Genesis 21:22-34

Abraham’s treaty with the Philistines

22 At that time Abimelech, and Phicol commander of his forces, said to Abraham, "God is with you in everything that you do.

23 So give me your word under God that you won't cheat me, my children, or my descendants. Just as I have treated you fairly, so you must treat me and the land in which you are an immigrant."

24 Abraham said, "I give you my word.

25 Then Abraham complained to Abimelech about a well that Abimelech's servants had seized.

26 Abimelech said, "I don't know who has done this, and you didn't tell me. I didn't even hear about it until today."

27 Abraham took flocks and cattle, gave them to Abimelech, and the two of them drew up a treaty.

28 Abraham set aside, by themselves, seven female lambs from the flock.

29 So Abimelech said to Abraham, "What are these seven lambs you've set apart?"

30 Abraham said, "These seven lambs that you take from me will attest that I dug this well."

31 Therefore, the name of that place is Beer-sheba because there they gave each other their word.

32 After they drew up a treaty at Beer-sheba, Abimelech, and Phicol commander of his forces, returned to the land of the Philistines.

33 Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beer-sheba, and he worshipped there in the name of the LORD, El Olam.

34 Abraham lived as an immigrant in the Philistines' land for a long time.

Genesis 21:22-34 Meaning and Commentary

INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS 21

This chapter gives an account of the conception, birth, circumcision, and weaning of Isaac, Ge 21:1-8; of the mocking of Ishmael, and of the casting out of him and his mother from Abraham's house, at the request of Sarah, which, though grievous to Abraham, he complied with at the direction of God, Ge 21:9-13; of the provision Abraham made for their departure, and of the supply they met with in the wilderness from God, where Ishmael was brought up, and where he married, Ge 21:14-21; and of a covenant between Abraham and Abimelech, king of Gerar, Ge 21:22-32; and of Abraham's planting a grove, and calling on the name of the Lord, Ge 21:33; and the chapter is closed with this observation, that Abraham sojourned in the land of the Philistines many days, Ge 21:34.

Footnotes

• [a]. Or covenant
• [b]. Or Well of seven; or Well of giving one’s word
• [c]. Or covenant
• [d]. Or the eternal God