Genesis 21:22-32

22 At that time Abimelech went with Phicol, the commander of his army, and said to Abraham, "God is with you in everything you do. ¹

23 So make a vow here in the presence of God that you will not deceive me, my children, or my descendants. I have been loyal to you, so promise that you will also be loyal to me and to this country in which you are living."

24 Abraham said, "I promise."

25 Abraham complained to Abimelech about a well which the servants of Abimelech had seized.

26 Abimelech said, "I don't know who did this. You didn't tell me about it, and this is the first I have heard of it."

27 Then Abraham gave some sheep and cattle to Abimelech, and the two of them made an agreement.

28 Abraham separated seven lambs from his flock,

29 and Abimelech asked him, "Why did you do that?"

30 Abraham answered, "Accept these seven lambs. By doing this, you admit that I am the one who dug this well."

31 And so the place was called Beersheba, because it was there that the two of them made a vow.

32 After they had made this agreement at Beersheba, Abimelech and Phicol went back to Philistia.

Genesis 21:22-32 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.

Cross References

• 1. 21.22Genesis 26.26.

Footnotes

• [a]. beersheba: [This name in Hebrew means "Well of the Vow" or "Well of Seven" (see also 26.33).]