Read: Genesis 21:22-34 NLT – Abraham’s Covenant with Abimelech – Bible Gateway
“Abraham replied, ‘Yes, I swear to it!’……Then Abraham planted a tamarisk tree at Beersheba, and there he worshiped the LORD, the Eternal God.” Genesis 21:24, 33 NLT
Last week in our Biblical Insights Abraham was blessed by God as the Lord promised that Ishmael will be blessed by being the father of many nations and Issac would be the promised son of the covenant. The Lord has continually blessed Abraham even through his times of failure. Abraham is very wealthy and now has become a formidable and respected sojourner in the land. This is where our story of Abraham picks up this week.
“About this time, Abimelech came with Phicol, his army commander, to visit Abraham. ‘God is obviously with you, helping you in everything you do,’” (Gen.21:22 nlt) King Abimelech is well aware of Abraham’s wealth and status. He has come to realize it is the God of heaven who is blessing and protecting Abraham. Abimelech pays a visit to Abraham with his military commander, Phicol. Although the king is more powerful, he is looking to secure a permanent agreement with Abraham lasting for generations. “Swear to me in God’s name that you will never deceive me, my children, or any of my descendants.” (Gen.21:23 nlt) Abimelech points to his loyalty towards Abraham and asks for his loyalty in return. Abraham agrees and swears to it.
Abraham takes the opportunity of Abimelech’s kindness to him to mention the issue of a seized well owned by Abraham. “Then Abraham complained to Abimelech about a well that Abimelech’s servants had taken by force from Abraham’s servants.” (Gen.21:25 nlt) The king said he was not aware of the incident or who was responsible for it. Abraham wanted his own treaty now stating the well was his by right. Abraham gave sheep, goats, and cattle to Abimelech as was used in treaty ceremonies. He then gave an additional seven ewe lambs as a special gift. Acceptance of the gift recognized Abrahma’s right to the well. “Abraham replied, ‘Please accept these seven lambs to show your agreement that I dug this well.’” (Gen.21:30 nlt) Abraham then named the place Beersheba meaning ‘well of the oath.’
Abimelech left to return home, and Abraham planted a tamarisk tree at Beersheba. The tamarisk tree represented several things. The tree served as a reminder of the treaty between Abimelech and Abraham. It was a tree that took years to grow. Abraham will be in the land a long time and the Lord did promise it to his descendants. Abraham was looking forward to the future generations. The tree also marked God’s grace upon Abraham and God’s chosen people and His ever presence over the land. And it became a worship site for Abraham as he worshiped the Lord, the Eternal God. Indeed, Abraham is blessed by God.
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