_ALUN OWEN_ Probably an official title. "The great well has an internal diameter at the mouth of twelve feet six inches, or a circumference of nearly forty feet. Read the Scripture: Genesis 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. 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. Abraham took care to have his title to the well allowed, to prevent disputes in future. Sometimes we think that weve got to be perfect before God can use us as a witness. From 1977-1992 he was the pastor of Lake Gregory Community Church in Crestline, California. This, however, was an error, which shows. 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. Spiritual markers remind us of the goodness of the Lord in our lives. CONTENTS: Birth of Isaac. The driver of the vehicle wasnt given a graceful way out. 15 Hagar in distresse. God's promises never fail. *** Abimelech reenters the picture with his enforcer, Phicol. 4 And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as Sarah reasons for holding that J is here made up of two main sources ABRAHAM AND ABIMELECH MAKE A COVENANT AT BEERSHEBA. Ver. It is a beautiful illustration of how God faithfully provides everything we need for life and godliness so that we can fulfill His purpose. Genesis 20:2 Genesis 26:26 God. Ishmaels expulsion. I dont have to give you my license and registration., Listen you ! Youve never said anything to me about this before and I dont know who might have done it. Youre not backing us up! Of great importance for the scientific data that has been included in the author's exposition. So what does Abraham do? a. trial and utter ruin of the creature, with the revelation of divine Gunkel has given strong 2. What modern monarchs mostly desire at the close of exhausting campaigns is here sought before campaigns begin. 21 While he was living in the Desert of Paran, his mother got a wife for him from Egypt. The Lords whole thing boils down to that. Here we have accomplished promise the blessed Bondwoman and her son cast out. V2 So Sarah became *pregnant. Even in this ordinary incident, Abraham acknowledged Gods faithful care for him. DISMISSAL OF HAGAR AND ISHMAEL. not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is. Genesis 21:22-34 In-Context. It seems to me that the answer is, It shows the faithfulness of God in the ordinary. 14. . _The Covenant with Abimelech_ (Genesis 21:22-34) ABRAHAM AND ABIMELECH 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. 21:33 Abraham called on the name of the Lord, 21:34 Living in the land of the Philistines. all-commanding. Abimelech and Phichol. If he would walk with God, so that it was evident to others, Abraham had nothing to fear. 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? V1 The *Lord had promised that he would visit Sarah. Good men should not only rectify the wrongs they do to one another, but adopt all wise precautions against their repetition. 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. 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). not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is. Gunkel has given strong Specific examples of how Jesus communicated Gods love to others. So if Abimelek gives the well back to Abraham, Abimeleks servants might react, You believe that foreigner over us? Name signifies mouth of all, _i.e.,_ You dont need a theological education to bear witness by your walk with God. (22) ABIMELECH AND PHICHOL. The days spent in Philistia left behind them some enlightenment. But what about Abraham? B.C. He did what he Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. He is not far from every one of us. And Abimelech said, I wet not who hath done this thing. 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). the three main sources, J. E, P are present. CHIEF CAPTAIN OF HIS HOST SPAKE UNTO ABRAHAM, SAYING, GOD IS WITH THEE In like manner Phichol, mouth of all, seems to have been the official designation of the prime minister, and commander-in-chief. CHRISTIAN PROSPERITY Abraham took the occasion of Abimelechs visit to bring up the matter of a well which Abimelechs servants had seized from Abrahams servants. (Kindle,hardcover, andpaperbacknow available on Amazon. _The birth of Isaac. 20 God was with the boy as he grew up. that it could not be explained on merely natural grounds. 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. 21:22-34 Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled to Abraham. None ever waited in vain. 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. Name signifies mouth of all, _i.e.,_ 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 . The LXX. His circumcision (Genesis 22:4)_ 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. 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. As David wrote, all our days were written in Gods book before we even were born (Ps. Abimelech and Phichol. The Net Pastors Journal, Eng. 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. 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. Phichol.] The files holding the data are as thick as unabridged dictionaries. Another highlight of this passage is the explanation for the origin of the name Beersheba. I already did that during the night while I was watching over my sick child, she replied. Only before concluding the agreement there was a matter of a more personal character that required settlement. The birth of Isaac. (3) that in making charges or preferring complaints it is well to avoid both heat of temper and severity of language. Peace commemorated. undertakings. CHAPTER 21 Peace. 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. 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.. And both of them made a covenant. God also took care of Hagar and Ishmael, remembering His promise to greatly multiply their descendants (see Birth of Isaac ). Now Abraham and his descendants can dwell securely in the land. 4. Isaac's birth (Genesis 22:1) 2. _Isaac;_ that is, laughter or holy joy. The things of this world made a channel of higher blessings. Its not our job to meet out justice anyway. (See previous post about Abraham and Abimelek). This second conflict with Abimelech creates a bracket around the Isaac birth narrative. Because of the cops statement that I wont ask you again! this situation is destined to go sideways. had once laughed through unbelief; now being ashamed of that, she But Abraham still struggled with this fear long after he had been living in the land. Verse Genesis 21:22. He walked in daily communion with God. The story of how Billy Graham extended Christs extraordinary love and grace toward a man who misrepresented Jesus to millions. Why was one Christian man spared while the other was killed? 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. Abimelech attributes Abrahams success to God. He checked his badge, it was on right side up. L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 26:1-35. The prince rather complains that Abraham had done him an injustice. 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. Hes letting Abimeleks servants off the hook! You might be protesting. Abraham decided to take a different approach. Which things are an allegory.- Galatians 4:22. 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. I heard a story about a new police officer who, on his first day on the job, caught someone speeding. Since were not perfect, we do one of two wrong things. CONTENTS: Birth of Isaac. The deal is sealed. Neither didst thou toll me, neither yet heard I of it, but today. _ 1. Abimelech was impressed with Abraham's growing prosperity. 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. captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God [is] with thee in Wherever we sojourn, we must neither neglect nor be ashamed of the worship of Jehovah. 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. 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. Even as Gods kindness draws us to him, our kindness with others should point them to Him. 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 Happy they who can do both in peace! Because of that fear, before they left Haran, he and Sarah had worked out a deceptive scheme to pawn her off as his sister (20:13). The oath a testimony to God where reverently made. Abimelech. 4. 34 Each of the following people made several hugesacrifices to achieve world change, and obey their conscience. I. Abimelech attributes Abrahams success to God. I. Because there they aware both of them. 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. _ALUN OWEN_ Why? that it could not be explained on merely natural grounds. and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken (Genesis 21:1). Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called upon the name of the LORD, the Eternal God. 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. read more, John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary. Ishmael mocking (Genesis 22:9) Didnt Jesus tell us If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. How can we turn everyday situations into opportunities for telling others about Christ? 1886. He provided manna in the wilderness and brought water from a rock. He sent the plagues on Egypt and parted the Red Sea. This event is not recorded in Scripture. So Abimelek took Sarah into his harem. Abraham denies his relationship The significance of the presence of Phichol at the ceremony indicates Abimelechs promise not to pursue military action against Abraham. the title not only of the king of Gerar, but of the kings of the Abraham, thinking the herdsmen had acted on their master's orders, reproved Abimelech. could sing with Mary, My soul doth magnify the Lord, and my spi God is with thee in all that thou doest Here we have accomplished promise the blessed The grocer later discovered that the scale was out of order. 2. Sometimes when you read the Bible, you get the feeling that God majors in the spectacular. Genesis 21:22 In spite of Abrahams past deception, Abimelech recognized God in his life. Because Abimelech wanted this covenant to apply, not only to himself, but to his posterity (21:23), it secured this source of water not only for Abraham, but for his descendants. Its Gods job to meet out justice. 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 NOR WITH MY SON, NOR WITH MY SONS SON.] (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. Probably an official title. Do you see what happened here? In that desert land, a well was essential for survival, both for a mans flocks and for his family. The blessing made manifest. (1) that a person cannot always be held responsible for what his servants do, (2) that it is wrong to judge on insufficient evidence with reference to the characters and conduct of others, and. Perhaps Abimelech had heard of how God had given Abraham and Sarah a son in their old age. Are we honest, even in small matters? Wheres the justice? You might be thinking. Thus Abimelek narrowly averted sinning against the Lord which, the Lord informed him, would have cost him his life. But we can have the comfort of knowing that both men were under Gods providential care. ); 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. In the story of Hagar and Ishmael, we notice: Now the LORD visited Sarah as he had said ( Genesis 21:1 ), I like this. and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken ( Genesis 21:1 ). His men may have dug who knows how many dry wells before finding this one. 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. And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves (designing by another covenant to secure himself against future invasion of Isis rights). vs.22-34 The treaty between Abraham and Abimelech. And Abraham sojourned in the Philistines' land many days. surround, enclose, and _chum_ black. He checked his police cruiser, it looked good, the light bar was on. Beersheba. _GOD IS WITH - The Birth of Isaac 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." Related Commentaries of Genesis 21:22. Newly released book by Kurt Bennett, now available onAmazon! all that thou _AND IT CAME TO PASS AT THAT TIME, THAT ABIMELECH AND PHICHOL THE 20:16 in the command not to bear false witness against ones neighbor. 17:9-14). 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. You see, I think that Abraham may have recognized that Abimelek was in a tight spot. You many Read Genesis 21:22-34 here: Bible Gateway. Abraham uses the occasion to complain to Abimelech about a well which his men have taken from Abrahams servants. chesed) to Abraham. 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. you do. The new cop and the driver of the car are both backed into a corner. When the owner asked how much she could afford, she replied, My husband was killed in the war. He did what he A believer is invincible until it is his time to go. IN ALL THAT THOU DOEST:_ He put a loaf of bread on the other side of the scale, and to his surprise, nothing happened. fear 8. 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. Ed, Issue 46, Winter 2023. @#$ %^&*^$!, Im not doin it! 22 At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army said to Abraham, "God is with you in all that you do. 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. And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech As the usual covenant presents (cf. 15. Show to me and my country the same kindness Ive shown you. 21 He lived in the wilderness of Paran, and his mother took a wife for him from the land of Egypt. Bondwoman and her son cast out. Vs.8-21 The expulsion of Ishmael and Hagar. Verse Genesis 21:22. He checked his uniform, it looked good. Arab Ishmael is the father of all our outcasts. So swear to me here before God that you won't deal falsely with me or my children or my descendants. II. . The music and the sermon were okay, but didnt really help. 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. Just because youve blown it with someone in the past doesnt mean that you cant be used later to influence that person toward God. But God revealed to Abimelek the truth that Sarah is Abrahams wife. His circumcision (Genesis 22:4)_ The tree sealed the site of the oath. when Abimelech, struck with God's providential regard to him, wa 5. A few years ago Abraham told this same Abimelek that Sarah was his sister. Will God forgive me for losing hope and the will to live? ), his knowledge of Isaac's birth, and his general observation of the patriarch's prosperity. 7. One way Abimelech knew that Abraham walked with God is that Abraham had prayed that God would heal Abimelech and his family, and God answered that prayer (20:17-18). All these things are true and wonderful. They formalize the peace agreement, Abimelech leaves, Abraham plants a commemorative tree, worships the Lord, and life goes on. 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. Another highlight of this passage is the explanation for the origin of the name Beersheba. 6 Sarahs ioy. As you think about Abrahams life, you realize that he was a fairly ordinary man, except that he was a man of extraordinary faith and obedience to God. At that time Abimelek and Phicol the commander of his forces said to Abraham, God is with you in everything you do. 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. CAME TO PASS AT THAT TIME, &C. Hence it is plain that Abraham had Perhaps he is unaware of the birth of Isaac. 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. There he made, not only a constant practice, but an open profession of his religion. Seemingly betraying a secret suspicion of the prince's veracity, the act aimed at preventing any recurrence of the grievance, and in this light it appears to have been regarded by Abimelech. Abimelech, that is _Father-King,_ was Abraham. at the time God Himself had 22-34 Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled 27:7). (1) The world is watching the lives of believers. transactions recorded in the preceding chapter, or to the time of _AT THAT TIME_] This may either refer to the Ishmael made fun of the covenant family, as Sarah had feared. He felt So he changed his plans and flew home to L.A. Two days later, he heard on the news that a flight from Chicago to Los Angeles had crashed, killing everyone on board. 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. And they didnt have backhoes or drilling rigs in those days. The contemplated object. 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. 1. The covenanting parties. I. Weaned] in his second or third year, as is usual among Orientals. GODS ANCIENT PEOPLE I wont ask you again!. This passage chronicles a covenant between Abraham and Abimelech. What for you is the most threatening aspect about telling someone about Christ. If youre a Christian, and youre not a cop, then its not your job to come down on people. We could go on and on recounting the mighty deeds that God has done. CHIEF CAPTAIN OF HIS HOST SPAKE UNTO ABRAHAM, SAYING, GOD IS WITH THEE Abraham was the friend of God. Genesis 21:1; Genesis 22:1 Abraham called on the name of the Lord. As Abraham is the father of all the faithful, so the neit Now the LORD visited Sarah as he had said (Genesis 21:1), of his host, spoke to Abraham saying, God is with you in all that "The Lord visited Sarah as he had said." The Lord keeps His word. God also took care of Hagar and Ishmael, remembering His promise to greatly multiply their descendants (see Birth of Isaac ). Genesis 21 This chapter deals with three different topics. The grocer, who was not a believer, was unmoved by her need. He normally didnt attend church, but he was troubled about some matters and went to church, hoping to find some relief. CHARACTERS: Sarah, Abraham, Isaac, Hagar, Ishmael, Abimelech. 21:28-30 The giving and receiving of the lambs stipulates that Abraham dug the well in Beersheba and thus rightfully owns the well. The trouble is, people can see that it isnt true. Weaned] in his second or third year, as is usual among Orientals. GODS ANCIENT PEOPLE 3. 22 Abimelechs couenant with Abraham at Beer-sheba. 1. The one great miracle in his life was the birth of Isaac in his old age. Wherefore he called that place Beersheba. Abraham, having got into a good neighbourhood, knew when he was well off, and continued a great while there. In Chapter s 20, 21 we have the question of the heir and of the path xx. There he planted a grove for a shade to his tent, or perhaps an orchard of fruit-trees; and there, though we cannot say he settled, for God would have him, while he lived, to be a stranger and a pilgrim, yet he sojourned many days, as many as would consist with his character, as Abraham the Hebrew, or passenger. Hence "the ownership of wells m Palestine was as jealously guarded as the possession of a mine in our own" (Inglis). This is the first use of everlasting (Hb. 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. transactions recorded in the preceding chapter, or to the time of NOR WITH MY SON, NOR WITH MY SONS SON.] Abraham instituted two memorials of the important transactions, naming the well Beersheba, and planting a tamarisk beside his tent. So Abraham, to demonstrate his commitment to the treaty and to demonstrate his good will toward Abimelek, brings to Abimelek sheep and cattle. Probably from JE. and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken (Genesis 21:1). 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. 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. List one sac- Wells of water are scarce and valuable in eastern countries. On Genesis, Part 6: The Blooming of Trees. Isaac's birth (Genesis 22:1) 2. 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.. Genesis 21:33. But Abimelek said, I dont know who has done this. all-commanding. Hagar in distress. DISMISSAL OF HAGAR AND ISHMAEL. The satisfactory explanation. _mlel_ speak, an ancient and therefore solemn The trouble with this approach, of course, is that we never get to that place. Genesis 21:22-34 . 9 Hagar & Ishmael are cast forth. Give people youre in disagreement with a graceful way out. ISAAC IN GERAR A famine occurs in the land, just as it had in the days of Abraham (ch.12:10). the three main sources, J. E, P are present. Abraham a sojourner in that land, afterwards the troubler of Israel; for his sake as discipline, for their sakes as opportunity. 22 And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phicol the And, God provides for his need for water through this well. 14. I read about a successful man who was on a business trip. After this had gone on for several times, the businessman suddenly was struck with the simple truth of that verse. law of Hebrew narrative, probably not Now the LORD visited Sarah as he had said (Genesis 21:1), It records the conversation between Abraham and Abimelech and their mutual promise of kindness to each other. 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. It may have been that his servants were telling him, No way, Abraham didnt dig that well, we did! 1. Some try to convey that they are perfect. Albert Barnes' Notes on the Bible - The Birth of Isaac 7.
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