Genesis 21:27 Commentary and Bible Study

Abraham shows himself to be a true man of peace, and accepts Abimelech’s statement in defence of his conduct without further accusation; he gives him the benefit of the doubt. As a result of the oath between Abraham and Abimelech, the place receives its name: Beersheba. This oath settled the matter in Abimelech’s mind, and he was content that Abraham would not break his word and deal falsely with him or his sons. Both of them made oaths to each other. These mutual oaths were an end to the matter satisfying both parties, for ‘an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife’ (Hebrews 6:16). None can require more than an oath, and to break an oath is a most serious matter. But furthermore Abraham added something extra to it: seven ewe lambs which he sets apart from the other animals. Leupold says ‘the ewe lambs constitute a special friendly gift, not usually made in connection with covenants.’ The number seven is significant because of the similarity between the Hebrew word for ‘seven’ and the Hebrew for ‘oath’. Beersheba is the well of the seven, or the well of the oath. Abraham’s action draws attention to this play on words. The number seven seems to be a reference back to the days of creation. Wells were extremely important because in that arid region they alone made animal husbandry possible. There has been a dispute over another well, and so Abraham wishes to make sure it does not happen again. After this he stayed there many days, having a greater recognition of his right to be there than at any time since he came into the land. Abraham continues to make God the centre of his life. He planted a tree there in Beersheba. This was not a ‘grove‘ as the KJV has, but a tamarisk tree – a tree whose word has an enduring quality. The word ‘grove’ in the KJV normally translates a different word which refers to a small wood built in connection with worship, and is usually connected with false worship of idols, and is therefore forbidden (Deuteronomy 16:21; 1 Kings 21:7). Abraham’s purpose was completely different. The tamarisk is a long-lived tree, and was chosen to be a fitting symbol of Abraham’s enduring occupation of the land.A new name is used for the Lord, the Everlasting God. God has no beginning and no end. To try to think of such a being is hard for us and even disturbing. He is everlasting because he is not dependant on any other being. He cannot fail. He never came into existence, but has always been there. We cannot explain our God, we can only adore him. What was it in Abraham’s experience at this time which taught him this about God? Surely it was God’s constancy in keeping his promise to Abraham. Abraham gladly accepted whatever degree of security God was pleased to grant him, but he did not expect to be anything but a stranger and pilgrim in the land during his own lifetime as God had told him (Genesis 15:13-16). He is still called a sojourner for he knew that he had no possession of the land as yet. This was the location where Isaac began his life.