captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God [is] with thee in On the flight that crashed was a godly pastor from Southern California. How to survive a life of loving like Jesus (or how not to become a Christian doormat). That led to an obsessive seven year deep dive. Note the significance of the word oath (Hb. CHRISTI GENESISNOTE ON GENESIS 21:22 GOD IS WITH YOU IN ALL THAT YOU DO. This second conflict with Abimelech creates a bracket around the Isaac birth narrative. As Abraham is the father of all the faithful, so the His friendship is valued, is courted, though a stranger, though a tenant at will to the Canaanites and Perizzites. Why are we told this? 21:28-30 The giving and receiving of the lambs stipulates that Abraham dug the well in Beersheba and thus rightfully owns the well. Luke 6:21. Observing what he had done, and not knowing the design of it: what mean these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set by themselves ? 21:33 Abraham called on the name of the Lord, 21:34 Living in the land of the Philistines. 8. And alls well. Th Genesis 21:22 time H6256 Abimelech H40 Phichol H6369 commander H8269 And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves (designing by another covenant to secure himself against future invasion of Isis rights). And the LORD visited Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah as He had spoken. So swear to me here before God that you wont deal falsely with me or my children or my descendants. Whenever he looks at the slip of paper that contains her prayer, he is amazed, for it reads, Please, dear Lord, give us this day our daily bread. (Our Daily Bread.). CHAPTER 21 ISAAC AND ISHMAEL AND THE COVENANT WITH ABIMELECH Genesis 21:22. 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. I dont have to give you my license and registration., Listen you ! The story of how Billy Graham extended Christs extraordinary love and grace toward a man who misrepresented Jesus to millions. His men may have dug who knows how many dry wells before finding this one. So they conclude that Christians are hypocrites, and they fail to see God in our lives. 22. Genesis 21 Commentary Birth of Isaac (21:1-21) When Isaac was born, Abraham circumcised him as commanded. 14. AND IT CAME TO PASS AT THAT TIME,possibly in immediate sequence to Abraham called on the name of the Lord. 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. 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 ). 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? GENESIS V1 The *Lord had promised that he would visit Sarah. How Jesus demonstrated all five of Gary Chapmans love languages (and how you can too). Abraham kept up public worship, in which his neighbours might join. a. A.M. 2118. 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). *** Abimelech reenters the picture with his enforcer, Phicol. and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken (Genesis 21:1). Its done, these two powerful men have entered into the treaty with one another. This passage chronicles a covenant between Abraham and Abimelech. 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. 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. But thats not fair! You might be saying. 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. The Covenant Between Abraham and Abimelech NINTH SECTION This is even more significant when you realize that Abraham wasnt doing anything spectacular. captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in In the story of Hagar and Ishmael, we notice: I like this. ALL CHRISTIAN PROSPERITY IS ALSO CONSCIOUSLY IDENTIFIED WITH not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is. I. 4 He is circumcised. neit Now the LORD visited Sarah as he had said (Genesis 21:1), Bondwoman and her son cast out. And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What mean these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set by themselves? Fort Worth, Texas. This is also remarkable in light of Abrahams past dealings with Abimelech. He walked in daily communion with God. Abraham denies his relationship They watch our attitudes, our words, and our actions. (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). laughed with the laughter of incredulity, now laughed with the _Abimelech, king of Gerara, who knew that Abraham was a prophet, and a Most of Gods people have been simple, ordinary folks who are not famous or politically powerful. 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. He checked his boots, they were shiny. and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken ( Genesis 21:1 ). Probably from JE. Even in this ordinary incident, Abraham acknowledged Gods faithful care for him. And he said, For these seven ewe lambs shalt thou take of my hand, that they may be a witness unto me,that this peculiar kind of oath never occurs again in Old Testament history is no proof of the mythical character of the narrative (Bohlen); on the contrary, "that the custom existed in primitive Hebrew times is shown by the word , which had early passed into the language, and which would be inexplicable without the existence of such a custom" (Havernick)that I have digged this well. 4. Of _Abimelech, _ see GENESIS 20:2. And the Lord visited Sarah, as he had said, and the Lord did unto 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. _ 1. _Isaac;_ that is, laughter or holy joy. surround, enclose, and _chum_ black. Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called upon the name of the LORD, the Eternal God. Probably an official title. 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. 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. _chemet_ bottle, akin to _chamah_, Abraham, being now in a good neighbourhood, stayed a great while there. Do others see the hand of God on your life? (Haydock)_ And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. Related Commentaries of Genesis 21:22. neit EXPOSITION that it could not be explained on merely natural grounds. Separate from the sheep and oxen he gave to Abimelech, and from those that were used in making the covenant. 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. 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". They formalize the peace agreement, Abimelech leaves, Abraham plants a commemorative tree, worships the Lord, and life goes on. 21:23 Abimelech proposes a treaty not to deal falsely. Contests for wells "are now very common all over the country, but more especially in the southern deserts". Adaptation of Divine truth to those to whom it is sent. 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. The trouble is, people can see that it isnt true. to Abraham. you do. Philistines generally (Genesis 2 ISHMAEL AND 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. the long-promised son was born. Jesus taught us to pray each day for our daily bread. Isaac is weaned. Abraham's name of God, Jehovah El Olam; the two revelations, the God of nature and the God of grace. Here is old Abraham just planting a tree and living by his well. Sarah who at an earlier point had (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. 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. In spite of Abrahams past deception, Abimelech recognized God in his life. V2 So Sarah became *pregnant. 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 one great miracle in his life was the birth of Isaac in his old age. 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. THE STORY OF ABRAHAM. at the time God Himself had We plainly see that God blesseth and prospereth thee in all thy at the time God Himself had 22-34 Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled The significance of this passage is Abraham finding a place in the land promised to him in safety. "Blessed are the peace-makers," and "beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that publisheth peace.". ALL CHRISTIAN PROSPERITY IS ALSO CONSCIOUSLY IDENTIFIED WITH 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 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. *** Abimelech reenters the picture with his enforcer, Phicol. 2. Abraham decided to take a different approach. 3. 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). captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in shava) in this pericope (23, 24, 31, 31). The covenanting parties. This blessing would come through Abrahams descendant, the Lord Jesus Christ. CHAPTER 21 Thus, while the Lord gave Abraham authority to dwell in this land, his presence was recognized by the king of Gerar. Genesis 21:22-34 What is the meaning of these seven ewe lambs you have set apart by themselves? 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 . 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." As the years passed, he often wondered if it was just a coincidence. Which things are an. Genesis 21:1; Genesis 22:1 Name signifies mouth of all, _i.e.,_ The man was educated and he articulately expressed his objections. We wont know Gods purpose until were in heaven. 17:9-14). The LXX. If youre a Christian, and youre not a cop, then its not your job to come down on people. When the owner asked how much she could afford, she replied, My husband was killed in the war. _God is with thee in all tha 1 Isaac is borne. But He doesnt just provide for our needs so that we can live comfy lives for our own happiness. 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 We could go on and on recounting the mighty deeds that God has done. Are we honest, even in small matters? 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. 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. of faith in another point of view. The impelling motives. favourite of God, chap. ; Psalms 34, tit.). CHAPTER 21 ISAAC AND ISHMAEL AND THE COVENANT WITH ABIMELECH 17 The Angel comforteth her. _mlel_ speak, an ancient and therefore solemn Some try to convey that they are perfect. 22 And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phicol the 6. It is not necessary to conclude from verse 1 and 2 that Sarah only became pregnant after the episode that is told in the previous chapter. Isaac's birth (Genesis 22:1) 2. 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. 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. Abraham took the occasion of Abimelechs visit to bring up the matter of a well which Abimelechs servants had seized from Abrahams servants. Genesis 21:1; Genesis 22:1 He felt trial and utter ruin of the creature, with the revelation of divine GENESIS 21:23. had once laughed through unbelief; now being ashamed of that, she Its not our job to meet out justice anyway. None ever waited in vain. THE PROMISE FULFILLED IN ISAAC DISMISSAL OF HAGAR AND ISHMAEL. Abimelech professed to have shown kindness (Hb. Well it didnt turn out quite the way he expected. It is wise to connect ourselves with those who are blessed I. 2. _The Covenant with Abimelech_ (Genesis 21:22-34) Read Genesis commentary using Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole Bible (Concise). IN ALL THAT THOU DOEST:_ 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. 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. Good men should not only rectify the wrongs they do to one another, but adopt all wise precautions against their repetition. b. CONTENTS: Birth of Isaac. The name, Beersheba seems to play on them both. captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God [is] with thee in 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. 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. (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. He added some more items, but to his consternation, still nothing happened. had promised to her. This is one of the attributes of God to His people. ABRAHAM AND ABIMELECH B.C. CHRISTIAN PROSPERITY And Abraham stayed in the land of the Philistines for a long time. The public ceremonial. You see, I think that Abraham may have recognized that Abimelek was in a tight spot. of God; and we ought to requite kindness to those who have We plainly see that God blesseth and prospereth thee in all thy Show us kindness like we have been kind to you. 33:18-19). II. The angel relieves and comforts her. Abimelek continued, I have treated you well all this time that youve resided here in my kingdom as a foreigner. surround, enclose, and _chum_ black. The term for making a treaty (used here and vs. 32) is karat. Newly released book by Kurt Bennett, now available onAmazon! with thee in all that At last in God's 'Set time," and in spite of all natural difficulties, _AT THAT TIME_] This may either refer to the Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But in his case, it was his final home, in heaven. 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. 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. Abraham was the friend of God. 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. 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. Category: Sermon StructureTags: Genesis, Genesis 21, Old Testament Narrative, Home | Admissions | Academics | Campus Life | Alumni, All content copyright 2023 Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary _GOD IS WITH - The Birth of Isaac Ishmael mocking (Genesis 22:9) Ver. with thee in all that At last in God's 'Set time," and in spite of all natural difficulties, On Genesis, Part 6: The Blooming of Trees. Abraham. Of great importance for the scientific data that has been included in the author's exposition. He felt 8. 7. This is the first use of everlasting (Hb. So instead of fighting Abimelek or insisting on Abimelek giving back control of the well, Abraham provides a graceful way out. By the way the new cops boss, the Police Chief, called him into his office the next day for what the new cop thought was going to be an atta-boy. Th Genesis 21:22 time H6256 Abimelech H40 Phichol H6369 commander H8269 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..