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. I heard a story about a new police officer who, on his first day on the job, caught someone speeding. But God revealed to Abimelek the truth that Sarah is Abrahams wife. Isaac's birth (Genesis 22:1) 2. Thus, while the Lord gave Abraham authority to dwell in this land, his presence was recognized by the king of Gerar. DISMISSAL OF HAGAR AND ISHMAEL. Probably an official title. He gives Abimelek seven lambs so Abimelek can tell his servants that the well has been purchased. His plane from Pennsylvania had been late, and a friend who had accompanied him to the Chicago airport said that he last saw him dashing through the terminal to make his flight home. 22 Abimelechs couenant with Abraham at Beer-sheba. 22. B.C. So its a huge deal for someone to take over a well as Abimeleks servants did. And the LORD visited Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah as He had spoken. 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? CHIEF CAPTAIN OF HIS HOST SPAKE UNTO ABRAHAM, SAYING, GOD IS WITH THEE And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God. Some try to convey that they are perfect. The passage is narrative. Ver. 22. Youll have to put these things in yourself. With a tearful thank you, the woman took her groceries and left. He rained down fire and brimstone to destroy wicked Sodom. The one great miracle in his life was the birth of Isaac in his old age. 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). The league is proposed by Abimelech, and Phichol his prime-minister of state and general of his army. Nor are they called upon to bear what by lawful means they are able to redress. at the time God Himself had 22-34 Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled Abimelek continued, I have treated you well all this time that youve resided here in my kingdom as a foreigner. When the owner asked how much she could afford, she replied, My husband was killed in the war. ALL CHRISTIAN PROSPERITY IS CONSCIOUSLY IDENTIFIED WITH GOD. 22-34 Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled to Abraham. The herdsmen of the king had appropriated Abraham's well. Although some of Abrahams resources came directly from Abimelech (20:16), the king sees the blessing of the Lord on all that you do.. _God is with thee in all tha 1 Isaac is borne. The covenanting parties. Abraham, being now in a good neighbourhood, stayed a great while there. with his wi AND IT CAME TO PASS AT THAT TIME,. Not when Ishmael was grown up The Covenant Between Abraham and Abimelech NINTH SECTION 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. V2 So Sarah became *pregnant. Hes lying! Sometimes we may wonder, How does God fit in with the ordinary?. The man whos been thoroughly analyzing these files for the last 44 years is Dr. George Valliant. Abraham kept up public worship, in which his neighbours might join. Ruth 1:17, and vide Genesis 14:23). 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). 8. law of Hebrew narrative, probably not Now the LORD visited Sarah as he had said (Genesis 21:1), Every wise person I know, finds some means of providing a graceful way out for those with whom they have an issue. There he made, not only a constant practice, but an open profession of his religion. Here is old Abraham just planting a tree and living by his well. 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. Peace enjoyed. 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. Do others see the hand of God on your life? 1. Show us kindness like we have been kind to you. Phichol.] His friendship is valued, is courted, though a stranger, though a tenant at will to the Canaanites and Perizzites. Why did the woman have the prayer already written before he asked for it? I read about a successful man who was on a business trip. But in his case, it was his final home, in heaven. Worldly policy may have urged Abimelech to cement a league with the powerful chieftain in his neighborhood, but religions affinity would also seem to have exercised an influence in drawing him to seek the friendship of one who appeared to enjoy celestial protection. his 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. the three main sources, J. E, P are present. The palpable injury. It seems to me that the answer is, It shows the faithfulness of God in the ordinary. 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 the commander-in-chief of his forces) spake unto Abraham (having come from Gerar for the purpose), saying, God is with thee in all that thou doesta conviction derived from his former acquaintance with the patriarch (Genesis 20:1. 20:16 in the command not to bear false witness against ones neighbor. He made a traffic stop that went something like this: Listen, I know my rights. 15 Hagar in distresse. 14. . Abraham at 21:22-34 Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled to Abraham. 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. the long-promised son was born. 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. 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. You many Read Genesis 21:22-34 here: Bible Gateway. Fort Worth, Texas. 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. CHAPTER 21 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. Related Commentaries of Genesis 21:22. 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. and poetical word. _The birth of Isaac. 3. Verse Genesis 21:22. The impelling motives. chesed) to Abraham. . of faith in another point of view. 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. Now the LORD visited Sarah as he had said ( Genesis 21:1 ), I like this. 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. 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. 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 22 And it came to pass at that time that Abimelech and Phichol, the commander of his army, spoke to Abraham, saying, "God is with you in all that you do. 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). See also David living in the land of the Philistines (1 Sam. COVENANT. Are we cheerful and pleasant, even when were mistreated, or do we grumble and complain like everyone else? Wheres the justice? You might be thinking. of faith in another point of view. Its Gods job to meet out justice. Ishmael's marriage, but most probably to the former. 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. Philistines generally (Genesis 2 ISHMAEL AND ISAAC And Abraham stayed in the land of the Philistines for a long time. A believer is invincible until it is his time to go. continued in the country of the Philistines for a considerable time; You see, I think that Abraham may have recognized that Abimelek was in a tight spot. Calling on Gods Name in whatever land you live, Despite the struggles in this new land, Abraham remembers his covenant with God (the God of Everlasting) and calls on His name. 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). Name signifies mouth of all, _i.e.,_ BIRTH OF ISAAC. THE PROMISE FULFILLED IN ISAAC (1) The world is watching the lives of believers. Ishmael mocking (Genesis 22:9) The blessing made manifest. In Chapter s 20, 21 we have the question of the heir and of the path THE FOLLOWING COMMENTARY COVERS CHAPTER S 20 AND 21. 34 Each of the following people made several hugesacrifices to achieve world change, and obey their conscience. Genesis 21:1; Genesis 22:1 23. In the immediately preceding verses, God has provided Isaac and dismissed Ishmael, so that Abraham would learn that Gods promises do not depend on human schemes and effort for their fulfillment. You dont need a theological education to bear witness by your walk with God. He did what he Youre not backing us up! 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. So swear to me here before God that you wont deal falsely with me or my children or my descendants. Now if Abraham dug the well it was his. 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. 17 The Angel comforteth her. 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 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.. How Jesus loved his betrayer Judas, even to the very end. Its about relationships with people. From 1977-1992 he was the pastor of Lake Gregory Community Church in Crestline, California. all-commanding. He had to provide protection and give him the land, which He begins to do in a rather ordinary way through this peace agreement. _AT THAT TIME_] This may either refer to the laughed with the laughter of incredulity, now laughed with the _Abimelech, king of Gerara, who knew that Abraham was a prophet, and a Abraham didnt fight with Abimeleks servants. None ever waited in vain. Another step in Abrahams walk with God is seen in verse 33, where he plants a tree and calls on the name of the Lord, the Everlasting God. Planting the tree was an act to remind Abraham of Gods faithfulness, especially in the everyday matter of providing the well which supplied the water for this tree to grow. The outcast. Arab Ishmael is the father of all our outcasts. "The Lord visited Sarah as he had said." The Lord keeps His word. A covenant between the patriarch and the Philistine king. 21:23 Abimelech proposes a treaty not to deal falsely. What for you is the most threatening aspect about telling someone about Christ. He was just living the ordinary, hum-drum, day-to-day existence of a nomad with his flocks and herds. Ishmaels expulsion. CHAPTER 21 The new cop and the driver of the car are both backed into a corner. No doubt, the king remembered their previous encounter when Abraham dealt falsely with him. And Abraham plantedas a sign of his peaceful occupation of the soil (Calvin); as a memorial of the transaction about the well ('Speaker's Commentary'); or simply as a shade for his tent (Rosenmller); scarcely as an oratory (Bush, Kalisch)a grovethe wood, plantation (Targum, Vulgate, Samaritan, Kimchi); a field, (LXX. *** Abimelech reenters the picture with his enforcer, Phicol. Now Abraham and his descendants can dwell securely in the land. that it could not be explained on merely natural grounds. His flight from New York was first delayed and then cancelled, so that he would have missed his meetings. He checked his badge, it was on right side up. 22 Abimelechs couenant with Abraham at Beer-sheba. Philistines generally (Genesis 2 ISHMAEL AND ISAAC _ 1. Newly released book by Kurt Bennett, now available onAmazon! He wasnt a TV evangelist. We have had in fine the judgment of 22._And it came to pass at that time_. 5. As a tax payer Im your boss I pay your ! The man was educated and he articulately expressed his objections. 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. 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. captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God [is] with thee in Arab Ishmael is the father of all our outcasts. It is wise to connect ourselves with those who are blessed So if Abimelek gives the well back to Abraham, Abimeleks servants might react, You believe that foreigner over us? In spite of Abrahams past deception, Abimelech recognized God in his life. Genesis 21:22. 1 Kings 15:19; Isaiah 30:6; Isaiah 39:1). Abraham decided to take a different approach. Wherever we sojourn, we must neither neglect nor be ashamed of the worship of Jehovah. As the years passed, he often wondered if it was just a coincidence. God is In the story of Hagar and Ishmael, we notice: Observing what he had done, and not knowing the design of it: what mean these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set by themselves ? had promised to her. His friendship is valued, is courted, though a stranger, though a tenant at will to the Canaanites and Perizzites. Note the significance of the word oath (Hb. Hagar and Ishmael sent away. mercy in Christ the Lord. Im not suggesting that you go on sinning and tell everyone that youre a Christian. And you know what else? Even in this ordinary incident, Abraham acknowledged Gods faithful care for him. I like that, "as He had said, and as He had spoken." I like this. He did what he BIRTH OF ISAAC. 1. They cover or deny their sin and try to make it look like theyve got it all together. After pouring over Jesus every interaction with another human being, he realized he was doing a much better job ofstudyingJesus words than he wasfollowingJesus words and example. 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.