and Abimelech asked him, "Why have you set apart these seven ewe lambs?" and Abimelech asked AbrahamThe name "Abimelech" is of Hebrew origin, meaning "my father is king." This title was often used for Philistine kings, suggesting a position of authority and respect. Abimelech's interaction with Abraham highlights the diplomatic relationships between the patriarchs and surrounding nations. Abraham, whose name means "father of many," is a central figure in God's covenantal promises. This encounter underscores the importance of communication and understanding between God's chosen people and the world around them. What is the meaning
The phrase "What is the meaning" indicates a quest for understanding and clarity. In the Hebrew context, questions often serve as a means to reveal deeper truths or to establish covenants. Abimelech's inquiry reflects a desire to comprehend Abraham's actions, which is crucial in maintaining peace and mutual respect. This moment invites readers to consider the significance of seeking understanding in our own relationships and the importance of clear communication in fulfilling God's purposes. of these seven ewe lambs
The "seven ewe lambs" are significant both numerically and symbolically. The number seven in Hebrew culture often represents completeness or perfection, as seen in the creation narrative. Ewe lambs, being young female sheep, symbolize innocence, purity, and the potential for future growth and prosperity. Abraham's offering of these lambs is a gesture of goodwill and a tangible sign of his commitment to the covenant with Abimelech. This act serves as a reminder of the importance of integrity and generosity in our dealings with others. you have set apart by themselves
The act of setting apart the lambs "by themselves" signifies a deliberate and intentional action. In Hebrew, the concept of setting apart is closely related to holiness and consecration. Abraham's separation of the lambs indicates a special purpose, distinguishing them from the rest of the flock. This mirrors the biblical theme of God's people being set apart for His purposes. It challenges believers to consider how they are called to live distinctively in the world, dedicated to God's service and His covenantal promises. Persons / Places / Events 1. AbimelechA Philistine king who forms a covenant with Abraham. His interactions with Abraham highlight themes of diplomacy and mutual respect. 2. AbrahamThe patriarch of the Israelites, known for his faith and obedience to God. In this passage, he is involved in a covenantal agreement with Abimelech. 3. BeershebaThe location where Abraham and Abimelech make a covenant. It becomes a significant place in biblical history, often associated with God's promises and faithfulness. 4. Seven Ewe LambsThese lambs are a symbolic gesture from Abraham to Abimelech, signifying a witness to the covenant they are making. 5. CovenantThe agreement between Abraham and Abimelech, marked by the exchange of the seven ewe lambs, which serves as a testimony to their peaceful resolution and mutual understanding. Teaching Points The Importance of CovenantsCovenants in the Bible are serious commitments that reflect God's faithfulness and our responsibility to uphold our promises. Abraham's covenant with Abimelech is a model of integrity and trust. Symbolism in ScriptureThe seven ewe lambs symbolize a witness to the covenant. Understanding biblical symbols can deepen our comprehension of God's messages and promises. Peacemaking as a Christian VirtueAbraham's actions demonstrate the value of peacemaking and reconciliation, aligning with Jesus' teachings in the New Testament. Faith in ActionAbraham's life is a testament to living out one's faith through actions, not just words. His dealings with Abimelech show practical applications of faith in everyday life. God's FaithfulnessThe location of Beersheba becomes a testament to God's faithfulness, reminding us that God is present in our agreements and relationships. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the covenant between Abraham and Abimelech reflect the broader theme of God's faithfulness in the Bible? 2. In what ways can we apply the principle of peacemaking from this passage to our modern-day relationships and conflicts? 3. What is the significance of the number seven in the Bible, and how does it relate to the seven ewe lambs in this passage? 4. How does Abraham's interaction with Abimelech demonstrate the importance of integrity and trust in our commitments? 5. How can we see the continuation of God's promises through the actions of Abraham and his descendants, as seen in Genesis 26 and other related scriptures? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 26Isaac, Abraham's son, also makes a covenant with Abimelech, showing a continuation of peaceful relations between their descendants. Hebrews 11This chapter highlights the faith of Abraham, providing a broader context for understanding his actions and decisions throughout his life. Matthew 5:9Jesus' teaching on peacemakers can be connected to Abraham's actions in making a covenant with Abimelech, emphasizing the importance of peace and reconciliation. People Abimelech, Abraham, Hagar, Isaac, Phichol, SarahPlaces Beersheba, Egypt, Gerar, ParanTopics Abimelech, Abim'elech, Apart, Ewe, Ewe-lambs, Hast, Lambs, Mean, Meaning, Seven, ThemselvesDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 21:22-31 5430 oaths, human Genesis 21:22-32 5592 treaty Genesis 21:25-31 5077 Abraham, character Library Compassion for Souls
Behold the compassion of a mother for her child expiring with thirst, and remember that such a compassion ought all Christians to feel towards souls that are perishing for lack of Christ, perishing eternally, perishing without hope of salvation. If the mother lifted up her voice arid wept, so also should we; and if the contemplation of her dying, child was all too painful for her, so may the contemplation of the wrath to come, which is to pass upon every soul that dies impenitent, become too painful …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871Therefore, if we Compare the Things Themselves, we May no Way Doubt that The...
28. Therefore, if we compare the things themselves, we may no way doubt that the chastity of continence is better than marriage chastity, whilst yet both are good: but when we compare the persons, he is better, who hath a greater good than another. Further, he who hath a greater of the same kind, hath also that which is less; but he, who only hath what is less, assuredly hath not that which is greater. For in sixty, thirty also are contained, not sixty also in thirty. But not to work from out that …
St. Augustine—On the Good of Marriage The Gospel Feast
"When Jesus then lifted up His eyes, and saw a great company come unto Him, He saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread that these may eat?"--John vi. 5. After these words the Evangelist adds, "And this He said to prove him, for He Himself knew what He would do." Thus, you see, our Lord had secret meanings when He spoke, and did not bring forth openly all His divine sense at once. He knew what He was about to do from the first, but He wished to lead forward His disciples, and to arrest and …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII Of Bearing the Cross --One Branch of Self-Denial.
The four divisions of this chapter are,--I. The nature of the cross, its necessity and dignity, sec. 1, 2. II. The manifold advantages of the cross described, sec. 3-6. III. The form of the cross the most excellent of all, and yet it by no means removes all sense of pain, sec. 7, 8. IV. A description of warfare under the cross, and of true patience, (not that of philosophers,) after the example of Christ, sec. 9-11. 1. THE pious mind must ascend still higher, namely, whither Christ calls his disciples …
Archpriest John Iliytch Sergieff—On the Christian Life But if Moreover any not Having Charity, which Pertaineth to the Unity of Spirit...
23. But if moreover any not having charity, which pertaineth to the unity of spirit and the bond of peace whereby the Catholic Church is gathered and knit together, being involved in any schism, doth, that he may not deny Christ, suffer tribulations, straits, hunger, nakedness, persecution, perils, prisons, bonds, torments, swords, or flames, or wild beasts, or the very cross, through fear of hell and everlasting fire; in nowise is all this to be blamed, nay rather this also is a patience meet to …
St. Augustine—On Patience The Annunciation of Jesus the Messiah, and the Birth of his Forerunner.
FROM the Temple to Nazareth! It seems indeed most fitting that the Evangelic story should have taken its beginning within the Sanctuary, and at the time of sacrifice. Despite its outward veneration for them, the Temple, its services, and specially its sacrifices, were, by an inward logical necessity, fast becoming a superfluity for Rabbinism. But the new development, passing over the intruded elements, which were, after all, of rationalistic origin, connected its beginning directly with the Old Testament …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
Syria: the part played by it in the ancient world--Babylon and the first Chaldaean empire--The dominion of the Hyksos: Ahmosis. Some countries seem destined from their origin to become the battle-fields of the contending nations which environ them. Into such regions, and to their cost, neighbouring peoples come from century to century to settle their quarrels and bring to an issue the questions of supremacy which disturb their little corner of the world. The nations around are eager for the possession …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4 The Holiness of God
The next attribute is God's holiness. Exod 15:51. Glorious in holiness.' Holiness is the most sparkling jewel of his crown; it is the name by which God is known. Psa 111:1. Holy and reverend is his name.' He is the holy One.' Job 6:60. Seraphims cry, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of his glory.' Isa 6:6. His power makes him mighty, his holiness makes him glorious. God's holiness consists in his perfect love of righteousness, and abhorrence of evil. Of purer eyes than …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Genesis 21:29 NIVGenesis 21:29 NLTGenesis 21:29 ESVGenesis 21:29 NASBGenesis 21:29 KJV
Genesis 21:29 Commentaries
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