And Abraham replied, "I swear it." And Abraham repliedThis phrase marks a pivotal moment in the narrative, showcasing Abraham's response to a request made by Abimelech. The Hebrew root for "replied" is עָנָה (anah), which means to answer or respond. This indicates a dialogue, a mutual communication between two parties. Abraham, as the patriarch and a man of faith, is engaging in a covenantal dialogue, reflecting the importance of communication and agreement in relationships. Historically, this interaction underscores the significance of verbal agreements in ancient Near Eastern cultures, where spoken words held immense power and were often as binding as written contracts. I will swear it
The act of swearing an oath in ancient times was a solemn and sacred commitment. The Hebrew word for "swear" is שָׁבַע (shaba), which is closely related to the word for seven, שֶׁבַע (sheva), symbolizing completeness and perfection. This connection suggests that swearing an oath was seen as a complete and binding act. In the context of Genesis 21, Abraham's willingness to swear an oath to Abimelech signifies his integrity and commitment to peace and truth. From a scriptural perspective, this act of swearing is not merely a formality but a profound expression of trust and fidelity, reflecting the covenantal nature of God's promises to Abraham. It serves as a reminder of the importance of keeping one's word and the spiritual weight that oaths carried in biblical times. Persons / Places / Events 1. AbrahamThe central figure in this passage, Abraham is the patriarch of the Israelites, known for his faith and obedience to God. In this context, he is making a solemn oath. 2. AbimelechAlthough not directly mentioned in this verse, Abimelech is the king of Gerar who interacts with Abraham in the surrounding account. He seeks a covenant with Abraham due to God's evident blessing on him. 3. BeershebaThe location where this covenant is made, Beersheba becomes a significant place in biblical history, often associated with oaths and agreements. 4. CovenantThe event in this passage revolves around the making of a covenant between Abraham and Abimelech, signifying peace and mutual respect. 5. OathThe act of swearing an oath is central to this verse, highlighting the seriousness and binding nature of Abraham's promise. Teaching Points The Importance of IntegrityAbraham's willingness to swear an oath underscores the importance of integrity and keeping one's word. As believers, we are called to be people of our word, reflecting God's faithfulness. The Role of CovenantsThis passage highlights the significance of covenants in biblical times. Understanding covenants helps us grasp the depth of God's promises to His people and the seriousness of our commitments to others. Peaceful RelationsAbraham's interaction with Abimelech demonstrates the value of seeking peace and mutual respect with others, even those outside of our immediate faith community. God's Blessing as a WitnessAbimelech's desire for a covenant with Abraham is driven by the recognition of God's blessing on Abraham's life. Our lives should similarly reflect God's presence, drawing others to seek peace and understanding. Bible Study Questions 1. What does Abraham's willingness to swear an oath tell us about his character and his relationship with God? 2. How does the concept of a covenant in Genesis 21:24 relate to the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ? 3. In what ways can we ensure that our words and promises reflect the integrity and faithfulness that God desires? 4. How can we, like Abraham, be a witness to God's blessings in our lives, prompting others to seek peace and understanding with us? 5. What are some practical steps we can take to foster peaceful and respectful relationships with those who may not share our faith? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 12:1-3God's initial promise to Abraham, which sets the stage for his interactions with other nations, including Abimelech. Hebrews 6:13-15Reflects on God's promises to Abraham, emphasizing the importance of oaths and God's faithfulness. Matthew 5:33-37Jesus' teaching on oaths, which can be contrasted with the Old Testament practice seen in Genesis 21:24. People Abimelech, Abraham, Hagar, Isaac, Phichol, SarahPlaces Beersheba, Egypt, Gerar, ParanTopics Oath, SwearDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 21:22-24 5468 promises, human Genesis 21:22-31 5430 oaths, human Genesis 21:22-32 5592 treaty Genesis 21:23-24 8331 reliability 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 21:24 NIVGenesis 21:24 NLTGenesis 21:24 ESVGenesis 21:24 NASBGenesis 21:24 KJV
Genesis 21:24 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
