Abraham separated seven ewe lambs from the flock, AbrahamThe name "Abraham" is derived from the Hebrew "Avraham," meaning "father of a multitude." This name was given by God as a covenant promise that Abraham would be the father of many nations ( Genesis 17:5). Abraham is a central figure in the Bible, known for his faith and obedience to God. His actions often serve as a model for faithfulness and trust in God's promises. In this context, Abraham's actions are part of a covenantal agreement, reflecting his role as a patriarch and a man of integrity. set apart
The phrase "set apart" is significant in biblical terms, often indicating something that is consecrated or dedicated for a specific purpose. In Hebrew, the concept of setting apart is closely related to holiness, which means to be distinct or separate for God's use. Here, Abraham's act of setting apart the lambs signifies a deliberate and meaningful gesture, likely indicating a formal agreement or covenant. It underscores the importance of intentionality and purpose in our actions, especially in matters of faith and relationships. seven
The number "seven" in the Bible often symbolizes completeness or perfection, as seen in the creation week where God rested on the seventh day. In this context, the use of seven ewe lambs may indicate the completeness or fullness of the covenant being established. It reflects the idea that God's covenants are whole and perfect, and that human agreements should strive to reflect this divine completeness. ewe lambs
"Ewe lambs" are young female sheep, and in biblical times, they were considered valuable livestock. The choice of ewe lambs for this covenantal act may symbolize innocence, purity, and the potential for future growth and prosperity. In a broader spiritual sense, it can remind believers of the sacrificial system and the ultimate sacrifice of Christ, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29). from the flock
The phrase "from the flock" indicates that these lambs were selected from a larger group, emphasizing the idea of choice and selection. In biblical narratives, the flock often represents God's people, and the act of choosing from the flock can symbolize God's selection of individuals for specific purposes. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to call and set apart those whom He chooses for His divine purposes. Persons / Places / Events 1. AbrahamThe patriarch of the Israelites, chosen by God to be the father of many nations. In this passage, he is making a covenant with Abimelech. 2. AbimelechThe king of Gerar, who interacts with Abraham regarding a well of water that Abraham had dug, leading to a covenant between them. 3. BeershebaThe location where Abraham and Abimelech make their covenant. It becomes a significant place in biblical history, often associated with oaths and covenants. 4. Seven Ewe LambsThese lambs are set apart by Abraham as a witness to the covenant he makes with Abimelech, symbolizing his rightful claim to the well. 5. CovenantA formal agreement or treaty between two parties. In this context, it is a peace treaty between Abraham and Abimelech, ensuring mutual respect and rights. Teaching Points The Importance of CovenantsCovenants are sacred and binding agreements that require sincerity and commitment. As believers, we are called to honor our commitments, whether they are with God or with others. Symbolism in ScriptureThe use of seven ewe lambs signifies completeness and perfection in biblical numerology. This teaches us to pay attention to the symbolic meanings in Scripture, which often convey deeper spiritual truths. Peaceful ResolutionsAbraham's approach to resolving the dispute over the well with Abimelech highlights the importance of seeking peaceful and fair resolutions in conflicts, a principle that is applicable in our personal and communal lives. Witness to TruthThe seven ewe lambs serve as a witness to the truth of Abraham's claim. In our lives, we should strive to live in such a way that our actions bear witness to the truth of our faith and integrity. Legacy of FaithAbraham's actions set a precedent for future generations, including his son Isaac. Our actions and decisions can have lasting impacts on those who come after us, encouraging us to live faithfully and righteously. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the covenant between Abraham and Abimelech in Genesis 21:28 reflect the nature of God's covenants with His people? 2. In what ways can we apply the principle of peaceful conflict resolution, as demonstrated by Abraham, in our daily interactions? 3. What significance do the seven ewe lambs hold in the context of biblical symbolism, and how can understanding biblical symbols enhance our study of Scripture? 4. How does the concept of being a "witness to truth" manifest in our lives today, and what practical steps can we take to ensure our actions align with our faith? 5. Reflect on a time when a decision you made had a lasting impact on others. How can the legacy of faith demonstrated by Abraham inspire you to make decisions that honor God and benefit future generations? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 26Isaac, Abraham's son, also makes a covenant with Abimelech, echoing the peace and mutual respect established by his father. Hebrews 6Discusses the nature of oaths and covenants, emphasizing the seriousness and binding nature of such agreements, reflecting the importance of Abraham's actions. Matthew 5Jesus speaks about the importance of honesty and integrity, which can be related to the sincerity and truthfulness required in covenant-making. People Abimelech, Abraham, Hagar, Isaac, Phichol, SarahPlaces Beersheba, Egypt, Gerar, ParanTopics Apart, Ewe, Ewe-lambs, Flock, Lambs, Setteth, Seven, ThemselvesDictionary 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 21:28 NIVGenesis 21:28 NLTGenesis 21:28 ESVGenesis 21:28 NASBGenesis 21:28 KJV
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