Genesis 21:22-34

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

23 Now, swear an oath to me here in front of God that you will never cheat me, my children, or my descendants. Show me and the land where you've been living the same kindness that I have shown you."

24 Abraham said, "I so swear."

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

26 Abimelech replied, "I don't know who did this. You didn't tell me, and I didn't hear about it until today."

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

28 Then Abraham set apart seven female lambs from the flock.

29 Abimelech asked him, "What is the meaning of these seven female lambs you have set apart?"

30 Abraham answered, "Accept these lambs from me so that they may be proof that I dug this well."

31 This is why that place is called Beersheba, because both of them swore an oath there.

32 After they made the treaty at Beersheba, Abimelech and Phicol, the commander of his army, left and went back to the land of the Philistines.

33 Abraham planted a tamarisk tree at Beersheba and worshiped the LORD, the Everlasting God, there.

34 Abraham lived a long time in the land of the Philistines.

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.