But when Abraham complained to Abimelech about a well that Abimelech's servants had seized, But when AbrahamThe phrase "But when Abraham" introduces a pivotal moment in the narrative, highlighting Abraham's proactive role. Abraham, the patriarch, is a central figure in Genesis, known for his faith and covenant with God. The Hebrew name "Abraham" means "father of many," reflecting his God-given promise to be the progenitor of many nations. This moment underscores Abraham's leadership and responsibility in protecting his family's resources. complained to Abimelech
The act of complaining here is significant. The Hebrew root for "complained" can also mean to contend or strive, indicating a formal grievance. Abraham approaches Abimelech, the Philistine king, with a legitimate concern. Abimelech, whose name means "my father is king," represents a foreign authority. This interaction between Abraham and Abimelech is a testament to the diplomatic relations and the pursuit of justice and fairness in ancient times. about a well
Wells were vital in the ancient Near East, symbolizing life, sustenance, and prosperity. Water was a precious resource, and wells were often sources of conflict. The well in question is not just a physical resource but a symbol of God's provision and blessing to Abraham. It represents the sustenance necessary for Abraham's family and flocks, highlighting the importance of God's promises being fulfilled in tangible ways. that Abimelech’s servants
The mention of "Abimelech’s servants" indicates a potential misuse of authority or misunderstanding. Servants, acting on behalf of their master, often carried out tasks that could lead to disputes. This phrase suggests a conflict between Abraham's divine right to the land and the human authority represented by Abimelech's servants. It reflects the ongoing tension between God's people and the surrounding nations. had seized
The word "seized" implies an act of force or unauthorized taking. In the Hebrew context, this action is a breach of trust and hospitality, which were highly valued in ancient cultures. The seizure of the well by Abimelech's servants is not just a personal affront to Abraham but a challenge to the covenantal promise of land and blessing. This act necessitates a resolution to restore peace and justice, aligning with God's overarching plan for Abraham and his descendants. Persons / Places / Events 1. AbrahamThe patriarch of the Israelites, known for his faith and obedience to God. In this passage, he is addressing a grievance regarding a well. 2. AbimelechThe king of Gerar, who previously had interactions with Abraham, including a covenant. He represents the local authority and is involved in the dispute over the well. 3. WellA vital resource in the arid region, symbolizing sustenance and survival. The well's seizure represents a significant conflict over resources. 4. Abimelech’s ServantsThey are the ones who seized the well, causing the dispute between Abraham and Abimelech. 5. GerarThe region where Abimelech ruled and where Abraham sojourned. It is significant as a place of interaction between Abraham and the local inhabitants. Teaching Points Conflict ResolutionAbraham's approach to addressing the dispute with Abimelech highlights the importance of direct communication and seeking peaceful resolutions to conflicts. Value of ResourcesThe well represents essential resources, reminding us of the need to steward God's provisions wisely and justly. Integrity in RelationshipsAbraham's complaint to Abimelech underscores the importance of honesty and integrity in our dealings with others, especially in matters of justice and fairness. Faith in ActionAbraham's actions demonstrate faith in God's promises, trusting that God will provide and protect even in disputes. Covenantal RelationshipsThe interaction between Abraham and Abimelech reflects the significance of maintaining and honoring covenants and agreements with others. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Abraham's approach to resolving the conflict with Abimelech serve as a model for handling disputes in our own lives? 2. In what ways can we ensure that we are good stewards of the resources God has entrusted to us, as seen in the importance of the well? 3. How can the principles of integrity and honesty in Abraham's dealings with Abimelech be applied in our personal and professional relationships? 4. What lessons can we learn from Abraham's faith and trust in God when facing challenges and conflicts? 5. How do the interactions between Abraham and Abimelech inform our understanding of maintaining peace and honoring agreements with others? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 26Isaac, Abraham's son, faces similar disputes over wells, highlighting ongoing challenges in securing resources and maintaining peace with neighbors. Matthew 5:9Jesus' teaching on peacemakers can be related to Abraham's approach in resolving the conflict with Abimelech. Romans 12:18Paul's exhortation to live at peace with everyone connects to Abraham's efforts to address the conflict diplomatically. People Abimelech, Abraham, Hagar, Isaac, Phichol, SarahPlaces Beersheba, Egypt, Gerar, ParanTopics Abimelech, Abim'elech, Abimelech's, Abim'elech's, Complained, Force, Matter, Protest, Reasoned, Reproved, Seized, Servants, Violently, Water-holeDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 21:25 4296 wells
5265 complaints
5524 servants, bad 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 21:25 NIVGenesis 21:25 NLTGenesis 21:25 ESVGenesis 21:25 NASBGenesis 21:25 KJV
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