He replied, "You are to accept the seven ewe lambs from my hand as my witness that I dug this well." He repliedThis phrase indicates a response, suggesting a dialogue or negotiation. In the context of Genesis 21, Abraham is speaking to Abimelech, the king of Gerar. This interaction follows a dispute over a well, highlighting the importance of water rights in the ancient Near East, a region where water was a precious and often contested resource. You are to accept the seven ewe lambs from my hand
The offering of seven ewe lambs serves as a symbolic gesture of covenant and peace. The number seven often represents completeness or perfection in biblical texts, seen in the creation narrative and other covenantal contexts. Ewe lambs, being valuable livestock, signify a significant offering, underscoring Abraham's sincerity and the importance of the well. This act of giving also reflects the cultural practices of gift-giving to seal agreements or treaties. as my witness
The use of the term "witness" here is legal and covenantal. In ancient times, physical objects or actions often served as witnesses to agreements, much like a signed contract today. The seven ewe lambs are a tangible testimony to the agreement between Abraham and Abimelech, ensuring that future generations would recognize the legitimacy of Abraham's claim to the well. that I dug this well
Wells were vital for survival and prosperity, especially in arid regions. The act of digging a well was labor-intensive and signified ownership and rights to the water. This phrase emphasizes Abraham's initiative and effort in securing resources for his family and flocks. The well at Beersheba becomes a significant location in biblical history, later associated with the patriarchs and serving as a boundary marker in Israel's territory. The well also symbolizes God's provision and faithfulness, as seen in other biblical narratives where wells are places of divine encounter and blessing. Persons / Places / Events 1. AbrahamThe patriarch of the Israelites, who is making a covenant with Abimelech in this passage. He is a central figure in Genesis, known for his faith and obedience to God. 2. AbimelechThe king of Gerar, who enters into a covenant with Abraham. He previously interacted with Abraham in Genesis 20, where he took Sarah into his household, believing she was Abraham's sister. 3. BeershebaThe location where this covenant is made. It becomes a significant place in the biblical account, often associated with oaths and covenants. 4. The WellA source of water that Abraham claims to have dug, which becomes a point of contention and is central to the covenant between him and Abimelech. 5. Seven Ewe LambsThese are given by Abraham to Abimelech as a witness to the covenant, symbolizing peace and agreement. Teaching Points The Importance of CovenantsCovenants are foundational in the biblical account, representing commitments and promises. Abraham's covenant with Abimelech shows the importance of clear agreements and peaceful resolutions. Symbolism of the Seven Ewe LambsThe number seven often symbolizes completeness or perfection in the Bible. Abraham's offering of seven ewe lambs signifies a complete and sincere commitment to the covenant. God's Provision and FaithfulnessThe well represents God's provision for Abraham and his descendants. Trusting in God's provision is a recurring theme in the life of Abraham. Peacemaking and Conflict ResolutionAbraham's approach to resolving the dispute over the well is a model for handling conflicts with integrity and generosity. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the act of giving seven ewe lambs signify in the context of ancient covenants, and how can we apply this principle of sincerity in our commitments today? 2. How does the account of Abraham and Abimelech's covenant at Beersheba encourage us to seek peaceful resolutions in our own conflicts? 3. In what ways does the theme of God's provision, as seen in the well, challenge us to trust in God's faithfulness in our daily needs? 4. How can the recurring theme of wells in Genesis (e.g., Isaac's disputes over wells) deepen our understanding of God's promises and faithfulness? 5. Reflect on a situation where you need to act as a peacemaker. How can the principles from Abraham's covenant with Abimelech guide your actions? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 26Isaac, Abraham's son, also has disputes over wells, showing a recurring theme of God's provision and the importance of water in the arid landscape. Hebrews 11Abraham is highlighted for his faith, which is evident in his interactions and covenants, trusting God's promises. Matthew 5:9Jesus speaks about peacemakers, which can be related to Abraham's actions in making a covenant to ensure peace and mutual understanding. People Abimelech, Abraham, Hagar, Isaac, Phichol, SarahPlaces Beersheba, Egypt, Gerar, ParanTopics Accept, Becometh, Digged, Dug, Ewe, Ewe-lambs, Lambs, Seven, Verily, Water-hole, WitnessDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 21:22-31 5430 oaths, human Genesis 21:22-32 5592 treaty Genesis 21:25-31 5077 Abraham, character 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 21:30 NIVGenesis 21:30 NLTGenesis 21:30 ESVGenesis 21:30 NASBGenesis 21:30 KJV
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