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

(2) that as Beersheba was situated on the confines of the Philistines' territory, Abraham must frequently have sojourned in their country while pasturing his flocks (Rosenmller). Why did she come at exactly the time the mechanism was broken? A son was ABIMELECHS COVENANT WITH ABRAHAM. and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken (Genesis 21:1). A Beersheba in a heathen land. He checked his uniform, it looked good. of his host, spoke to Abraham saying, God is with you in all that 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. So Abimelek took Sarah into his harem. GENESIS _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. This is the term used in Ex. 7. A.M. 2118. 14. . Abimelech and Phichol. Q. mercy in Christ the Lord. 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. 21:32-34 A place to call on the name of the Lord. But we also need to see that His ordinary provision of our daily food is an example of His faithfulness. Abimelech, that is _Father-King,_ was But what about Abraham? THE PROMISE FULFILLED IN ISAAC II. 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. Your neighbor may have a Ph.D. and you may be a blue collar worker. Sarah as he had spoken." *** Abimelech reenters the picture with his enforcer, Phicol. trial and utter ruin of the creature, with the revelation of divine This event is not recorded in Scripture. ISAAC IS BORN 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. And alls well. 1886. Abraham was the friend of God. 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. How Jesus loved his betrayer Judas, even to the very end. How Jesus didnt love everyone the same (and why you shouldnt either). 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. In that desert land, a well was essential for survival, both for a mans flocks and for his family. 5. Luke 6:21. 22-34 Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled to Abraham. "This scene occurs at the same time as the events of Scene 6 [ Genesis 21:1-21] but focuses on different characters and tensions. Which things are an allegory.- Galatians 4:22. 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). 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). Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. Now if Abraham dug the well it was his. 4. xx. Its about your relationship with the person of God and your relationships with other people. Sarah, at the unlikely age of 90 years, gives birth to Isaac, Abimelek responds, This is the first Ive heard of it. 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. And, God provides for his need for water through this well. He wasnt traveling all over the globe. How Jesus demonstrated all five of Gary Chapmans love languages (and how you can too). Sometimes we may wonder, How does God fit in with the ordinary?. They formalize the peace agreement, Abimelech leaves, Abraham plants a commemorative tree, worships the Lord, and life goes on. 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. You dont need a theological education to bear witness by your walk with God. Each time, the young man, who was retarded and knew only this one verse, responded simply by quoting John 3:16. The prudent measure Abraham gave Abimelech seven ewe lambs as a witness that he had digged the well, and consequently had a right to its possession. 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." 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. _mlel_ speak, an ancient and therefore solemn The birth of Isaac. 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. It is wise to connect ourselves with those who are blessed 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. I read about a successful man who was on a business trip. He checked his police cruiser, it looked good, the light bar was on. And as a result things turned ugly. CHARACTERS: Sarah, Abraham, Isaac, Hagar, Ishmael, Abimelech. Arab Ishmael is the father of all our outcasts. Wells of water are scarce and . Perhaps he is unaware of the birth of Isaac. And the LORD visited Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah as He had spoken. Verse Genesis 21:22. 6. Which things are an. Nor are they called upon to bear what by lawful means they are able to redress. and poetical word. He did what he 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. CHIEF CAPTAIN OF HIS HOST SPAKE UNTO ABRAHAM, SAYING, GOD IS WITH THEE Probably from JE. CHRISTIAN PROSPERITY Abraham didnt fight with Abimeleks servants. mll "speak," an ancient and therefore solemn and poetical word. 27:7). 4. CHAPTER 21 ISAAC AND ISHMAEL AND THE COVENANT WITH ABIMELECH Vs.8-21 The expulsion of Ishmael and Hagar. 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. V1 The *Lord had promised that he would visit Sarah. 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 . How to love unlovable people the way Jesus did. xx. 1. Abimelech could sense that in spite of Abrahams previous failure in the incident with Sarah, he was a man who walked with God. 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. God's people, though expected meekly to suffer wrong, cannot always help seeing that it is wrong they suffer. 34 Each of the following people made several hugesacrifices to achieve world change, and obey their conscience. ; Psalms 34, tit.). Of great importance for the scientific data that has been included in the author's exposition. has Youll recall that he had been deceptive, pawning off Sarah as his sister. He walked in daily communion with God. 1. DISMISSAL OF HAGAR AND ISHMAEL. 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. 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". Genesis 21:33. The honest and fearless revelations of Bennetts own moral failures affirm he wrote this book for himself as much as for others. Related Commentaries of Genesis 21:22. It records the conversation between Abraham and Abimelech and their mutual promise of kindness to each other. Do you call on the name of the Lord regardless of your circumstances. Not surprisingly, the driver of the car didnt comply. Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called upon the name of the LORD, the Eternal God. That world could tell that God was with him in all he did! Although some of Abrahams resources came directly from Abimelech (20:16), the king sees the blessing of the Lord on all that you do.. 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. 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. ALL CHRISTIAN PROSPERITY IS ALSO CONSCIOUSLY IDENTIFIED WITH ABRAHAM AND ABIMELECH 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. 21 He lived in the wilderness of Paran, and his mother took a wife for him from the land of Egypt. Sarah's joy. And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. II. But Abimelek said, I dont know who has done this. 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. 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. 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. Ishmael mocking (Genesis 22:9) Only before concluding the agreement there was a matter of a more personal character that required settlement. Then this brand new cop said,Sir, step out of the car. ISAAC IN GERAR A famine occurs in the land, just as it had in the days of Abraham (ch.12:10). Because of the cops statement that I wont ask you again! this situation is destined to go sideways. and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken ( Genesis 21:1 ). 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. vs.22-34 The treaty between Abraham and Abimelech. GENESIS 21:23. Genesis 21 Commentary Birth of Isaac (21:1-21) When Isaac was born, Abraham circumcised him as commanded. 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. How aggressive should we be? The shaft is formed of excellent masonry to a great depth until it reaches the rock, and at this juncture a spring trickles perpetually. Ishmael's marriage, but most probably to the former. Commentary: Patriarchs and Prophets (or Beginning of the End), chapter 13. I like that, "as He had said, and as He had spoken." I've got that underlined that just sort of hit me. It hadnt worked the two times they tried it. of faith in another point of view. 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. Its done, these two powerful men have entered into the treaty with one another. The proposal was reasonable, and agreed to [Ge 21:24]. army H6635 spoke H559 (H8799) Abraham H85 saying And so it was at that time that Abimelech, and Phicol the captain Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 21:22-34 Commentary on Genesis 21:22-34 (Read Genesis 21:22-34) Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled to Abraham. 14. The satisfactory explanation. 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. _ 1. 4 He is circumcised. Probably from JE. 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). Vs.1-7 The birth of Isaac. 17 The Angel comforteth her. How can we turn everyday situations into opportunities for telling others about Christ? God is 3. The significance of this passage is Abraham finding a place in the land promised to him in safety. His friendship is valued, is courted, though a stranger, though a tenant at will to the Canaanites and Perizzites. 1 The LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did to Sarah as he had promised. I like this. The new cop and the driver of the car are both backed into a corner. I like that, "as He had said, and as He had spoken." Then Abraham brings up a sore subject, a delicate matter, a touchy issue with Abimelek. Now swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or my descendants. 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. NOR WITH MY SON, NOR WITH MY SONS SON.] with thee in all that At last in God's 'Set time," and in spite of all natural difficulties, Read Genesis commentary using Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Concise). He was Gods number one man on earth, but he wasnt holding miracle services. that it could not be explained on merely natural grounds. See also Genesis 21:22-34 in other biblical comments: Adam Clarke Bible Commentary. 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. Abimelech professed to have shown kindness (Hb. Its Gods job to meet out justice. Just because youve blown it with someone in the past doesnt mean that you cant be used later to influence that person toward God. ), his knowledge of Isaac's birth, and his general observation of the patriarch's prosperity. But what Im saying is that sinlessness isnt the requirement to bear witness for Christ. His flight from New York was first delayed and then cancelled, so that he would have missed his meetings. Abraham denies his relationship Its no wonder that Abimelek is asking Abraham to swear that he wont deal falsely with him. His circumcision (Genesis 22:4)_ Peace commemorated. 2 And Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age at the time of which God had spoken to him. Will God forgive me for losing hope and the will to live? Genesis 21:22-34 In-Context 20 God was with the lad, and he grew; and he lived in the wilderness and became an archer . neit EXPOSITION 2. It also signified a tranquil, settled life, under Gods providential care. Name signifies mouth of all, _i.e.,_ fruit of patient waiting upon God. The grocer later discovered that the scale was out of order. captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God [is] with thee in Since were not perfect, we do one of two wrong things. And Abraham said, I will swear. "Abraham stretched forth his hand, ABRAHAM AND ABIMELECH COVENANT (See previous post about Abraham and Abimelek). and married, but when Isaac was weaned and Ishmael was expelled: Phichol.] 3. Sarah Now Abraham and his descendants can dwell securely in the land. And Abraham sojourned in the Philistines' land many days. 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. 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.. The things of this world made a channel of higher blessings. Now the grace of God bears its most important fruit in the history of I. Genesis 21:22 His calendar wasnt full of speaking engagements. Weaned] in his second or third year, as is usual among Orientals. GODS ANCIENT PEOPLE Genesis 21:22. B.C. 22 At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army said to Abraham, "God is with you in all that you do. The trouble with this approach, of course, is that we never get to that place. Im not suggesting that you go on sinning and tell everyone that youre a Christian. Happy they who can do both in peace! The oath a testimony to God where reverently made. 17 The Angel comforteth her. Some try to convey that they are perfect. The mistaken charge. If he would walk with God, so that it was evident to others, Abraham had nothing to fear. Well see how much this is worth, he muttered. CHARACTERS: Sarah, Abraham, Isaac, Hagar, Ishmael, Abimelech. God also took care of Hagar and Ishmael, remembering His promise to greatly multiply their descendants (see Birth of Isaac ). *** Abimelech reenters the picture with his enforcer, Phicol. God's promises never fail. 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). 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. _mlel_ speak, an ancient and therefore solemn He had to provide protection and give him the land, which He begins to do in a rather ordinary way through this peace agreement. CAME TO PASS AT THAT TIME, &C. Hence it is plain that Abraham had 7. The palpable injury. ); 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. As he was leaving, a young man walked up and quoted John 3:16: For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. The businessman didnt see how such a thing could be true and he didnt understand the connection between Gods giving His Son and a person having eternal life. Abimelek avoids contention within his ranks. Why did the woman have the prayer already written before he asked for it? 1. Abimelech claimed no prior knowledge of the matter, and the covenant the two men ratified stipulated that the well belonged to Abraham (21:30). Now the LORD visited Sarah as he had said ( Genesis 21:1 ), I like this. 4 He is circumcised. 1. But other than that, Abrahams life was fairly routine. _Isaac;_ that is, laughter or holy joy. The alliance was contracted. 139:16)! There he made, not only a constant practice, but an open profession of his religion. One of the most comforting doctrines of Scripture is the truth that God providentially protects His children. 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. 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 . V1 The *Lord had promised that he would visit Sarah. His men may have dug who knows how many dry wells before finding this one. 22. Verse Genesis 21:22. had once laughed through unbelief; now being ashamed of that, she 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. The days spent in Philistia left behind them some enlightenment. 22 Abimelechs couenant with Abraham at Beer-sheba. not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is. Bondwoman and her son cast out. The outcast. Why was one Christian man spared while the other was killed? Beersheba. I. But He doesnt just provide for our needs so that we can live comfy lives for our own happiness. None ever waited in vain. undertakings. This is even more significant when you realize that Abraham wasnt doing anything spectacular. 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. 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? 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. _chemet_ bottle, akin to _chamah_, continued in the country of the Philistines for a considerable time; The grocer, who was not a believer, was unmoved by her need. 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). Good men should do all they can to make others so. CONTENTS: Birth of Isaac. Genesis 21 1. Love Like Jesus: How Jesus Loved People (and how you can love like 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. Hagar in distress. And Abraham replies, These seven lambs are a witness that I dug the well that your servants seized. That was an extraordinary way that God provided for His children. In this section He wasnt a TV evangelist. Finally he blurted out, Well, thats all it will hold anyway. Sometimes we think that weve got to be perfect before God can use us as a witness. to Abraham. Because there they aware both of them. The public ceremonial. 22 And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phicol the Philistines generally (Genesis 2 ISHMAEL AND ISAAC Yet in spite of Abrahams sins and insensitivity, Abimelech here seeks him out because he recognized God in Abrahams life! He sets apart seven lambs from the flock and gives them to Abimelek. 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. 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. This, however, was an error, which shows. 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.