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

But thats not fair! You might be saying. The blessing made manifest. II. That led to an obsessive seven year deep dive. Probably from JE. GENESIS 21:23. So swear to me here before God that you wont deal falsely with me or my children or my descendants. Neither didst thou toll me, neither yet heard I of it, but today. 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. 17 The Angel comforteth her. 2. The man whos been thoroughly analyzing these files for the last 44 years is Dr. George Valliant. Gen. 21:22-34 Locate the passage This passage chronicles a covenant between Abraham and Abimelech. Abraham denies his relationship Abimelech could sense that in spite of Abrahams previous failure in the incident with Sarah, he was a man who walked with God. 6 Sarahs ioy. Abimelech's treaty with Abraham 21:22-34. 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. Verse Genesis 21:22. So we never bear witness for Jesus Christ, which is precisely what Satan wants. 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. V2 So Sarah became *pregnant. Genesis 21:22-34 What is the meaning of these seven ewe lambs you have set apart by themselves? (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. Here we have accomplished promise the blessed Peace. 8. to Abraham. The alliance was contracted. Its our job to love God and to love people. How can we turn everyday situations into opportunities for telling others about Christ? 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. Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called on the name of the LORD, the Eternal God. _Isaac;_ that is, laughter or holy joy. It also signified a tranquil, settled life, under Gods providential care. Even so, as believers, we know that every second of our lives is under the watchful care of the heavenly Father. Luke 6:21. Sarah's joy. Are we honest, even in small matters? Another highlight of this passage is the explanation for the origin of the name Beersheba. captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in Related Commentaries of Genesis 21:22. 14. . captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God [is] with thee in 26), but through this treaty, God was faithfully providing for Abrahams basic physical needs. the title not only of the king of Gerar, but of the kings of the Should be consulted by all who wish to be well-informed on the issues alluded to by Moses. The man was educated and he articulately expressed his objections. 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. Sarah The Atlantic, June 2009. . The covenanting parties. He wouldnt have had much exciting news to report in his monthly fund-raising letter. _ALUN OWEN_ Wells of water are scarce and valuable in eastern countries. )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). (22) ABIMELECH AND PHICHOL. And as a result things turned ugly. I. Youll be happier, people will be more cooperative toward you, and youll have healthier relationships. 22. Wells of water are scarce and valuable in eastern countries. He checked his boots, they were shiny. Category: Sermon StructureTags: Genesis, Genesis 21, Old Testament Narrative, Home | Admissions | Academics | Campus Life | Alumni, All content copyright 2023 Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary Read Genesis commentary using Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Concise). 15 Hagar in distresse. And Abraham replies, These seven lambs are a witness that I dug the well that your servants seized. The term for making a treaty (used here and vs. 32) is karat. As Abraham is the father of all the faithful, so the After this had gone on for several times, the businessman suddenly was struck with the simple truth of that verse. Copyright 1996, Steven J. Cole, All Rights Reserved. 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. Not long ago he was asked, What have you learned from the Grant Study men?, Vaillants response: That the only thing that really matters in life are your relationships to other people. (What makes us happy? 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. Even as Gods kindness draws us to him, our kindness with others should point them to Him. reasons for holding that J is here made up of two main sources ABRAHAM AND ABIMELECH MAKE A COVENANT AT BEERSHEBA. Not surprisingly, the driver of the car didnt comply. could sing with Mary, My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spi God is with thee in all that thou doest Name signifies mouth of all, _i.e.,_ He checked his badge, it was on right side up. What makes us happy? 21:22-34 Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled to Abraham. Read Genesis 21:22-34 Ripped Off 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. Abimelech attributes Abrahams success to God. Then Abraham brings up a sore subject, a delicate matter, a touchy issue with Abimelek. Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. 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. Genesis 20:2 Genesis 26:26 God. Thus, while the Lord gave Abraham authority to dwell in this land, his presence was recognized by the king of Gerar. How to love unlovable people the way Jesus did. Of _Abimelech, _ see GENESIS 20:2. And the Lord visited Sarah, as he had said, and the Lord did unto - Genesis 21:22-23 Review After waiting years, God blessed Abraham and Sarah with their promised baby, Isaac. 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. Wheres the balance between taking measures for our own safety versus trusting God to protect us? Probably an official title. Abimelech attributes Abrahams success to God. B.C. 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). Sarah's demand GENESIS 12:1 TO GENESIS 25:18. V2 So Sarah became *pregnant. So the treaty is solidified. undertakings. . neit EXPOSITION AndIf anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. (Matthew 5:39-41). In spite of Abrahams past deception, Abimelech recognized God in his life. He sarcastically said, Write your prayer on a piece of paper and you can have its weight in groceries. To his surprise, she pulled a folded note out of her pocket and handed it to him. The Covenant Between Abraham and Abimelech NINTH SECTION 21 He lived in the wilderness of Paran, and his mother took a wife for him from the land of Egypt. 17. 3. Vs.1-7 The birth of Isaac. all that thou _AND IT CAME TO PASS AT THAT TIME, THAT ABIMELECH AND PHICHOL THE Abraham decided to take a different approach. The driver of the vehicle wasnt given a graceful way out. So they conclude that Christians are hypocrites, and they fail to see God in our lives. _mlel_ speak, an ancient and therefore solemn Im not suggesting that you go on sinning and tell everyone that youre a Christian. "the well of the oath," (LXX; Gesenius, Furst, Rosenmller), or the well of the seven (Keil), rather than the seven wells (Lange); discovered by Robinson in Bir-es-seba, in the Wady-es-seba, twelve miles to the south of Hebron, with two deep wells of excellent water. The name, Beersheba seems to play on them both. A few years ago Abraham told this same Abimelek that Sarah was his sister. But we can have the comfort of knowing that both men were under Gods providential care. 21:23 Abimelech proposes a treaty not to deal falsely. ), 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). Then this brand new cop said,Sir, step out of the car. I. 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. Genesis 21:22 But in his case, it was his final home, in heaven. Specific examples of how Jesus communicated Gods love to others. _chemet_ bottle, akin to _chamah_, Commentary: Patriarchs and Prophets (or Beginning of the End), chapter 13. Its about your relationship with the person of God and your relationships with other people. (1) The world is watching the lives of believers. _mlel_ speak, an ancient and therefore solemn Wheres the justice? You might be thinking. trial and utter ruin of the creature, with the revelation of divine of faith in another point of view. Th Genesis 21:22 time H6256 Abimelech H40 Phichol H6369 commander H8269 And Abimelech said, I wet not who hath done this thing. 22 And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phicol the L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 26:1-35. He normally didnt attend church, but he was troubled about some matters and went to church, hoping to find some relief. THE STORY OF ABRAHAM. 2. Arab Ishmael is the father of all our outcasts. 22 At that time Abimelek and Phicol the commander of his forces said to Abraham, "God is with you in everything you do. 4. 27:7). Finally he blurted out, Well, thats all it will hold anyway. You know what Ive learned? ISAAC IS BORN Do you call on the name of the Lord regardless of your circumstances. BIRTH OF ISAAC. read more, John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary. A.M. 2118. Your neighbor may have a Ph.D. and you may be a blue collar worker. and poetical word. The trouble is, people can see that it isnt true. chesed) to Abraham. Sarah as he had spoken." CONTENTS: Birth of Isaac. Sarah, at the unlikely age of 90 years, gives birth to Isaac, He was, to put it gently, directed to find a way to verbally persuade subjects to cooperate. CRITICAL NOTES. So what does Abraham do? Abraham, having got into a good neighbourhood, knew when he was well off, and continued a great while there. This second conflict with Abimelech creates a bracket around the Isaac birth narrative. Abimelech and Phichol. In this section 17:9-14). surround, enclose, and _chum_ black. Hence "the ownership of wells m Palestine was as jealously guarded as the possession of a mine in our own" (Inglis). ), his knowledge of Isaac's birth, and his general observation of the patriarch's prosperity. The league is proposed by Abimelech, and Phichol his prime-minister of state and general of his army. Just because youve blown it with someone in the past doesnt mean that you cant be used later to influence that person toward God. Abimelech and Phichol. He made a traffic stop that went something like this: Listen, I know my rights. "'Do not lay a hand on the boy,' he said. So Abimelek took Sarah into his harem. The LXX. Truthfully, I have nothing to offer but a little prayer.. I read about a successful man who was on a business trip. 14. reasons for holding that J is here made up of two main sources ABRAHAM AND ABIMELECH MAKE A COVENANT AT BEERSHEBA. all-commanding. Verses 1-34. *** Abimelech reenters the picture with his enforcer, Phicol. Well see how much this is worth, he muttered. the three main sources, J. E, P are present. 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. He was Gods number one man on earth, but he wasnt holding miracle services. He checked his police cruiser, it looked good, the light bar was on. _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. 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. 9 Hagar & Ishmael are cast forth. Ishmael mocking (Genesis 22:9) _ 1. Abimelechs proposal includes his offspring, but does not specifically include any offspring of Abraham. The tree sealed the site of the oath. continued in the country of the Philistines for a considerable time; Its about relationships with people. 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. Youll have to put these things in yourself. With a tearful thank you, the woman took her groceries and left. undertakings. But He doesnt just provide for our needs so that we can live comfy lives for our own happiness. 22-34 Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled to Abraham. How to respond to critics the way Jesus did. In Genesis 21:22-34, we see Abraham in a scene from his ordinary life. Show us kindness like we have been kind to you. You many Read Genesis 21:22-34 here: Bible Gateway. It is wise to connect ourselves with those who are blessed of God; and we ought to requite kindness to those who have been kind to us. He rained down fire and brimstone to destroy wicked Sodom. 22. We dont know how much Abimelech knew about the one true God, but he at least knew enough to see clearly that God made a difference in Abrahams life. And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God. I wont ask you again!. He wasnt building a sprawling complex of buildings to house his international ministry. Philistines generally (Genesis 2 ISHMAEL AND ISAAC I like that, "as He had said, and as He had spoken." xx. Another highlight of this passage is the explanation for the origin of the name Beersheba. Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? all that thou doest: Gunkel has given strong 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. ALL CHRISTIAN PROSPERITY IS ALSO CONSCIOUSLY IDENTIFIED WITH Show to me and my country the same kindness Ive shown you. Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible - The Birth of Isaac 7. Abimelech, however, was still wary of Abraham and fearful of the God whom Abraham worshipped. Abraham set apart seven ewe lambs from the flock,and Abimelek asked Abraham, What is the meaning of these seven ewe lambs you have set apart by themselves?, He replied, Accept these seven lambs from my hand as a witness that I dug this well.. Because of the cops statement that I wont ask you again! this situation is destined to go sideways. laughed with the laughter of incredulity, now laughed with the _Abimelech, king of Gerara, who knew that Abraham was a prophet, and a 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. Luke 6:21. Its not our job to meet out justice anyway. 7. all that thou _AND IT CAME TO PASS AT THAT TIME, THAT ABIMELECH AND PHICHOL THE 4 And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as At that time Abimelek and Phicol the commander of his forces said to Abraham, God is with you in everything you do. Abraham uses the occasion to complain to Abimelech about a well which his men have taken from Abrahams servants. Wherever we sojourn, we must neither neglect nor be ashamed of the worship of Jehovah. ABRAHAM AND ABIMELECH Asking their forgiveness is often the first step in that process. The music and the sermon were okay, but didnt really help. 3. The covenant arising out of bodily wants a civil agreement. Then Abraham does something unexpected. 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. No doubt, the king remembered their previous encounter when Abraham dealt falsely with him. Abimelech professed to have shown kindness (Hb. 7. The Lords whole thing boils down to that. b. CHARACTERS: Sarah, Abraham, Isaac, Hagar, Ishmael, Abimelech. If youre a Christian, and youre not a cop, then its not your job to come down on people. CHRISTIAN PROSPERITY 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. Which things are an. has 7. But Abraham still struggled with this fear long after he had been living in the land. 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. Abimelech claimed no prior knowledge of the matter, and the covenant the two men ratified stipulated that the well belonged to Abraham (21:30). 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. 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. He felt _God is with thee in all tha 1 Isaac is borne. Ishmael made fun of the covenant family, as Sarah had feared. EXPOSITION. And Abraham reproved (literally, reasoned with, and proved to the satisfaction of) Abimelech (who was, until informed, entirely unacquainted with the action of his servants) because of a well of water, which Abimelech's servants had violently taken away. Abimelech was impressed with Abraham's growing prosperity. 23. That leads me to ask, Does the world see God in your everyday life?. Weaned] in his second or third year, as is usual among Orientals. GODS ANCIENT PEOPLE We have had in fine the judgment of 22._And it came to pass at that time_. And Abraham stayed in the land of the Philistines for a long time. So swear to me here before God that you won't deal falsely with me or my children or my descendants. The most comprehensive longitudinal study in history is a research project called the Grant Study. That world could tell that God was with him in all he did! As a prince, Abimelech was afraid of Abraham's growing power; as a good man, he insures the safety of himself and his dominions not by resorting to war, but by forming an amicable treaty with his neighbornor with my son, nor with my son's son: (LXX. the title not only of the king of Gerar, but of the kings of the 21:32-34 A place to call on the name of the Lord. Abraham, being now in a good neighbourhood, stayed a great while there. 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. Now therefore swear to me here by God that you will not de Genesis 21 But what about Abraham? Abimelech's covenant with Abraham at Beersheba. 22 At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army said to Abraham, "God is with you in all that you do. I. 3. Abimelech, that is _Father-King,_ was 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. Love Like Jesusexamines a variety of stories, examples, and research, including: With genuine unfiltered honesty,Love Like Jesus, shows you how to live a life according to Gods definition of success: A life of loving God well, and loving the people around you well too. His life wasnt made up of one spectacular event after another. Hagar and Ishmael sent away. We wont know Gods purpose until were in heaven. In that desert land, a well was essential for survival, both for a mans flocks and for his family. Peace commemorated. His friendship is valued, is courted, though a stranger, though a tenant at will to the Canaanites and Perizzites. 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 . fear It is wise to connect ourselves with those who are blessed I. Didnt Jesus tell us If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. Sarah, at the unlikely age of 90 years, gives birth to Isaac, @#$ %^&*^$!, Im not doin it! The herdsmen of the king had appropriated Abraham's well. 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. AND IT CAME TO PASS AT THAT TIME,possibly in immediate sequence to ISAAC IN GERAR A famine occurs in the land, just as it had in the days of Abraham (ch.12:10). 15. The name of the Lord itself an invitation to believe and live. 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. Abimelek avoids contention within his ranks. How Jesus didnt love everyone the same (and why you shouldnt either). 1 The LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did to Sarah as he had promised. V1 The *Lord had promised that he would visit Sarah. All these things are true and wonderful. 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. I already did that during the night while I was watching over my sick child, she replied. Youll recall that he had been deceptive, pawning off Sarah as his sister. God also took care of Hagar and Ishmael, remembering His promise to greatly multiply their descendants (see Birth of Isaac ). So that place was called Beersheba,because the two men swore an oath there. And alls well. So Abraham, to demonstrate his commitment to the treaty and to demonstrate his good will toward Abimelek, brings to Abimelek sheep and cattle. _GOD IS WITH - The Birth of Isaac Beersheba. It records the conversation between Abraham and Abimelech and their mutual promise of kindness to each other. Newly released book by Kurt Bennett, now available onAmazon!