Abimelech replied, "I do not know who has done this. You did not tell me, so I have not heard about it until today." I do not knowThis phrase reflects Abimelech's immediate response to Abraham's complaint about a well that had been seized. The Hebrew root for "know" is "yada," which implies not just awareness but an intimate understanding or relationship. Abimelech's claim of ignorance suggests a genuine lack of involvement or knowledge, highlighting the importance of communication and transparency in relationships. In a broader spiritual sense, it reminds believers of the necessity to seek understanding and clarity in their walk with God and others. who has done this thing
The phrase indicates an action that has been committed, in this case, the seizure of a well. The Hebrew word for "thing" is "dabar," which can mean word, matter, or thing. This reflects the seriousness of the situation, as wells were vital for survival in the arid climate of the ancient Near East. Historically, wells were often sources of conflict, symbolizing life and sustenance. Spiritually, this can be seen as a call to protect and cherish the spiritual resources God provides. Abimelech replied
Abimelech's response is crucial in the narrative. His name, meaning "my father is king," suggests a position of authority and responsibility. His reply shows a willingness to address the issue directly, which is a model for leadership and conflict resolution. In a spiritual context, it encourages believers to respond to challenges with integrity and openness. You did not tell me
This part of the verse underscores the importance of communication. Abimelech points out that he was not informed of the issue, which suggests that misunderstandings can arise from a lack of dialogue. The Hebrew culture placed a high value on verbal agreements and communication, and this serves as a reminder of the power of words in building or breaking relationships. Spiritually, it emphasizes the need for honest communication with God and others. I have not heard about it until today
This phrase indicates the timing of Abimelech's awareness of the problem. The Hebrew word for "heard" is "shama," which means to hear, listen, or obey. It suggests that Abimelech is open to resolving the issue now that he is aware of it. Historically, this reflects the immediacy with which disputes needed to be addressed in ancient times to maintain peace and order. Spiritually, it serves as a reminder that God hears our concerns and is ready to act when we bring them to Him. Persons / Places / Events 1. AbimelechA Philistine king who interacts with Abraham. He is involved in a covenant with Abraham and is concerned about maintaining peaceful relations. 2. AbrahamThe patriarch of the Israelites, who has settled in the region and is in a covenant relationship with God. He is involved in a dispute over a well with Abimelech. 3. Well of WaterThe central issue in this passage is a dispute over a well that Abraham claims was seized by Abimelech's servants. Wells were vital for survival and prosperity in the ancient Near East. 4. BeershebaThe location where this event takes place. It becomes significant as a place of covenant and oath between Abraham and Abimelech. 5. CovenantThe broader context involves a covenant between Abraham and Abimelech, emphasizing peace and mutual respect. Teaching Points Importance of CommunicationAbimelech's response highlights the need for clear communication to resolve conflicts. Misunderstandings can be avoided by addressing issues directly and promptly. Integrity in RelationshipsThe passage underscores the importance of integrity and honesty in dealings with others. Abimelech's willingness to address the issue shows a commitment to righteousness. God's Provision and ProtectionThe dispute over the well reminds us of God's provision and the need to trust Him for our needs. Abraham's life demonstrates God's faithfulness in providing for His people. PeacemakingThe resolution of the conflict through a covenant reflects the biblical principle of peacemaking. Believers are called to pursue peace and reconciliation in their relationships. Stewardship of ResourcesThe well represents a critical resource, and the passage encourages responsible stewardship of the resources God has entrusted to us. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Abimelech's response in Genesis 21:26 demonstrate the importance of communication in resolving conflicts? Can you think of a situation in your life where better communication could have prevented a misunderstanding? 2. In what ways does the interaction between Abraham and Abimelech reflect the biblical principle of peacemaking? How can you apply this principle in your relationships today? 3. Considering the significance of the well in this passage, how does this account encourage us to trust in God's provision? Are there areas in your life where you need to rely more on God's provision? 4. How does the concept of stewardship apply to the resources God has given you? What steps can you take to be a better steward of these resources? 5. Reflect on a time when you had to address a conflict or misunderstanding. How did your approach align with the principles found in Genesis 21:26, and what might you do differently in the future? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 20Provides background on the relationship between Abraham and Abimelech, including a previous encounter where God intervened to protect Sarah. Genesis 26Similar disputes over wells occur with Isaac, Abraham's son, highlighting ongoing tensions and the importance of water rights in the region. Exodus 21:33-34Discusses laws regarding property and responsibility, which can be related to the dispute over the well. Proverbs 16:7Speaks to the idea that when a person's ways please the Lord, even their enemies are at peace with them, reflecting the peaceful resolution between Abraham and Abimelech. People Abimelech, Abraham, Hagar, Isaac, Phichol, SarahPlaces Beersheba, Egypt, Gerar, ParanTopics Abimelech, Abim'elech, Declare, Hast, Idea, Save, Till, To-day, Wot, YetDictionary 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 21:26 NIVGenesis 21:26 NLTGenesis 21:26 ESVGenesis 21:26 NASBGenesis 21:26 KJV
Genesis 21:26 Commentaries
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