A Study in Genesis
We are back in the book of Genesis, and today we are examining a part of scripture that some might question why it is there. The covenant between Abimelech and Abraham opens the reader to a rather remarkable principle put into practice. Not only is it historical with how legal agreements were conducted, but it also shows the relationship that God provided Abraham. We see a principle of two men whose servants were at odds, and the rumor mill was dragging them apart. And yet, both sought to do what was right, both were honest and acknowledged their limits of what was known.
Let’s read Genesis 21:22-34 “And it came to pass at that time that Abimelech and Phichol, the commander of his army, spoke to Abraham, saying, “God [is] with you in all that you do. 23 “Now therefore, swear to me by God that you will not deal falsely with me, with my offspring, or with my posterity; but that according to the kindness that I have done to you, you will do to me and to the land in which you have dwelt.” 24 And Abraham said, “I will swear.” 25 Then Abraham rebuked Abimelech because of a well of water which Abimelech’s servants had seized. 26 And Abimelech said, “I do not know who has done this thing; you did not tell me, nor had I heard [of it] until today.” 27 So Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them to Abimelech, and the two of them made a covenant. 28 And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves. 29 Then Abimelech asked Abraham, “What [is the meaning of] these seven ewe lambs which you have set by themselves?” 30 And he said, “You will take [these] seven ewe lambs from my hand, that they may be my witness that I have dug this well.” 31 Therefore he called that place Beersheba, because the two of them swore an oath there. 32 Thus they made a covenant at Beersheba. So Abimelech rose with Phichol, the commander of his army, and they returned to the land of the Philistines. 33 Then [Abraham] planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there called on the name of the LORD, the Everlasting God. 34 And Abraham stayed in the land of the Philistines many days.”
Abimelech recognizes Abraham's special relationship with the Lord and what God was planning to do. This is not because Abraham was better than others, but because God chose him. Abimelech sees this and wants to be proactive to ensure he is not on the wrong side of history. To learn more about Abimelech, we need to read historical books such as the Book of Jasher, where we see more interaction between these two men. However, these 12 verses shed light on how we should treat one another. First, both communicate clearly, reveal their intentions, and are slow to anger. In our own lives, are we acting upon these three characteristics with those around us?
Secondly, we see them both listening to one another. Both allowed the other to speak and looked for common ground. Now, a moment of clarity. One can only seek common ground with a person who is also actively seeking the Lord. Evil and good can have no common ground, Proverbs 28:4-5 “Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, But such as keep the law contend with them. 5 Evil men do not understand justice, But those who seek the LORD understand all.” Also Proverbs 29:27 “An unjust man [is] an abomination to the righteous, And [he who is] upright in the way [is] an abomination to the wicked.” When we try to have common ground with evil, we only fail to uphold what is good. For Abimelech and Abraham, both wanted to pursue what was good. This allowed the opportunity for the covenant to be made and for Abraham to establish a marker for future descendants of his actions in the land.
This event is more than historical; it is a lesson in pursuing the good even when at odds with a fellow believer. This shows we can have common ground, but it must be rooted in both seeking the Lord’s direction.
Hold until relieved, our Blessed Hope is coming,
JL
SUMMER PRAYER FEST
This week, let’s focus on praying for the ability to discern what is happening in the world and reflect on how we should be acting as believers. This week’s Bible verse and focus is 1 Chronicles 12:32 “of the sons of Issachar who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, their chiefs were two hundred; and all their brethren were at their command;”