Translations
Original
Notes
Abraham gave gifts to Abimelec (compare 20:14). These gifts helped confirm his legal right to live peacefully in the land and to claim the well as his own. Beersheba marked another step toward the fulfillment (completion) of God’s promise.
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).
People
Abraham: Patriarch, chosen by God to father His people
Glossary
Abimelech Abraham Alliance Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Ebla Tablets Genesis, Book of Oath Patriarchs, Period of the Phichol, Phicol Well
Topics
Abimelech: King of Gerar Abraham: Lives in Gerar Abraham: Unselfishness of Alliances: Abraham and Abimelech Contracts: Between Abraham and Abimelech, Concerning Wells of Water Contracts: Modes of Ratifying by Giving Presents Covenant of Men with Men by Giving Presents Covenant: Abraham and Abimelech Covenants: Presents Given As Tokens Patriarchal Government: Exercised in Forming Treaties and Alliances Presents were Given: To Confirm Covenants Rulers: Abraham Seven: Miscellany of Sevens: Abraham Gives Abimelech Seven Lambs The Lamb: Covenants Confirmed by Gift of Wells: The Occasion of Feuds: Between Abraham and Abimelech Witness: To the Transfer of Land