After they had made the covenant at Beersheba, Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army got up and returned to the land of the Philistines. So they made a covenantThe phrase "made a covenant" is rooted in the Hebrew word "karath," which means "to cut." This reflects the ancient practice of cutting animals in two and passing between the pieces to signify a binding agreement. Covenants in the biblical context are solemn and sacred, often involving God as a witness. This act at Beersheba signifies a formal and serious agreement between Abraham and Abimelech, highlighting the importance of peace and mutual respect in relationships. at Beersheba
Beersheba, meaning "well of the oath" or "well of seven," is a significant location in biblical history. It becomes a central place for the patriarchs, symbolizing God's provision and faithfulness. Archaeological evidence suggests Beersheba was a well-established settlement, underscoring its importance as a site of sustenance and survival in the arid Negev region. The naming of Beersheba here marks it as a place of divine encounter and human agreement. and Abimelech
Abimelech, meaning "my father is king," is a title rather than a personal name, often used for Philistine rulers. His presence in this narrative indicates the political and social interactions between the patriarchs and surrounding nations. Abimelech's willingness to enter into a covenant with Abraham shows a recognition of Abraham's growing influence and the need for peaceful coexistence. and Phicol the commander of his army
Phicol, whose name means "strong," represents the military strength and authority of Abimelech's rule. His inclusion in the covenant-making process emphasizes the seriousness of the agreement and the desire for security and stability. It reflects the practice of involving military leaders in political treaties to ensure enforcement and protection. got up and returned
The act of getting up and returning signifies the completion of the covenant process and the return to normalcy. It indicates a successful negotiation and the establishment of peace. This movement also symbolizes the transition from conflict to harmony, a theme prevalent throughout the biblical narrative. to the land of the Philistines
The Philistines were a significant people group in the ancient Near East, often depicted as adversaries of Israel. Their land, located along the coastal regions of Canaan, was strategically important. This reference situates the narrative within a broader geopolitical context, highlighting the interactions between God's chosen people and the surrounding nations. The peaceful return to Philistine territory underscores the effectiveness of the covenant in maintaining regional stability. Persons / Places / Events 1. AbimelechA Philistine king who forms a covenant with Abraham. His name means "my father is king" in Hebrew, indicating a royal lineage or title. 2. PhicolThe commander of Abimelech's army. His presence signifies the importance of the covenant, as military leaders often represented the strength and authority of their rulers. 3. AbrahamThe patriarch with whom God made a covenant. Here, he enters into a human covenant with Abimelech, demonstrating his role as a peacemaker and leader. 4. BeershebaA location in the Negev desert, its name means "well of the oath" or "well of seven," referring to the seven ewe lambs Abraham gave to Abimelech as a witness to their agreement. 5. The CovenantA formal agreement between Abraham and Abimelech, ensuring peace and mutual respect. This covenant is significant as it reflects God's promise to Abraham to make him a father of many nations. Teaching Points The Importance of CovenantsCovenants are foundational in Scripture, representing commitments and promises. They remind us of God's faithfulness and our call to be faithful in our commitments. Peacemaking as a Godly TraitAbraham's initiative to make peace with Abimelech reflects the biblical call to be peacemakers. As believers, we are encouraged to seek peace and reconciliation in our relationships. God's Faithfulness Across GenerationsThe covenant at Beersheba is a testament to God's ongoing faithfulness to Abraham and his descendants. We can trust in God's promises to us and our families. The Role of Witnesses in AgreementsThe seven ewe lambs served as a witness to the covenant. In our lives, we should ensure that our commitments are clear and witnessed, reflecting integrity and transparency. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the covenant between Abraham and Abimelech teach us about the importance of making peace with others, even those outside our faith community? 2. How does the location of Beersheba, meaning "well of the oath," enhance our understanding of the significance of this event? 3. In what ways can we apply the principle of being peacemakers in our daily interactions, as demonstrated by Abraham? 4. How does the concept of covenants in the Bible, such as the one at Beersheba, deepen our understanding of God's promises to us? 5. Reflect on a time when you had to make a formal agreement or commitment. How can the biblical principles of integrity and witness in covenants guide you in future commitments? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 26Isaac, Abraham's son, also makes a covenant with Abimelech, showing the continuation of peaceful relations and God's faithfulness to Abraham's descendants. Hebrews 6:13-18Discusses God's unchangeable promise to Abraham, highlighting the importance of covenants in God's plan and the assurance they provide to believers. Ephesians 2:14-18Speaks of Christ as our peace, breaking down barriers and creating unity, much like the covenant at Beersheba established peace between Abraham and Abimelech. People Abimelech, Abraham, Hagar, Isaac, Phichol, SarahPlaces Beersheba, Egypt, Gerar, ParanTopics Abimelech, Abim'elech, Agreement, Army, Beersheba, Beer-sheba, Captain, Chief, Commander, Covenant, Forces, Host, Phichol, Phicol, Philistines, Returned, Riseth, Rose, Thus, TurnDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 21:22-32 5592 treaty 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 21:32 NIVGenesis 21:32 NLTGenesis 21:32 ESVGenesis 21:32 NASBGenesis 21:32 KJV
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