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. He was simply living his daily life as the friend of God before the watching world. Why are we told this? This new cop couldnt believe it. He felt 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. 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. 20:16 in the command not to bear false witness against ones neighbor. had once laughed through unbelief; now being ashamed of that, she Its about relationships with people. DISMISSAL OF HAGAR AND ISHMAEL. None ever waited in vain. But we also need to see that His ordinary provision of our daily food is an example of His faithfulness. Abraham didnt fight with Abimeleks servants. Wheres the balance between taking measures for our own safety versus trusting God to protect us? The honest and fearless revelations of Bennetts own moral failures affirm he wrote this book for himself as much as for others. What modern monarchs mostly desire at the close of exhausting campaigns is here sought before campaigns begin. 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. CHIEF CAPTAIN OF HIS HOST SPAKE UNTO ABRAHAM, SAYING, GOD IS WITH THEE Wells of water are scarce and valuable in eastern countries. He lived in the desert and became an archer. captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God [is] with thee in 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. ), his knowledge of Isaac's birth, and his general observation of the patriarch's prosperity. Wherever we sojourn, we must neither neglect nor be ashamed of the worship of Jehovah. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 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. 1886. chesed) to Abraham. I. 4 And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as Which things are an allegory.- Galatians 4:22. The trouble is, people can see that it isnt true. 34 Each of the following people made several hugesacrifices to achieve world change, and obey their conscience. 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 . 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). (22) ABIMELECH AND PHICHOL. 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. Do we badmouth the boss or other workers behind their backs? Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called on the name of the LORD, the Eternal God. Commentary: Patriarchs and Prophets (or Beginning of the End), chapter 13. ; Psalms 34, tit.). Abraham, thinking the herdsmen had acted on their master's orders, reproved Abimelech. Abraham denies his relationship Isaac's birth (Genesis 22:1) 2. 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". Hagar in distress. He provided manna in the wilderness and brought water from a rock. Genesis 31 Genesis 32 Genesis 33 Genesis 34 Genesis 35 Genesis 36 Genesis 37 Genesis 38 Genesis 39 Genesis 40 Genesis 41 Cyril Barber on Morris' The Genesis Record : a Scientific and Devotional Commentary (It can be borrowed) - Valuable as corollary reading. How to respond to critics the way Jesus did. We have had in fine the judgment of 22._And it came to pass at that time_. Youre not backing us up! Note the significance of the word oath (Hb. In the story of Hagar and Ishmael, we notice: 4. As a planter of tamarisks, the patriarch has been styled the father of civilization; it is more important to remark that he never neglected to worship God himself and publish his salvation to others. Now therefore swear to me here by God that you will not de Genesis 21 Fort Worth, Texas. This is one of the attributes of God to His people. The oath a testimony to God where reverently made. you do. Two powerful princes, in their conduct exemplifying the spirit of unity and peace which should bind together private persons in their daily intercourse, as well as kings and nations in their political alliance. Genesis 21:1; Genesis 22:1 We have had in fine the judgment of 22._And it came to pass at that time_. captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in That world could tell that God was with him in all he did! 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. He sent the plagues on Egypt and parted the Red Sea. Sometimes we may wonder, How does God fit in with the ordinary?. 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. So Abraham, to demonstrate his commitment to the treaty and to demonstrate his good will toward Abimelek, brings to Abimelek sheep and cattle. We are secure in His providential care. all that thou _AND IT CAME TO PASS AT THAT TIME, THAT ABIMELECH AND PHICHOL THE Your neighbor may have a Ph.D. and you may be a blue collar worker. And the LORD visited Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah as He had spoken. 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. 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. 8. Are we honest, even in small matters? mercy in Christ the Lord. He did what he 22. The LXX. THE FOLLOWING COMMENTARY COVERS CHAPTER S 20 AND 21. V2 So Sarah became *pregnant. Abimelech could sense that in spite of Abrahams previous failure in the incident with Sarah, he was a man who walked with God. When the owner asked how much she could afford, she replied, My husband was killed in the war. The things of this world made a channel of higher blessings. Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? He felt _The birth of Isaac. In that desert land, a well was essential for survival, both for a mans flocks and for his family. 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. Abraham, being now in a good neighbourhood, stayed a great while there. COVENANT BETWEEN But the problem is, most of us dont live in the realm of the spectacular. 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). For these promises to be fulfilled, God had to provide Abraham with a son, which He did in an extraordinary way in the birth of Isaac. at the time God Himself had 22-34 Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled Phichol.] The tree sealed the site of the oath. The palpable injury. Genesis 20:2 Genesis 26:26 God. The significance of this passage is Abraham finding a place in the land promised to him in safety. transactions recorded in the preceding chapter, or to the time of A.M. 2118. Abimelech, that is _Father-King,_ was _The Covenant with Abimelech_ (Genesis 21:22-34) 14. 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. That led to an obsessive seven year deep dive. Th Genesis 21:22 time H6256 Abimelech H40 Phichol H6369 commander H8269 mercy in Christ the Lord. Genesis 12:1-3 sets forth Gods purpose to make of Abraham a great nation, to bless him and make his name great so that he would be the channel of Gods blessing to all the families of the earth. Hes letting Abimeleks servants off the hook! You might be protesting. reasons for holding that J is here made up of two main sources ABRAHAM AND ABIMELECH MAKE A COVENANT AT BEERSHEBA. 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. 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.). BIRTH OF ISAAC. So swear to me here before God that you won't deal falsely with me or my children or my descendants. The satisfactory explanation. Even in this ordinary incident, Abraham acknowledged Gods faithful care for him. Do others see the hand of God on your life? 22 Abimelechs couenant with Abraham at Beer-sheba. Abimelech was impressed with Abraham's growing prosperity. ABRAHAM AND ABIMELECH There he made, not only a constant practice, but an open profession of his religion. Bondwoman and her son cast out. How Jesus loved his betrayer Judas, even to the very end. _chemet_ bottle, akin to _chamah_, Good men mostly desire to have the saints as friends, and even the wicked can perceive an advantage in being allied to the righteous. Beersheba. read more, John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary. We could go on and on recounting the mighty deeds that God has done. He checked his police cruiser, it looked good, the light bar was on. Isaac's birth (Genesis 22:1) 2. with thee in all that At last in God's 'Set time," and in spite of all natural difficulties, But what Im saying is that sinlessness isnt the requirement to bear witness for Christ. CHARACTERS: Sarah, Abraham, Isaac, Hagar, Ishmael, Abimelech. How to survive a life of loving like Jesus (or how not to become a Christian doormat). 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. 3. Genesis 21 1. Which things are an allegory.- Galatians 4:22. And you know what else? Peace established, Abimelech and Phichol, having accomplished their mission, returned to Philistia. to Abraham. What for you is the most threatening aspect about telling someone about Christ. transactions recorded in the preceding chapter, or to the time of So they conclude that Christians are hypocrites, and they fail to see God in our lives. Will God forgive me for losing hope and the will to live? Weaned] in his second or third year, as is usual among Orientals. GODS ANCIENT PEOPLE Finally he blurted out, Well, thats all it will hold anyway. Abimelech declared himself perfectly unacquainted with the wrong which had been done to Abraham, and immediately returned the well, which discovers how easily misunderstandings might be removed if, instead of harboring enmity, men would resort to friendly conference. _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. 17 The Angel comforteth her. This Thirsty World. Show to me and my country the same kindness Ive shown you. It shows how God faithfully provided all that Abraham needed apart from Abrahams schemes. Even so, as believers, we know that every second of our lives is under the watchful care of the heavenly Father. In like manner Phichol, mouth of all, seems to have been the official designation of the prime minister, and commander-in-chief. 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. b. Genesis 21:22-34 In-Context. He suggested that Abraham and he make a treaty that would guarantee good relations between them (22-24). Abraham took care to have his title to the well allowed, to prevent disputes in future. Its Gods job to meet out justice. Abraham called on the name of the Lord. Wheres the justice? You might be thinking. and married, but when Isaac was weaned and Ishmael was expelled: In Chapter s 20, 21 we have the question of the heir and of the path 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. 22. _Isaac;_ that is, laughter or holy joy. 3. NOR WITH MY SON, NOR WITH MY SONS SON.] GENESIS He added some more items, but to his consternation, still nothing happened. I already did that during the night while I was watching over my sick child, she replied. Luke 6:21. 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. army H6635 spoke H559 (H8799) Abraham H85 saying And so it was at that time that Abimelech, and Phicol the captain Now swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or my descendants. The apparent contradiction between the statement of this verse and that of Genesis 21:32 may be removed by supposing either. He gives Abimelek seven lambs so Abimelek can tell his servants that the well has been purchased. Theyre people who live rather ordinary lives, except for one significant fact--their lives count for eternity because they are used by God to help fulfill His purpose. the long-promised son was born. fruit of patient waiting upon God. 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. 4. Its done, these two powerful men have entered into the treaty with one another. GENESIS 21:23. He wouldnt have had much exciting news to report in his monthly fund-raising letter. BIRTH OF ISAAC. the three main sources, J. E, P are present. Gunkel has given strong of faith in another point of view. In this section ), 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). Each time, the young man, who was retarded and knew only this one verse, responded simply by quoting John 3:16. A few years ago Abraham told this same Abimelek that Sarah was his sister. Of _Abimelech, _ see GENESIS 20:2. And the Lord visited Sarah, as he had said, and the Lord did unto The most comprehensive longitudinal study in history is a research project called the Grant Study. At that time Abimelek and Phicol the commander of his forces said to Abraham, God is with you in everything you do. Beersheba. all that thou doest: Because Abimelech had taken Sarah into his harem, God struck him and all his household with some illness and threatened to kill them if he didnt return Sarah to Abraham. Abraham gets his well back. The herdsmen of the king had appropriated Abraham's well. His friendship is valued, is courted, though a stranger, though a tenant at will to the Canaanites and Perizzites. And as a result things turned ugly. 2. The man was educated and he articulately expressed his objections. So instead of fighting Abimelek or insisting on Abimelek giving back control of the well, Abraham provides a graceful way out. Youll have to put these things in yourself. With a tearful thank you, the woman took her groceries and left. _ 1. You dont need a theological education to bear witness by your walk with God. 6 Sarahs ioy. 1. Arise We have had hitherto God's account of that which He had made; then the Most of Gods people have been simple, ordinary folks who are not famous or politically powerful. Read the Scripture: Genesis 21:22-34. CAME TO PASS AT THAT TIME, &C. Hence it is plain that Abraham had THE FOLLOWING COMMENTARY COVERS CHAPTER S 20 AND 21. Q. Genesis 21 Genesis 22 Genesis 23 Genesis 24 . Verse Genesis 21:22. A godly man is entitled to be careful of his property, to preserve it from damage, protect it from theft, and recover it when stolen or lost. And alls well. not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is. Arab Ishmael is the father of all our outcasts. Abraham kept up public worship, in which his neighbours might join. Genesis 21:22-34 . 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. trial and utter ruin of the creature, with the revelation of divine Sarah, at the unlikely age of 90 years, gives birth to Isaac, See also Genesis 21:22-34 in other biblical comments: Adam Clarke Bible Commentary. Peace. 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.. If youre a Christian, and youre not a cop, then its not your job to come down on people. ISAAC IS BORN Abraham decided to take a different approach. ABRAHAM AND ABIMELECH You know what Ive learned? Now the grace of God bears its most important fruit in the history of And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God. The significance of the presence of Phichol at the ceremony indicates Abimelechs promise not to pursue military action against Abraham. Abimelech's covenant with Abraham at Beersheba. And Abraham stayed in the land of the Philistines for a long time. He wasnt building a sprawling complex of buildings to house his international ministry. When you come to a passage like this in the Bible, the question is, Why did God include this in sacred Scripture? The prince rather complains that Abraham had done him an injustice. His flight from New York was first delayed and then cancelled, so that he would have missed his meetings. This is the first use of everlasting (Hb. 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. He complains to Abimelek about a well of water that Abimeleks servants had seized. 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. Love Like Jesus: How Jesus Loved People (and how you can love like Jesus). He was just living the ordinary, hum-drum, day-to-day existence of a nomad with his flocks and herds. Abimelech attributes Abrahams success to God. I dont have to give you my license and registration., Listen you ! 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. I read about a successful man who was on a business trip. 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. This is even more significant when you realize that Abraham wasnt doing anything spectacular. 1. 21:32-34 A place to call on the name of the Lord. How Jesus didnt love everyone the same (and why you shouldnt either). Philistines generally (Genesis 2 ISHMAEL AND ISAAC Abraham, having got into a good neighbourhood, knew when he was well off, and continued a great while there. Abimelech's treaty with Abraham 21:22-34. Arise We have had hitherto God's account of that which He had made; then the Well see how much this is worth, he muttered. 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. In this way he demonstrated that Isaac was heir to God's covenant promises (21:1-7; cf. Which things are an. On Genesis, Part 6: The Blooming of Trees. 2 And Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age at the time of which God had spoken to him. Abimelech, that is _Father-King,_ was A believer is invincible until it is his time to go. 23 Now swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or my descendants. CHAPTER 21 ISAAC AND ISHMAEL AND THE COVENANT WITH ABIMELECH So the treaty is solidified. 20 God was with the boy as he grew up. It seems to me that the answer is, It shows the faithfulness of God in the ordinary. *** Abimelech reenters the picture with his enforcer, Phicol. His friendship is valued, is courted, though a stranger, though a tenant at will to the Canaanites and Perizzites. The shaft is formed of excellent masonry to a great depth until it reaches the rock, and at this juncture a spring trickles perpetually. 6 Sarahs ioy. 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. The new cop and the driver of the car are both backed into a corner. And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What mean these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set by themselves? THE STORY OF ABRAHAM. Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers Sometimes we think that weve got to be perfect before God can use us as a witness. Abraham instituted two memorials of the important transactions, naming the well Beersheba, and planting a tamarisk beside his tent. has )was probably the Tamarix Africanae (Gesenius, Furst, Delitzsch, Rosenmller, Kalisch), which, besides being common in Egypt and Petraea, is mid to have been found growing near the ancient Beershebain Beersheba, and called there (not beneath the tree or in the grove, but in the place) on the name of the Lord,Jehovah (vide Genesis 12:8; Genesis 13:4)the everlasting Godliterally, the God of eternity (LXX; Vulgate, Onkelos); not in contrast to heathen deities, who are born and die (Clericus), but "as the everlasting Vindicator of the faith of treaties, and as the infallible Source of the believer's rest and peace" (Murphy). 21:23 Abimelech proposes a treaty not to deal falsely. Asking their forgiveness is often the first step in that process. Vs.8-21 The expulsion of Ishmael and Hagar. The covenanting parties. Abimelech and Phichol. Now the grace of God bears its most important fruit in the history of And they didnt have backhoes or drilling rigs in those days. CHAPTER 21 ISAAC AND ISHMAEL AND THE COVENANT WITH ABIMELECH all-commanding. ALL CHRISTIAN PROSPERITY IS CONSCIOUSLY IDENTIFIED WITH GOD. The outcast. He normally didnt attend church, but he was troubled about some matters and went to church, hoping to find some relief. 9 Hagar & Ishmael are cast forth. could sing with Mary, My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spi God is with thee in all that thou doest Specific examples of how Jesus communicated Gods love to others. 14. that it could not be explained on merely natural grounds. ISAAC IN GERAR A famine occurs in the land, just as it had in the days of Abraham (ch.12:10). Perhaps Abimelech had heard of how God had given Abraham and Sarah a son in their old age. CAME TO PASS AT THAT TIME, &C. Hence it is plain that Abraham had CHARACTERS: Sarah, Abraham, Isaac, Hagar, Ishmael, Abimelech. Most of us in our land of plenty dont have to worry about where our next meal is coming from. surround, enclose, and _chum_ black. had promised to her. I like that, "as He had said, and as He had spoken." 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. He walked in daily communion with God. (Kindle,hardcover, andpaperbacknow available on Amazon. (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. 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. List one sac- His life wasnt made up of one spectacular event after another. The LXX. Abimelech protests that he is unaware of the situation regarding the disputed well and suggests that Abraham bears some of the blame for not telling him of the situation. The driver of the vehicle wasnt given a graceful way out. 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. 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. favourite of God, chap. Whereas the first conflict, Scene 5 ( Genesis 20:1-18 ), concerned jeopardy of the . They formalize the peace agreement, Abimelech leaves, Abraham plants a commemorative tree, worships the Lord, and life goes on. 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. fruit of patient waiting upon God. "Abraham stretched forth his hand, ABRAHAM AND ABIMELECH COVENANT 33:18-19). Abraham took the occasion of Abimelechs visit to bring up the matter of a well which Abimelechs servants had seized from Abrahams servants. 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.