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

How Jesus demonstrated all five of Gary Chapmans love languages (and how you can too). 21:22-34 Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled to Abraham. Of _Abimelech, _ see GENESIS 20:2. And the Lord visited Sarah, as he had said, and the Lord did unto When Abraham and Abimelech previously met, on the occasion when Abraham lied about his wife, Abimelech endorsed Abraham living where it pleases you (20:15). Although some of Abrahams resources came directly from Abimelech (20:16), the king sees the blessing of the Lord on all that you do.. Your neighbor may have a Ph.D. and you may be a blue collar worker. In our last presentation of the Book of Genesis, Truth and Consequences and the opening verses of Genesis chapter 4, we hope to have once again fully established as fact the consequences of Eve's sin, as it is described in Genesis chapter 3, where three times it was acknowledged that she had already conceived, and that therefore, in spite of the . Perhaps he is unaware of the birth of Isaac. Which things are an allegory.- Galatians 4:22. (See previous post about Abraham and Abimelek). Phichol.] Hence "the ownership of wells m Palestine was as jealously guarded as the possession of a mine in our own" (Inglis). 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. Beersheba. He checked his boots, they were shiny. Sarah, at the unlikely age of 90 years, gives birth to Isaac, 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. Genesis 20:2 Genesis 26:26 God. Show to me and my country the same kindness Ive shown you. The proposal was reasonable, and agreed to [Ge 21:24]. The contemplated object. See also David living in the land of the Philistines (1 Sam. read more, John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary. of faith in another point of view. In the Grant Study, 268 Harvard graduates (including John F. Kennedy by the way. Sarah who at an earlier point had _ 1. But Abimelek said, I dont know who has done this. What makes us happy? After this had gone on for several times, the businessman suddenly was struck with the simple truth of that verse. 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. He put a loaf of bread on the other side of the scale, and to his surprise, nothing happened. Now if Abraham dug the well it was his. Maybe youre sinking into sudden depression, because youre thinking, Im not perfect! Stay tuned: (2) For the world to see God in our lives we dont have to be perfect. Luke 6:21. Abimelech, that is _Father-King,_ was How to love unlovable people the way Jesus did. captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God [is] with thee in 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. trial and utter ruin of the creature, with the revelation of divine It may have been that his servants were telling him, No way, Abraham didnt dig that well, we did! 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. Name signifies mouth of all, _i.e.,_ But God revealed to Abimelek the truth that Sarah is Abrahams wife. ; Psalms 34, tit.). Abimelech. A few years ago, a Christian worker was scheduled to fly from New York to Chicago for some meetings before returning home to Los Angeles. All these things are true and wonderful. The files holding the data are as thick as unabridged dictionaries. So Abraham, to demonstrate his commitment to the treaty and to demonstrate his good will toward Abimelek, brings to Abimelek sheep and cattle. Weaned] in his second or third year, as is usual among Orientals. GODS ANCIENT PEOPLE 3. The apparent contradiction between the statement of this verse and that of Genesis 21:32 may be removed by supposing either. transactions recorded in the preceding chapter, or to the time of This new cop couldnt believe it. CHRISTIAN PROSPERITY 3. And they didnt have backhoes or drilling rigs in those days. The one great miracle in his life was the birth of Isaac in his old age. (Haydock)_ And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to 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. On the flight that crashed was a godly pastor from Southern California. What modern monarchs mostly desire at the close of exhausting campaigns is here sought before campaigns begin. The days spent in Philistia left behind them some enlightenment. _ 1. CRITICAL NOTES. Contests for wells "are now very common all over the country, but more especially in the southern deserts". If he would walk with God, so that it was evident to others, Abraham had nothing to fear. That word sounds very much like the Hebrew word for seven (sheva) used in 21:28, 29, and 30. 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 . Genesis 21:22-34 . 23. I.e. 22. And the LORD visited Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah as He had spoken. 139:16)! The trouble with this approach, of course, is that we never get to that place. The herdsmen of the king had appropriated Abraham's well. ), his knowledge of Isaac's birth, and his general observation of the patriarch's prosperity. Without even reading it, he put it on one side of his old-fashioned scale. _chemet_ bottle, akin to _chamah_, He checked his badge, it was on right side up. He suggested that Abraham and he make a treaty that would guarantee good relations between them (22-24). He got down on his knees and wept in gratitude. Read the Scripture: Genesis 21:22-34. 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. 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. all that thou doest: 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). . 45-46). 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. Abimelech was impressed with Abraham's growing prosperity. and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken ( Genesis 21:1 ). Now the grace of God bears its most important fruit in the history of 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. CHAPTER 21 ISAAC AND ISHMAEL AND THE COVENANT WITH ABIMELECH ), 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). 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. None ever waited in vain. I. Scripture Story: Genesis 21:1-5; Genesis 22:1-12. Gunkel has given strong The Net Pastors Journal, Eng. A Treaty with Abimelech. B.C. THE STORY OF ABRAHAM. But Abraham still struggled with this fear long after he had been living in the land. neit Now the LORD visited Sarah as he had said (Genesis 21:1), CHIEF CAPTAIN OF HIS HOST SPAKE UNTO ABRAHAM, SAYING, GOD IS WITH THEE 8. They cover or deny their sin and try to make it look like theyve got it all together. Just because youve blown it with someone in the past doesnt mean that you cant be used later to influence that person toward God. And Abraham said, I will swear. Well see how much this is worth, he muttered. 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. 1. He had to provide protection and give him the land, which He begins to do in a rather ordinary way through this peace agreement. His flight from New York was first delayed and then cancelled, so that he would have missed his meetings. So instead of fighting Abimelek or insisting on Abimelek giving back control of the well, Abraham provides a graceful way out. It hadnt worked the two times they tried it. Now Abraham and his descendants can dwell securely in the land. He made a traffic stop that went something like this: Listen, I know my rights. 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. God promised that His covenant with Abraham would be an everlasting covenant; Abraham recognized God as everlasting., This foreshadows future encounters between the Israelites and the Philistines. As Abraham is the father of all the faithful, so the Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible - The Birth of Isaac 7. Genesis 21:1; Genesis 22:1 The name, Beersheba seems to play on them both. Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers continued in the country of the Philistines for a considerable time; GENESIS 21:23. ALL CHRISTIAN PROSPERITY IS CONSCIOUSLY IDENTIFIED WITH GOD. (22) ABIMELECH AND PHICHOL. 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. 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. This passage chronicles a covenant between Abraham and Abimelech. IN ALL THAT THOU DOEST:_ But thats not fair! You might be saying. . - Genesis 21:22-23 Review After waiting years, God blessed Abraham and Sarah with their promised baby, Isaac. Wells of water are scarce and valuable in eastern countries. @#$ %^&*^$!, Im not doin it! Are we cheerful and pleasant, even when were mistreated, or do we grumble and complain like everyone else? Verse Genesis 21:22. Then Abraham brings up a sore subject, a delicate matter, a touchy issue with Abimelek. fruit of patient waiting upon God. all that thou _AND IT CAME TO PASS AT THAT TIME, THAT ABIMELECH AND PHICHOL THE ALL CHRISTIAN PROSPERITY IS CONSCIOUSLY IDENTIFIED WITH GOD. 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. As already Mature, Aner, and Eshcol had formed a league with the patriarch (vide Genesis 14:13). favourite of God, chap. God's care for those beyond the covenant. The public ceremonial. BIRTH OF ISAAC. had promised to her. The satisfactory explanation. 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. ); posteri et stirps (Vulgate); offspring and progeny (Kalisch); kith and kin (Murphy)but according to the kindness that I have done unto thee (vide Genesis 20:15), thou shalt do unto me, and to the land wherein thou hast sojournedthe land being put for the people (cf. and poetical word. Wells of water are scarce and valuable in eastern countries. Q. Hes lying! How much specialized training (if any) do Christians need to be effective witnesses for Christ? And as a result things turned ugly. law of Hebrew narrative, probably not Now the LORD visited Sarah as he had said (Genesis 21:1), undertakings. Its about your relationship with the person of God and your relationships with other people. The term for making a treaty (used here and vs. 32) is karat. His circumcision (Genesis 22:4)_ Plus, if you add the three times shava is used and the three times sheva is used with the use of Beersheba that makes a total of seven times the words are used. As Abraham is the father of all the faithful, so the Wheres the justice? You might be thinking. I like that, "as He had said, and as He had spoken." 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." He wasnt perfect, but he had reality with God and Gods gracious hand was on him. 22 And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phicol the Abimelek continued, I have treated you well all this time that youve resided here in my kingdom as a foreigner. Why did she come at exactly the time the mechanism was broken? The palpable injury. Phichol.] One of Abrahams deeply rooted fears when God called him to leave his homeland and go to the land of Canaan was that the people of the land would see his wife and kill him in order to take her. When you come to a passage like this in the Bible, the question is, Why did God include this in sacred Scripture? After the treaty had been made at Beersheba, Abimelek and Phicol the commander of his forces returned to the land of the Philistines. you do. Abraham took the occasion of Abimelechs visit to bring up the matter of a well which Abimelechs servants had seized from Abrahams servants. Arise We have had hitherto God's account of that which He had made; then the 9. 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. V1 The *Lord had promised that he would visit Sarah. Abraham at GENESIS 21:22 So its a huge deal for someone to take over a well as Abimeleks servants did. continued in the country of the Philistines for a considerable time; army H6635 spoke H559 (H8799) Abraham H85 saying And so it was at that time that Abimelech, and Phicol the captain He provided manna in the wilderness and brought water from a rock. I Wish Someone Had Told Me This When I Was Young, Genesis 21:1-21 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit (John 3:6 KJV), You are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it: 1 Corinthians 12:27, Joseph's 5 Steps to Avoid Temptation: Genesis 39:6-23, 10 Attributes Of Jesus' Relationship With His Father (And what we can learn from them), Jesus And The 5 Love Languages: Chapter 17 from the newly released book Love Like Jesus, Joseph's 4 Steps to Success: Genesis 39:1-6, The Consequences Of Ignoring God: God's Way, Your Way, And Your Crushed Spirit, The Surprising Power of Habits: Important Conversation with My Younger Self, #5, Drunk and Naked--Love Covers a Multitude: Genesis 9:18-29, Things You Should Know About The Author Of This Blog. 2. Abimelech claimed no prior knowledge of the matter, and the covenant the two men ratified stipulated that the well belonged to Abraham (21:30). "Abraham stretched forth his hand, ABRAHAM AND ABIMELECH COVENANT This Thirsty World. As the years passed, he often wondered if it was just a coincidence. Show us kindness like we have been kind to you. Heres a bag. _God is with thee in all tha 1 Isaac is borne. Abraham, having got into a good neighbourhood, knew when he was well off, and continued a great while there. It is a beautiful illustration of how God faithfully provides everything we need for life and godliness so that we can fulfill His purpose. _Isaac;_ that is, laughter or holy joy. 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. "Blessed are the peace-makers," and "beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that publisheth peace.". And both of them made a covenant. Genesis 21:22-34 In-Context. His friendship is valued, is courted, though a stranger, though a tenant at will to the Canaanites and Perizzites. all that thou _AND IT CAME TO PASS AT THAT TIME, THAT ABIMELECH AND PHICHOL THE Observing what he had done, and not knowing the design of it: what mean these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set by themselves ? 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. Abimelech's treaty with Abraham 21:22-34. Isaac is born, and circumcised. Abraham's acquiescence in the king's proposal was no doubt dictated by a peaceable disposition, a sense of equity, a spirit of contentment, and an unwavering confidence in God. The blessing made manifest. shava) in this pericope (23, 24, 31, 31). of faith in another point of view. We have had in fine the judgment of 22._And it came to pass at that time_. "Abraham stretched forth his hand, ABRAHAM AND ABIMELECH COVENANT This, however, was an error, which shows. _Isaac;_ that is, laughter or holy joy. 14. I. It is as much the duty of him who has a grievance to reveal it, as it is the duty of him who has caused the grievance to remove it. 15 Hagar in distresse. He felt ALL CHRISTIAN PROSPERITY IS ALSO CONSCIOUSLY IDENTIFIED WITH Not surprisingly, the driver of the car didnt comply. CHAPTER 21 ISAAC AND ISHMAEL AND THE COVENANT WITH ABIMELECH Its Gods job to meet out justice. He wasnt a TV evangelist. 21:23 Abimelech proposes a treaty not to deal falsely. In Chapter s 20, 21 we have the question of the heir and of the path 22 At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army said to Abraham, "God is with you in all that you do. 22. 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. 6. Youll be happier, people will be more cooperative toward you, and youll have healthier relationships. The mistaken charge. and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken (Genesis 21:1). had promised to her. had once laughed through unbelief; now being ashamed of that, she Abraham denies his relationship Probably from JE. In Genesis 21:22-34, we see Abraham in a scene from his ordinary life. God also took care of Hagar and Ishmael, remembering His promise to greatly multiply their descendants (see Birth of Isaac ). Genesis 21 1. Even in this ordinary incident, Abraham acknowledged Gods faithful care for him. Most of Gods people have been simple, ordinary folks who are not famous or politically powerful. 26), but through this treaty, God was faithfully providing for Abrahams basic physical needs. So that place was called Beersheba,because the two men swore an oath there. Abimelech, however, was still wary of Abraham and fearful of the God whom Abraham worshipped. 1886. Well it didnt turn out quite the way he expected. fear 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? Youll recall that he had been deceptive, pawning off Sarah as his sister. GENESIS 21:23. undertakings. 22-34 Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled to Abraham. This event is not recorded in Scripture. Isaac is weaned. mll "speak," an ancient and therefore solemn and poetical word. 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. So swear to me here before God that you won't deal falsely with me or my children or my descendants. with thee in all that At last in God's 'Set time," and in spite of all natural difficulties, 4. This is one of the attributes of God to His people. Some try to convey that they are perfect. Arise We have had hitherto God's account of that which He had made; then the 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. Love Like Jesus: How Jesus Loved People (and how you can love like Jesus). Commentary: Patriarchs and Prophets (or Beginning of the End), chapter 13. The oath a testimony to God where reverently made. Abimelech was impressed with Abraham's growing prosperity. This is also remarkable in light of Abrahams past dealings with Abimelech. God's people, though expected meekly to suffer wrong, cannot always help seeing that it is wrong they suffer. The league is proposed by Abimelech, and Phichol his prime-minister of state and general of his army. 6 Sarahs ioy. The prince rather complains that Abraham had done him an injustice. Newly released book by Kurt Bennett, now available onAmazon! Which things are an allegory.- Galatians 4:22. (1) that as the land of the Philistines had no fixed boundary toward the desert, Beersheba may at this time have been claimed for the kingdom of Gerar (Keil); or. Cyril Barber on Morris' The Genesis Record : a Scientific and Devotional Commentary (It can be borrowed) - Valuable as corollary reading. Abimelech, that is _Father-King,_ was Abraham at God is When the owner asked how much she could afford, she replied, My husband was killed in the war. 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 Yet in spite of Abrahams sins and insensitivity, Abimelech here seeks him out because he recognized God in Abrahams life! 20:16 in the command not to bear false witness against ones neighbor. It shows how God faithfully provided all that Abraham needed apart from Abrahams schemes. Isaac would later have to clear up some matters over several wells with Abimelech (chap. A.M. 2118. L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 26:1-35. Do you call on the name of the Lord regardless of your circumstances. Are we honest, even in small matters? There he made, not only a constant practice, but an open profession of his religion. It is wise to connect ourselves with those who are blessed