And Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called upon the name of the LORD, the Eternal God. And thereThis phrase indicates a specific location, which is Beersheba, where Abraham had just made a covenant with Abimelech. The significance of "there" is rooted in the idea of sacred space, a place where God’s presence is acknowledged and worshiped. In the ancient Near Eastern context, establishing a place of worship was a declaration of divine ownership and blessing over the land. he called
The act of calling on the name of the LORD signifies an intentional and public act of worship and prayer. In Hebrew, the word "called" (קָרָא, qara) implies a proclamation or a declaration. Abraham’s calling is an act of faith, acknowledging God’s sovereignty and inviting His presence into his life and the land. on the name of the LORD
The "name of the LORD" (יְהוָה, Yahweh) is a profound expression of God’s character and essence. In the Hebrew tradition, a name is not merely an identifier but a reflection of one’s nature and authority. By invoking the name of Yahweh, Abraham is recognizing God’s covenantal faithfulness and His supreme authority over all creation. the Eternal God
The Hebrew term used here is "El Olam" (אֵל עוֹלָם), which translates to "the Everlasting God." This title emphasizes God’s timeless nature and His unchanging presence throughout history. In a world where human leaders and kingdoms rise and fall, the Eternal God remains constant, offering assurance and stability to those who trust in Him. Abraham’s use of this title reflects his understanding of God’s eternal promises and His enduring relationship with His people. Persons / Places / Events 1. AbrahamThe patriarch of the Israelites, known for his faith and obedience to God. In this verse, he demonstrates his devotion by calling on the name of the LORD. 2. BeershebaA significant location in the Negev desert, often associated with covenants and oaths. It becomes a place of worship and a symbol of God's provision and faithfulness. 3. Tamarisk TreeA type of tree that can thrive in arid conditions, symbolizing endurance and long-term commitment. Abraham's planting of the tree signifies a lasting dedication to God. 4. The LORD, the Eternal GodThis title emphasizes God's everlasting nature and faithfulness. Abraham's invocation of this name highlights his recognition of God's eternal covenant. Teaching Points Faithful WorshipAbraham's act of planting a tree and calling on the LORD demonstrates a life of consistent worship. Believers are encouraged to establish regular practices of worship and devotion. Symbolism of the Tamarisk TreeThe tamarisk tree represents endurance and long-term commitment. Christians are called to plant "trees" of faith that will endure through life's challenges. Recognizing God's Eternal NatureUnderstanding God as the Eternal One provides comfort and assurance. Believers can trust in God's unchanging nature and everlasting promises. Significance of Place in WorshipBeersheba becomes a place of worship and remembrance. Christians can create sacred spaces in their lives where they regularly meet with God. Bible Study Questions 1. What does Abraham's planting of the tamarisk tree in Beersheba teach us about the importance of establishing lasting symbols of faith in our lives? 2. How does Abraham's calling on the name of the LORD, the Eternal God, challenge us to recognize and rely on God's eternal nature in our daily walk? 3. In what ways can we create "sacred spaces" in our own lives where we consistently meet with God, similar to Abraham's actions in Beersheba? 4. How does the endurance of the tamarisk tree inspire us to remain steadfast in our faith, especially during difficult times? 5. What other biblical figures demonstrate a similar pattern of worship and dedication as Abraham, and how can their examples encourage us in our spiritual journey? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 12:8Abraham builds an altar and calls on the name of the LORD, showing a pattern of worship and dedication throughout his journey. Isaiah 40:28This verse speaks of the LORD as the everlasting God, connecting to Abraham's acknowledgment of God's eternal nature. Psalm 90:2Highlights God's eternal existence, reinforcing the concept of God as the Eternal One whom Abraham worships. People Abimelech, Abraham, Hagar, Isaac, Phichol, SarahPlaces Beersheba, Egypt, Gerar, ParanTopics Age-during, Beersheba, Beer-sheba, Eternal, Everlasting, Grove, Holy, Planted, Planteth, Planting, Preacheth, Tamarask, Tamarisk, Tamarisk-tree, Tree, WorshipDictionary 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 21:33 NIVGenesis 21:33 NLTGenesis 21:33 ESVGenesis 21:33 NASBGenesis 21:33 KJV
Genesis 21:33 Commentaries
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