Today’s passage: Genesis 21:22-34
Helpful thoughts:
- After Abimelech had some time to think about what transpired in chapter 20, he decided to get things further settled with Abraham.
- The men made a covenant to deal kindly with each other (And posterity) and to be honest.
- The name Beersheba means either “Well of the seven” or “Well of the covenant.” Both names would make sense given the content of this passage.
- The Philistines had not become established in the region at the time of this event. The book of Genesis was written in such a way for the original readers to understand where Abimelech had gone.
Questions to consider:
- Why did Abimelech want to make Abraham swear to not deal falsely with him? What did Abraham do that brought that about? What can we learn about the consequences of our actions (And how God can graciously use things for good) through this account?
- To whom did Abimelech attribute Abraham’s success? How did Abimelech know this? Why is it right for all of us to be praising the Lord for the good things we have?
- What did Abraham call God in verse 33? How would this name have been an encouragement to him at that time? How does this attribute of God encourage us still today (And forever!)?