Keraia
Genesis 21

Genesis 21:32

The Covenant at Beersheba · Genesis 21:22–34
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Translations

Modern
After they had made the covenant at Beersheba, Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army got up and returned to the land of the Philistines.
Traditional
Thus they made a covenant at Beer–sheba: then Abimelech rose up, and Phichol the chief captain of his host, and they returned into the land of the Philistines.
Literal
And they cut a covenant at Beersheba. And Abimelech rose, and Phichol the commander of his army, and they returned to the land of the Philistines.
Latin
Et inierunt fœdus pro puteo juramenti.

Interlinear

Hebrew
English
After they had made the covenant at Beersheba, Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army got up and returned to the land of the Philistines.

Notes

Genesis 21:32

The Philistines mentioned in Genesis are not the same as the Philistines in Judges through Kings. The earlier group had Semitic (ancient Near Eastern) names, such as Abimelech, and they followed Canaanite culture.

The later Philistines were likely from the Aegean region (near Greece). They had different customs and culture. They seem to have come to Canaan by sea around 1200 BC, during the time of the judges.

Because of this, the name Philistines in Genesis is probably used to describe the earlier people of the region in a way that later audiences would understand.

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

People

Abimelech: Philistine king who interacted with Abraham and Isaac Phicol: Commander of Abimelech's army

Places

Beersheba: Important city in southern Israel, associated with the patriarchs Philistia: An ancient people and region in Canaan

Glossary

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

Topics

Abimelech: King of Gerar Abraham: Lives in Gerar Alliances: Abraham and Abimelech Beer-Sheba: The Most Southern City of Palestine: Named by Abraham, Who Lived There Contracts: Between Abraham and Abimelech, Concerning Wells of Water Covenant: Abraham and Abimelech Patriarchal Government: Exercised in Forming Treaties and Alliances Phichol: Chief Captain of the Philistines Rulers: Abraham