Genesis 21:22

Translations

Modern

At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army said to Abraham, “God is with you in all that you do.

Traditional

And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest:

Literal

And it came to pass at that time that Abimelech spoke, and Phichol the commander of his army, to Abraham, saying, “God is with you in all that you do.

Latin

Eodem tempore dixit Abimelech, et Phicol princeps exercitus ejus, ad Abraham: Deus tecum est in universis quæ agis.

Interlinear

Hebrew

English

At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army said to Abraham, “God is with you in all that you do.

Notes

Genesis 21:22–23

Abimelech wanted a treaty so that Abraham would not deceive him. He knew that God was blessing Abraham, even though Abraham had not always been truthful (20:9–10). This sad contradiction made the treaty necessary.

By contrast, God’s people are called to speak truthfully. Paul teaches believers to speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15, 25). Jesus also warned against using oaths to distort the truth (Matthew 5:37; James 5:12).

Genesis 21:22–34

At the high point of this passage, it explains the name of Beersheba, where Abraham lived (21:31–34). The name is linked to the covenant (a binding agreement) that Abraham made with the people of the land. This agreement allowed him to live there in peace and safety.

In this way, God’s promise was beginning to come true (12:7; 13:14–17; 15:7, 18–21; 17:8).

Theme notes and profiles

Abraham Isaac Symbolic Numbers

Related verses

Joshua 3:7
Now the LORD said to Joshua, “Today I will begin to exalt you in the sight of all Israel, so they may know that I am with you just as I was with Moses.
Genesis 26:28
“We can plainly see that the LORD has been with you,” they replied. “We recommend that there should now be an oath between us and you. Let us make a covenant with you
Genesis 26:26
Later, Abimelech came to Isaac from Gerar, with Ahuzzath his adviser and Phicol the commander of his army.
Genesis 20:2
Abraham said of his wife Sarah, “She is my sister.” So Abimelech king of Gerar had Sarah brought to him.
Isaiah 8:10
Devise a plan, but it will be thwarted; state a proposal, but it will not happen. For God is with us.”
1 Corinthians 14:25
…and the secrets of his heart will be made known. So he will fall facedown and worship God, proclaiming, “God is truly among you!”
Romans 8:31
What then shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
Hebrews 13:5
Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, for God has said: “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.”
Zechariah 8:23
This is what the LORD of Hosts says: “In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue will tightly grasp the robe of a Jew, saying, ‘Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.’”
Matthew 1:23
“Behold, the virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel” (which means, “God with us”).
Isaiah 45:14
This is what the LORD says: “The products of Egypt and the merchandise of Cush, along with the Sabeans, men of stature, will come over to you and will be yours; they will trudge behind you; they will come over in chains and bow down to you. They will confess to you: ‘God is indeed with you, and there is no other; there is no other God.’”
Revelation 3:9
As for those who belong to the synagogue of Satan, who claim to be Jews but are liars instead, I will make them come and bow down at your feet, and they will know that I love you.

People

Abimelech: Philistine king who interacted with Abraham and Isaac Abraham: Patriarch, chosen by God to father His people Phicol: Commander of Abimelech's army

Glossary

Abimelech Abraham Alliance Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Ebla Tablets Genesis, Book of Oath Patriarchs, Period of the Phichol, Phicol

Topics

Abimelech: King of Gerar Abraham: Lives in Gerar Alliances: Abraham and Abimelech Covenant: Abraham and Abimelech Diplomacy of Abimelech Oath used in Solemnizing Covenants: Between Abraham and Abimelech Patriarchal Government: Exercised in Forming Treaties and Alliances Phichol: Chief Captain of the Philistines Rulers: Abraham The Philistines were a Great People and Governed by Kings in the Patriarchal

Genesis 21:22

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