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Summary of Genesis 21:22-34
Abraham makes a treaty wtih Abimelech and his commander, Phicol, to stay in the land for years. Abimelech approaches Abraham for the treaty. Abraham swears he will deal with his descendants fairly since they are aliens in his land. Abraham complains to Abimelech about a well of water his servants had seized. Abimelech said he knows nothing about it. Abraham gives Abimelech seven ewe lambs, sayng he dung the disputed well. This place was called Beersheba, meaning the well of seven or the well of the oath. Abimelech leaves to his land (Philistine). Abraham plants a tamarisk tree and calls upon God.
BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 13, Day 5: Genesis 21:22-34
12a) Abimelech approaches Abraham for the treaty, saying God is with Abraham in all that he does. He is looking for a fair shake since Abraham is living in his land. Abraham swears he will deal with his descendants fairly.
b) Those around Abraham understand the power of God from the testimony of Abraham’s life. This is power. So what I say and do does matter to others as a testimony of God’s power.
13) Abraham plants a tamarisk tree and calls upon God. He also makes the treaty and offers 7 ewe to Abimelech in good faith. Abraham recognizes that Abimelech is making the treaty over fear of God as well.
14) Just do the best I can every day to honor God with my work, my words, my life, and let Him do the rest.
BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 13, Day 5: Genesis 21:22-34
Great little story here of the power of the testimony of your life and the grace we can show others.
BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 13, Day 5: Genesis 21:22-34
Bible scholars believe this was a different ruler than the Abimelech of Genesis 20. Abimelech was a popular title given to Philistine rulers at that time.
Abimelech noticed Abraham’s abundant wealth and blessings, so he approached him for a treaty out of fear of Abraham’s God.
When you have God, everything else falls into place.
Remember Abraham lives in the middle of the desert where water is a precious commodity indeed. A well had been seized by Abimelech and Abraham wanted it back. By sacrificing animals and giving some to Abimelech, Abraham is making it abundantly clear that this is his well.
Beersheba
Beersheba is known for a lot of Bible happenings:
- Isaac digs a well here and builds an altar (Genesis 26:23–33).
- Jacob stops here as he leaves the promised land (Genesis 28:10–15, 46:1–7).
- Beersheba becomes the territory of the tribe of Simeon and Judah (Joshua 15:28, 19:2).
- Samuel’s sons were judges in Beersheba (I Samuel 8:2).
- King Saul fortifies Beersheba (I Samuel 14:48, 15:2–9).
- Elijah goes to Beersheba when Jezebel ordered him killed (I Kings 19:3).
- Beersheba in known for idolatry (Amos 5:5 and 8:14).
- From Dan to Beersheba described the entire land of Israel Judges 20:1, 1 Samuel 3:20, 2 Samuel 3:10, 1 Kings 4:25,
Abraham keeps talking to God his entire life, as seen here as he calls upon God. A tamarisk tree is a symbol of longevity here. Abraham plans to stay here a long time.