Genesis 21:20-30

20 God was with the boy, and he grew. He lived in the desert and became an archer.

21 He lived in the Pa'ran Desert, and his mother chose a wife for him from the land of Egypt.

22 At that time Avimelekh and Pikhol the commander of his army spoke to Avraham. They said, "God is with you in everything you do.

23 Therefore, swear to me here by God that you will never deal falsely with me or with my son or grandson; but according to the kindness with which I have treated you, you will treat me and the land in which you have lived as a foreigner.

24 Avraham said, "I swear it."

25 Now Avraham had complained to Avimelekh about a well which Avimelekh's servants had seized.

26 Avimelekh answered, "I don't know who has done this. You didn't tell me, and I heard about it only today."

27 Avraham took sheep and cattle and gave them to Avimelekh, and the two of them made a covenant.

28 Avraham put seven female lambs from the flock by themselves.

29 Avimelekh asked Avraham, "What is the meaning of these seven female lambs you have put by themselves?"

30 He answered, "You are to accept these seven female lambs from me as witness that I dug this well."

Genesis 21:20-30 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.