Genesis 21:26-34

26 Abimelech said, "I have no idea who did this; you never told me about it; this is the first I've heard of it."

27 So the two of them made a covenant. Abraham took sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelech.

28 Abraham set aside seven sheep from his flock.

29 Abimelech said, "What does this mean? These seven sheep you've set aside."

30 Abraham said, "It means that when you accept these seven sheep, you take it as proof that I dug this well, that it's my well."

31 That's how the place got named Beersheba (the Oath-Well), because the two of them swore a covenant oath there.

32 After they had made the covenant at Beersheba, Abimelech and his commander, Phicol, left and went back to Philistine territory.

33 Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba and worshiped God there, praying to the Eternal God.

34 Abraham lived in Philistine country for a long time.

Genesis 21:26-34 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.