And Abraham resided in the land of the Philistines for a long time. And AbrahamThe name "Abraham" is derived from the Hebrew "Avraham," meaning "father of many." This name change from Abram to Abraham in Genesis 17:5 signifies God's covenant promise that Abraham would be the father of many nations. Abraham is a central patriarchal figure in the Bible, representing faith and obedience to God. His life is a testament to the journey of faith, marked by trials, promises, and divine encounters. resided
The Hebrew word used here is "gur," which means to sojourn or dwell temporarily. This indicates that Abraham's stay in the land of the Philistines was not permanent, reflecting the transient nature of his life as a nomad. This temporary dwelling underscores the theme of faith and trust in God's promises, as Abraham lived in a land that was not yet his inheritance. in the land of the Philistines
The Philistines were a group of people who lived in the coastal region of Canaan. Archaeological evidence suggests they were part of the Sea Peoples who settled in the area during the 12th century BC. The Philistines are often depicted as adversaries of Israel in the Bible, yet here, Abraham finds a place to reside among them. This highlights the complexity of relationships in the ancient Near East and God's providence in providing for Abraham even among potential adversaries. for a long time
The phrase "for a long time" suggests an extended period, though the exact duration is not specified. This indicates a season of stability and peace in Abraham's life, despite being in a foreign land. It reflects God's faithfulness in sustaining Abraham and fulfilling His promises over time. This period allowed Abraham to grow in faith and prepare for the future fulfillment of God's covenant promises. Persons / Places / Events 1. AbrahamThe patriarch of the Israelites, chosen by God to be the father of many nations. His faith and obedience are central themes in his account. 2. PhilistinesA group of people living in the region of Canaan, often depicted as adversaries of the Israelites in later biblical accounts. At this time, they were neighbors to Abraham. 3. Land of the PhilistinesThe region where Abraham resided for an extended period. This area is part of the broader land of Canaan, which God promised to Abraham and his descendants. 4. GerarThe city within the land of the Philistines where Abraham had interactions with Abimelech, the king of Gerar, earlier in Genesis 20. 5. AbimelechThe king of Gerar who made a covenant with Abraham, acknowledging God's presence with him. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in Dwelling PlacesAbraham's residence in the land of the Philistines demonstrates God's control over where His people dwell, even among those who do not share their faith. Peaceful CoexistenceAbraham's ability to live peacefully among the Philistines, despite potential cultural and religious differences, is a testament to the importance of living at peace with others. Faithfulness in Foreign LandsAbraham's life in a foreign land serves as a reminder to remain faithful to God, regardless of our surroundings or the prevailing culture. Covenantal RelationshipsThe covenant between Abraham and Abimelech highlights the importance of forming alliances and maintaining integrity in relationships with those outside the faith community. Long-term VisionAbraham's extended stay in the land of the Philistines encourages believers to have a long-term vision, trusting in God's promises even when immediate circumstances seem uncertain. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Abraham's residence in the land of the Philistines reflect God's promise to him regarding the land of Canaan? 2. In what ways can we, like Abraham, live peacefully and faithfully in a culture that may not share our beliefs? 3. What lessons can we learn from Abraham's interactions with Abimelech about forming relationships with those outside our faith community? 4. How does the account of Abraham in the land of the Philistines prepare us for understanding the later conflicts between the Israelites and the Philistines? 5. Reflect on a time when you had to trust God's promises despite being in an unfamiliar or challenging environment. How did that experience strengthen your faith? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 20Provides context for Abraham's relationship with Abimelech and the Philistines, including the covenant made between them. Genesis 26Isaac, Abraham's son, also interacts with the Philistines, showing a continuation of the relationship between Abraham's descendants and the Philistines. Exodus 13The Philistines are mentioned as a people whose land the Israelites would avoid during the Exodus, highlighting their ongoing presence in the region. 1 Samuel 17The account of David and Goliath, a Philistine, illustrates the later adversarial relationship between the Israelites and the Philistines. People Abimelech, Abraham, Hagar, Isaac, Phichol, SarahPlaces Beersheba, Egypt, Gerar, ParanTopics Foreigner, Philistines, Sojourned, Sojourneth, StrangeDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 21:33 1205 God, titles of
1235 God, the LORD
5042 name of God, significance
5077 Abraham, character
9121 eternity, nature of 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 21:34 NIVGenesis 21:34 NLTGenesis 21:34 ESVGenesis 21:34 NASBGenesis 21:34 KJV
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