care. Its Gods job to meet out justice. The honest and fearless revelations of Bennetts own moral failures affirm he wrote this book for himself as much as for others. 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. This event is not recorded in Scripture. 21:22 Abimelech recognized the blessing of the Lord on Abraham. Which things are an allegory.- Galatians 4:22. The mistaken charge. to Abraham. Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. I dont have to give you my license and registration., Listen you ! The one great miracle in his life was the birth of Isaac in his old age. Abimelech claimed no prior knowledge of the matter, and the covenant the two men ratified stipulated that the well belonged to Abraham (21:30). undertakings. 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. Whereas the first conflict, Scene 5 ( Genesis 20:1-18 ), concerned jeopardy of the . Abraham took the occasion of Abimelechs visit to bring up the matter of a well which Abimelechs servants had seized from Abrahams servants. had promised to her. could sing with Mary, My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spi God is with thee in all that thou doest 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. You see, I think that Abraham may have recognized that Abimelek was in a tight spot. Genesis 20:2 Genesis 26:26 God. He checked his boots, they were shiny. How Jesus loved his betrayer Judas, even to the very end. captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God [is] with thee in 22 At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army said to Abraham, "God is with you in all that you do. and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken (Genesis 21:1). Ishmael made fun of the covenant family, as Sarah had feared. In this section captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in As Abraham is the father of all the faithful, so the The deal is sealed. 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? 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). The public ceremonial. 1 Kings 15:19; Isaiah 30:6; Isaiah 39:1). (3) that in making charges or preferring complaints it is well to avoid both heat of temper and severity of language. 8. Every wise person I know, finds some means of providing a graceful way out for those with whom they have an issue. So instead of fighting Abimelek or insisting on Abimelek giving back control of the well, Abraham provides a graceful way out. 22. B.C. 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. IN ALL THAT THOU DOEST:_ Gunkel has given strong In Chapter s 20, 21 we have the question of the heir and of the path The grocer, who was not a believer, was unmoved by her need. What a privilege to be used by the Eternal God as we live our ordinary lives on this earth! Ishmael mocking (Genesis 22:9) The neighborhood of Beersheba, the revelation of Jehovah, the little company of believers. This blessing would come through Abrahams descendant, the Lord Jesus Christ. 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. 1. DISMISSAL OF HAGAR AND ISHMAEL. 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 .
