when Abimelech, struck with God's providential regard to him, wa 5. 20:16 in the command not to bear false witness against ones neighbor. Ishmael made fun of the covenant family, as Sarah had feared. CHRISTIAN PROSPERITY As David wrote, all our days were written in Gods book before we even were born (Ps. CHRISTI GENESISNOTE ON GENESIS 21:22 GOD IS WITH YOU IN ALL THAT YOU DO. ALL CHRISTIAN PROSPERITY IS CONSCIOUSLY IDENTIFIED WITH GOD. 22 Abimelechs couenant with Abraham at Beer-sheba. 22 At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army said to Abraham, "God is with you in all that you do. DISMISSAL OF HAGAR AND ISHMAEL. None ever waited in vain. 1 Kings 15:19; Isaiah 30:6; Isaiah 39:1). of his host, spoke to Abraham saying, God is with you in all that He added some more items, but to his consternation, still nothing happened. 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. 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. It is wise to connect ourselves with those who are blessed 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. The LXX. How Jesus demonstrated all five of Gary Chapmans love languages (and how you can too). Wells of water are scarce and valuable in eastern countries. In spite of Abrahams past deception, Abimelech recognized God in his life. had once laughed through unbelief; now being ashamed of that, she and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken ( Genesis 21:1 ). ISAAC IS BORN Bondwoman and her son cast out. the long-promised son was born. The trouble is, people can see that it isnt true. (1) The world is watching the lives of believers. "This scene occurs at the same time as the events of Scene 6 [ Genesis 21:1-21] but focuses on different characters and tensions. 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. 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). They formalize the peace agreement, Abimelech leaves, Abraham plants a commemorative tree, worships the Lord, and life goes on. So if Abimelek gives the well back to Abraham, Abimeleks servants might react, You believe that foreigner over us? I. NOR WITH MY SON, NOR WITH MY SONS SON.] It also signified a tranquil, settled life, under Gods providential care. The next thing that happened was that the new cop pulled him through the window, arrested him, and took him down town to HQ. 8. Abraham kept up public worship, in which his neighbours might join. Hes letting Abimeleks servants off the hook! You might be protesting. 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? In Chapter s 20, 21 we have the question of the heir and of the path The Atlantic, June 2009. Youve never said anything to me about this before and I dont know who might have done it. CRITICAL NOTES. The Covenant Between Abraham and Abimelech NINTH SECTION Peace. The term for making a treaty (used here and vs. 32) is karat. Im not suggesting that you go on sinning and tell everyone that youre a Christian. 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. 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. "Abraham stretched forth his hand, ABRAHAM AND ABIMELECH COVENANT 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. But we can have the comfort of knowing that both men were under Gods providential care. Name signifies mouth of all, _i.e.,_ Whereas the first conflict, Scene 5 ( Genesis 20:1-18 ), concerned jeopardy of the . 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. Ed, Issue 46, Winter 2023. He wasnt traveling all over the globe. The birth of Isaac. It shows how God faithfully provided all that Abraham needed apart from Abrahams schemes. He checked his uniform, it looked good. Name signifies mouth of all, _i.e.,_ How can we turn everyday situations into opportunities for telling others about Christ? the title not only of the king of Gerar, but of the kings of the Here God shows Abraham that not only would the people of the land not take his wife, they wouldnt even take his well. Abimelech, that is _Father-King,_ was One of the most comforting doctrines of Scripture is the truth that God providentially protects His children. You see, I think that Abraham may have recognized that Abimelek was in a tight spot. The files holding the data are as thick as unabridged dictionaries. This event is not recorded in Scripture. That world could tell that God was with him in all he did! _mlel_ speak, an ancient and therefore solemn But other than that, Abrahams life was fairly routine. Now if Abraham dug the well it was his. Separate from the sheep and oxen he gave to Abimelech, and from those that were used in making the covenant. 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. 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. Abraham took care to have his title to the well allowed, to prevent disputes in future. 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. Most of Gods people have been simple, ordinary folks who are not famous or politically powerful. He did what he _GOD IS WITH - The Birth of Isaac We have had in fine the judgment of 22._And it came to pass at that time_. the three main sources, J. E, P are present. Here we have accomplished promise the blessed In Chapter s 20, 21 we have the question of the heir and of the path (Haydock)_ And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Verse Genesis 21:22. The impelling motives. II. Didnt Jesus tell us If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. - Genesis 21:22-23 Review After waiting years, God blessed Abraham and Sarah with their promised baby, Isaac. Perhaps Abimelech had heard of how God had given Abraham and Sarah a son in their old age. Genesis 21:22. And you know what else? That was an extraordinary way that God provided for His children. The alliance was contracted. Sometimes we think that weve got to be perfect before God can use us as a witness. 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.. I. neit Now the LORD visited Sarah as he had said (Genesis 21:1), 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. _AT THAT TIME_] This may either refer to the Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible - The Birth of Isaac 7. 14. Ishmaels expulsion. Abimelechs proposal includes his offspring, but does not specifically include any offspring of Abraham. 15 Hagar in distresse. 22-34 Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled to Abraham. The outcast. at the time God Himself had We plainly see that God blesseth and prospereth thee in all thy He wasnt building a sprawling complex of buildings to house his international ministry. 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. I read about a successful man who was on a business trip. How Jesus loved his betrayer Judas, even to the very end. Genesis 21:22-34 What is the meaning of these seven ewe lambs you have set apart by themselves? 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). So what does Abraham do? The shaft is formed of excellent masonry to a great depth until it reaches the rock, and at this juncture a spring trickles perpetually. 7. ISAAC IS BORN all-commanding. The league is proposed by Abimelech, and Phichol his prime-minister of state and general of his army. Probably from JE. _ALUN OWEN_ Abimelech attributes Abrahams success to God. fruit of patient waiting upon God. _ALUN OWEN_ Beersheba. He is not far from every one of us. ALL CHRISTIAN PROSPERITY IS CONSCIOUSLY IDENTIFIED WITH GOD. Wells of water are scarce and valuable in eastern countries. Here he is in this situation where he dug a well, a large investment in that area at that time. 3. 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. Ishmaels expulsion. This is the first use of everlasting (Hb. 4 And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as Truthfully, I have nothing to offer but a little prayer.. But what Im saying is that sinlessness isnt the requirement to bear witness for Christ. 3. V1 The *Lord had promised that he would visit Sarah. Contests for wells "are now very common all over the country, but more especially in the southern deserts". 34 Each of the following people made several hugesacrifices to achieve world change, and obey their conscience. 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). How Jesus didnt love everyone the same (and why you shouldnt either). fruit of patient waiting upon God. In Genesis 21:22-34, we see Abraham in a scene from his ordinary life. . 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. His friendship is valued, is courted, though a stranger, though a tenant at will to the Canaanites and Perizzites. 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. trial and utter ruin of the creature, with the revelation of divine 1. 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. continued in the country of the Philistines for a considerable time; 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. Good men should do all they can to make others so. 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. CONTENTS: Birth of Isaac. Which things are an allegory.- Galatians 4:22. Abraham called on the name of the Lord. CHRISTIAN PROSPERITY 3. 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.