Abraham. 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. The birth of Isaac. Thus, while the Lord gave Abraham authority to dwell in this land, his presence was recognized by the king of Gerar. GENESIS 21:22 Now the LORD visited Sarah as he had said ( Genesis 21:1 ), I like this. Heres a bag. 26), but through this treaty, God was faithfully providing for Abrahams basic physical needs. had promised to her. Philistines generally (Genesis 2 ISHMAEL AND ISAAC CONCLUSION: Behind every promise of God is the purpose a Genesis 21:3. Abimelech professed to have shown kindness (Hb. fear laughed with the laughter of incredulity, now laughed with the _Abimelech, king of Gerara, who knew that Abraham was a prophet, and a _The birth of Isaac. Perhaps he is unaware of the birth of Isaac. Hence "the ownership of wells m Palestine was as jealously guarded as the possession of a mine in our own" (Inglis). A few years ago Abraham told this same Abimelek that Sarah was his sister. 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. The significance of the presence of Phichol at the ceremony indicates Abimelechs promise not to pursue military action against Abraham. Ishmael's marriage, but most probably to the former. CAME TO PASS AT THAT TIME, &C. Hence it is plain that Abraham had Abimelech's treaty with Abraham 21:22-34. Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. Youll have to put these things in yourself. With a tearful thank you, the woman took her groceries and left. 15. There he made, not only a constant practice, but an open profession of his religion. Some try to convey that they are perfect. Its Gods job to meet out justice. "The Lord visited Sarah as he had said." The Lord keeps His word. 22 And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phicol the How to survive a life of loving like Jesus (or how not to become a Christian doormat). Ishmael mocking (Genesis 22:9) Genesis 31 Genesis 32 Genesis 33 Genesis 34 Genesis 35 Genesis 36 Genesis 37 Genesis 38 Genesis 39 Genesis 40 Genesis 41 Bondwoman and her son cast out. He complains to Abimelek about a well of water that Abimeleks servants had seized. 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. The league is proposed by Abimelech, and Phichol his prime-minister of state and general of his army. The Covenant Between Abraham and Abimelech NINTH SECTION Beersheba. 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. Wheres the justice? You might be thinking. 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. Abimelech's covenant with Abraham at Beersheba. 9 Hagar & Ishmael are cast forth. GENESIS ABRAHAM AND ABIMELECH 22-34 Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled to Abraham. The Atlantic, June 2009. In the story of Hagar and Ishmael, we notice: had once laughed through unbelief; now being ashamed of that, she 22. Then this brand new cop said,Sir, step out of the car. 2. In this section 1. _AT THAT TIME_] This may either refer to the Youre not backing us up! 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). Wheres the balance between taking measures for our own safety versus trusting God to protect us? _God is with thee in all tha 1 Isaac is borne. 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. ISAAC IS BORN His flight from New York was first delayed and then cancelled, so that he would have missed his meetings. List one sac- 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. The angel relieves and comforts her. _ 1. of faith in another point of view. Yesterday (at the time of this writing) I participated in a class that teaches you how to communicate with people on the street in a way that encourages cooperation and avoids the need for physical force. THE STORY OF ABRAHAM. Now swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or my descendants. Cyril Barber on Morris' The Genesis Record : a Scientific and Devotional Commentary (It can be borrowed) - Valuable as corollary reading. 14. 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. 1. 17 The Angel comforteth her. You dont need a theological education to bear witness by your walk with God. b. At that time Abimelek and Phicol the commander of his forces said to Abraham, God is with you in everything you do. The impelling motives. ALL CHRISTIAN PROSPERITY IS ALSO CONSCIOUSLY IDENTIFIED WITH Now therefore swear to me here by God that you will not de Genesis 21 They cover or deny their sin and try to make it look like theyve got it all together. (See previous post about Abraham and Abimelek). Abraham denies his relationship (22) Abimelech and Phichol.Abimelech, that is Father-King, was the title not only of the king of Gerar, but of the kings of the Philistines generally (Genesis 26:1; 1Samuel 21:10, marg. But Abimelek said, I dont know who has done this. ABRAHAM AND ABIMELECH 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. "Blessed are the peace-makers," and "beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that publisheth peace.". He was just living the ordinary, hum-drum, day-to-day existence of a nomad with his flocks and herds. (Haydock)_ And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to 7. Observing what he had done, and not knowing the design of it: what mean these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set by themselves ? 4. not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is. 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. Phichol.] And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves (designing by another covenant to secure himself against future invasion of Isis rights). That was an extraordinary way that God provided for His children. 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. ), his knowledge of Isaac's birth, and his general observation of the patriarch's prosperity. He felt 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 is also remarkable in light of Abrahams past dealings with Abimelech. 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). Arab Ishmael is the father of all our outcasts. He suggested that Abraham and he make a treaty that would guarantee good relations between them (22-24). Abimelek avoids contention within his ranks. In Genesis 21:22-34, we see Abraham in a scene from his ordinary life. Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called on the name of the LORD, the Eternal God. 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. 21:22 Abimelech recognized the blessing of the Lord on Abraham. 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. They formalize the peace agreement, Abimelech leaves, Abraham plants a commemorative tree, worships the Lord, and life goes on. Ed, Issue 46, Winter 2023. Probably an official title. the long-promised son was born. All rights reserved. 6. 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). "'Do not lay a hand on the boy,' he said. Ishmael's marriage, but most probably to the former. After the treaty had been made at Beersheba, Abimelek and Phicol the commander of his forces returned to the land of the Philistines. Verses 1-34. What for you is the most threatening aspect about telling someone about Christ. Shortly after World War II, a woman went into a grocery store and asked for enough food to provide Christmas dinner for her children. Abraham was the friend of God. Hes letting Abimeleks servants off the hook! You might be protesting. It records the conversation between Abraham and Abimelech and their mutual promise of kindness to each other. But the problem is, most of us dont live in the realm of the spectacular. the incident of the preceding chapter, but, "according to the common I. It seems to me that the answer is, It shows the faithfulness of God in the ordinary. all-commanding. 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. Sarah who at an earlier point had Ishmaels expulsion. His circumcision (Genesis 22:4)_ In this narrative, Abraham appears as a chieftain powerful enough for a king to wish to make an alliance with him; and thus his abandonment of Sarah, and his receiving of presents in compensation for the wrong done her, seems the more unworthy of him. Why? at the time God Himself had We plainly see that God blesseth and prospereth thee in all thy Here is old Abraham just planting a tree and living by his well. Sarah, at the unlikely age of 90 years, gives birth to Isaac, And both of them made a covenant. ALL CHRISTIAN PROSPERITY IS CONSCIOUSLY IDENTIFIED WITH GOD. In Chapter s 20, 21 we have the question of the heir and of the path Without even reading it, he put it on one side of his old-fashioned scale. ISAAC IS BORN Abimelech and Abraham, or ancient covenanters. Abraham instituted two memorials of the important transactions, naming the well Beersheba, and planting a tamarisk beside his tent. Wells of water are scarce and valuable in eastern countries. Abraham kept up public worship, in which his neighbours might join. vs.22-34 The treaty between Abraham and Abimelech. A Treaty with Abimelech. Show us kindness like we have been kind to you. He wasnt traveling all over the globe. 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. 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 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. How can we turn everyday situations into opportunities for telling others about Christ? all that thou _AND IT CAME TO PASS AT THAT TIME, THAT ABIMELECH AND PHICHOL THE On Genesis, Part 6: The Blooming of Trees. I. V2 So Sarah became *pregnant. (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. The next thing that happened was that the new cop pulled him through the window, arrested him, and took him down town to HQ. 1 Kings 15:19; Isaiah 30:6; Isaiah 39:1). So that place was called Beersheba,because the two men swore an oath there. Abraham didnt fight with Abimeleks servants. Isaac is weaned. all that thou _AND IT CAME TO PASS AT THAT TIME, THAT ABIMELECH AND PHICHOL THE THE PROMISE FULFILLED IN ISAAC 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.