At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army said to Abraham, "God is with you in all that you do. At that timeThis phrase situates the narrative within a specific historical context. The Hebrew word for "time" is "עֵת" (et), which can denote a particular moment or season. This indicates a period of Abraham's life marked by God's evident blessing and favor, following the birth of Isaac and the expulsion of Hagar and Ishmael. It reminds us that God's timing is perfect, and His plans unfold in His ordained seasons. Abimelech
Abimelech, whose name means "my father is king," was a Philistine king. His interactions with Abraham highlight the broader narrative of God's covenant people interacting with surrounding nations. Historically, the Philistines were a significant presence in the region, and Abimelech's recognition of God's favor upon Abraham underscores the patriarch's growing influence and the divine promise of blessing to all nations through him. Phicol the commander of his army
Phicol, meaning "strong" or "mouth of all," was the military leader under Abimelech. His presence signifies the importance of the meeting, as military leaders were often involved in diplomatic and covenantal discussions. This reflects the respect and seriousness with which Abimelech approached Abraham, acknowledging the divine favor upon him. said to Abraham
The act of speaking to Abraham indicates a formal and respectful approach. Abraham, the recipient of God's covenant, is recognized by surrounding leaders as a man of significance. This interaction is a testament to the fulfillment of God's promise to make Abraham's name great (Genesis 12:2). God is with you
This acknowledgment by Abimelech and Phicol is profound. The Hebrew word for God here is "אֱלֹהִים" (Elohim), a term that denotes power and majesty. Their recognition of God's presence with Abraham is a testament to the visible and tangible blessings that accompany those who walk in covenant with God. It serves as a reminder that God's presence is the ultimate source of success and favor. in all that you do
This phrase emphasizes the comprehensive nature of God's blessing upon Abraham. The Hebrew word for "all" is "כֹּל" (kol), indicating totality. It suggests that every aspect of Abraham's life and endeavors is under divine favor. This is an encouragement to believers that when God is with us, His blessing permeates every area of our lives, guiding and prospering our paths. Persons / Places / Events 1. AbimelechA Philistine king who recognizes God's presence with Abraham. His name means "my father is king" in Hebrew, indicating a royal lineage or title. 2. PhicolThe commander of Abimelech's army. His presence signifies the importance of the meeting and the respect Abimelech has for Abraham. 3. AbrahamThe patriarch of the Israelites, chosen by God to be the father of many nations. His relationship with God is evident to those around him. 4. BeershebaThe location where this event takes place, later becoming a significant site in Israel's history. 5. God's PresenceThe central theme of this verse, highlighting God's favor and guidance in Abraham's life. Teaching Points God's Presence in Our LivesJust as God was with Abraham, He is with us today. We should live in a way that others can see God's presence in our lives. Witness to OthersAbraham's life was a testimony to those around him. Our actions and faith should similarly testify to God's work in our lives. Seeking Peaceful RelationsAbraham's interaction with Abimelech shows the importance of maintaining peaceful and respectful relationships with others, even those outside our faith community. Recognizing God's WorkAbimelech's acknowledgment of God's presence with Abraham encourages us to recognize and affirm God's work in the lives of others. Generational FaithfulnessThe continuity of God's presence from Abraham to Isaac reminds us of the importance of passing down faith and values to future generations. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the recognition of God's presence in Abraham's life by Abimelech challenge us to live our faith openly? 2. In what ways can we ensure that our lives are a testimony to God's presence, similar to Abraham's? 3. How can we apply the principle of seeking peaceful relations with those around us, as demonstrated by Abraham and Abimelech? 4. What are some practical ways to recognize and affirm God's work in the lives of others? 5. How can we ensure that our faith and values are passed down to future generations, as seen in the continuity from Abraham to Isaac? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 26Isaac, Abraham's son, also encounters Abimelech, showing a generational recognition of God's presence with Abraham's descendants. Joshua 1:9God's promise to be with Joshua parallels the acknowledgment of God's presence with Abraham, emphasizing divine support for His chosen leaders. Hebrews 13:5The assurance of God's constant presence with believers, echoing the recognition of God's presence with Abraham. People Abimelech, Abraham, Hagar, Isaac, Phichol, SarahPlaces Beersheba, Egypt, Gerar, ParanTopics Abimelech, Abim'elech, Army, Captain, Chief, Commander, Doest, Forces, Host, Pass, Phichol, Phicol, Saying, Spake, Speaketh, SpokeDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 21:22 4019 life, believers' experience
5077 Abraham, character
5261 commander Genesis 21:22-24 5468 promises, human Genesis 21:22-31 5430 oaths, human Genesis 21:22-32 5592 treaty Library Compassion for Souls
Behold the compassion of a mother for her child expiring with thirst, and remember that such a compassion ought all Christians to feel towards souls that are perishing for lack of Christ, perishing eternally, perishing without hope of salvation. If the mother lifted up her voice arid wept, so also should we; and if the contemplation of her dying, child was all too painful for her, so may the contemplation of the wrath to come, which is to pass upon every soul that dies impenitent, become too painful …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871Therefore, if we Compare the Things Themselves, we May no Way Doubt that The...
28. Therefore, if we compare the things themselves, we may no way doubt that the chastity of continence is better than marriage chastity, whilst yet both are good: but when we compare the persons, he is better, who hath a greater good than another. Further, he who hath a greater of the same kind, hath also that which is less; but he, who only hath what is less, assuredly hath not that which is greater. For in sixty, thirty also are contained, not sixty also in thirty. But not to work from out that …
St. Augustine—On the Good of Marriage The Gospel Feast
"When Jesus then lifted up His eyes, and saw a great company come unto Him, He saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread that these may eat?"--John vi. 5. After these words the Evangelist adds, "And this He said to prove him, for He Himself knew what He would do." Thus, you see, our Lord had secret meanings when He spoke, and did not bring forth openly all His divine sense at once. He knew what He was about to do from the first, but He wished to lead forward His disciples, and to arrest and …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII Of Bearing the Cross --One Branch of Self-Denial.
The four divisions of this chapter are,--I. The nature of the cross, its necessity and dignity, sec. 1, 2. II. The manifold advantages of the cross described, sec. 3-6. III. The form of the cross the most excellent of all, and yet it by no means removes all sense of pain, sec. 7, 8. IV. A description of warfare under the cross, and of true patience, (not that of philosophers,) after the example of Christ, sec. 9-11. 1. THE pious mind must ascend still higher, namely, whither Christ calls his disciples …
Archpriest John Iliytch Sergieff—On the Christian Life But if Moreover any not Having Charity, which Pertaineth to the Unity of Spirit...
23. But if moreover any not having charity, which pertaineth to the unity of spirit and the bond of peace whereby the Catholic Church is gathered and knit together, being involved in any schism, doth, that he may not deny Christ, suffer tribulations, straits, hunger, nakedness, persecution, perils, prisons, bonds, torments, swords, or flames, or wild beasts, or the very cross, through fear of hell and everlasting fire; in nowise is all this to be blamed, nay rather this also is a patience meet to …
St. Augustine—On Patience The Annunciation of Jesus the Messiah, and the Birth of his Forerunner.
FROM the Temple to Nazareth! It seems indeed most fitting that the Evangelic story should have taken its beginning within the Sanctuary, and at the time of sacrifice. Despite its outward veneration for them, the Temple, its services, and specially its sacrifices, were, by an inward logical necessity, fast becoming a superfluity for Rabbinism. But the new development, passing over the intruded elements, which were, after all, of rationalistic origin, connected its beginning directly with the Old Testament …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
Syria: the part played by it in the ancient world--Babylon and the first Chaldaean empire--The dominion of the Hyksos: Ahmosis. Some countries seem destined from their origin to become the battle-fields of the contending nations which environ them. Into such regions, and to their cost, neighbouring peoples come from century to century to settle their quarrels and bring to an issue the questions of supremacy which disturb their little corner of the world. The nations around are eager for the possession …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4 The Holiness of God
The next attribute is God's holiness. Exod 15:51. Glorious in holiness.' Holiness is the most sparkling jewel of his crown; it is the name by which God is known. Psa 111:1. Holy and reverend is his name.' He is the holy One.' Job 6:60. Seraphims cry, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of his glory.' Isa 6:6. His power makes him mighty, his holiness makes him glorious. God's holiness consists in his perfect love of righteousness, and abhorrence of evil. Of purer eyes than …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Genesis 21:22 NIVGenesis 21:22 NLTGenesis 21:22 ESVGenesis 21:22 NASBGenesis 21:22 KJV
Genesis 21:22 Commentaries
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