Phichol is a biblical figure mentioned in the Book of Genesis, primarily known as the commander of the army of Abimelech, the king of Gerar. His role is significant in the context of the patriarchal narratives involving Abraham and Isaac, where he appears in two key episodes that highlight the interactions between the patriarchs and the Philistine rulers.

Biblical References:

1. Genesis 21:22-32: Phichol first appears in the narrative concerning Abraham. The passage describes a covenant made between Abraham and Abimelech at Beersheba. "At that time Abimelech, accompanied by Phichol the commander of his army, said to Abraham, 'God is with you in all that you do.'" (Genesis 21:22). This encounter underscores the recognition of God's favor upon Abraham by the surrounding nations. Phichol's presence as the military leader signifies the importance of the treaty, ensuring peace and mutual respect between Abraham and the Philistines. The covenant is marked by the exchange of seven ewe lambs and the naming of the place as Beersheba, meaning "Well of the Oath."

2. Genesis 26:26-31: Phichol is mentioned again in the context of Isaac's dealings with Abimelech. After a series of disputes over wells, Abimelech, along with Phichol and Ahuzzath his advisor, approaches Isaac to establish a peace treaty. "Meanwhile, Abimelech had come to him from Gerar, with Ahuzzath his adviser and Phichol the commander of his army." (Genesis 26:26). This visit results in a covenant similar to that made with Abraham, reaffirming the peaceful relations and God's continued blessing upon Isaac. The narrative highlights the continuity of God's promises to the patriarchs and the respect they commanded from neighboring powers.

Historical and Theological Significance:

Phichol's role as the commander of Abimelech's army indicates the organized military structure of the Philistine city-states during the patriarchal period. His involvement in the covenants with both Abraham and Isaac reflects the political and social dynamics of the time, where alliances and treaties were essential for maintaining peace and security.

From a theological perspective, Phichol's interactions with the patriarchs serve to emphasize God's providence and protection over His chosen people. The recognition of divine favor by foreign leaders like Abimelech and Phichol underscores the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham and his descendants, as seen in Genesis 12:2-3, where God promises to make Abraham a great nation and a blessing to others.

Phichol's presence in these narratives also illustrates the broader theme of God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to orchestrate events for the benefit of His people. The peaceful resolutions and covenants established with the Philistines through Phichol's mediation are a testament to God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His redemptive plan through the patriarchs.Phichol

the mouth of all, or every tongue

Phichol

(strong), chief captain of the army of Abimelech, king of the Philistines of Gerar in the days of both Abraham, (Genesis 21:22,32) and Isaac. (Genesis 28:26) (B.C. 1900.)

Phichol

Apparently the title borne by the "captain of the host" of the king of Gerar, in the time of Abraham and Isaac, Genesis 21:22; 26:26.

6369. Pikol -- commander of Abimelech's army
... Phichol. Apparently from peh and kol; mouth of all; Picol, a Philistine -- Phichol.
see HEBREW peh. see HEBREW kol. 6368, 6369. Pikol. 6370 . Strong's Numbers
/hebrew/6369.htm - 6kPhichol (3 Occurrences)
...Phichol (3 Occurrences). ... Genesis 26:26 Then Abimelech went to him from Gerar, and
Ahuzzath one of his friends, and Phichol the chief captain of his army. ...
/p/phichol.htm - 7k

Phicol (3 Occurrences)
... PHICOL. fi'-kol (pikhol, Phikol; King James Version Phichol): The captain of the
host of the Philistine king Abimelech of Gerar (Genesis 21:22; Genesis 26:26). ...
/p/phicol.htm - 8k

Riseth (165 Occurrences)
... Genesis 21:32 And they make a covenant in Beer-Sheba, and Abimelech riseth -- Phichol
also, head of his host -- and they turn back unto the land of the ...
/r/riseth.htm - 37k

Doest (53 Occurrences)
... Genesis 21:22 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 ...
/d/doest.htm - 22k

Phi-beseth
Phi-beseth. Phibeseth, Phi-beseth. Phichol . Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia
PHI-BESETH. ... See PI-BESETH. Phibeseth, Phi-beseth. Phichol . Reference Bible
/p/phi-beseth.htm - 6k

Commander (111 Occurrences)
... Genesis 21:22 And it cometh to pass at that time that Abimelech speaketh -- Phichol
also, head of his host -- unto Abraham, saying, 'God 'is' with thee in all ...
/c/commander.htm - 37k

Speaketh (367 Occurrences)
... Genesis 21:22 And it cometh to pass at that time that Abimelech speaketh -- Phichol
also, head of his host -- unto Abraham, saying, 'God 'is' with thee in all ...
/s/speaketh.htm - 33k

Friends (152 Occurrences)
... (BBE). Genesis 26:26 Then Abimelech went to him from Gerar, and Ahuzzath one of
his friends, and Phichol the chief captain of his army. (KJV WBS). ...
/f/friends.htm - 38k

Host (261 Occurrences)
... Genesis 21:22 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 ...
/h/host.htm - 54k

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