21:23,24
Abimelech wanted Abraham to promise to deal fairly and honestly with him. He knew that God was actively looking after Abraham, and he also knew that Abraham could be a liar! Abimelech had dealt kindly with Abraham, and wanted Abraham to return the favour, not just for now, but for future generations as well. Abraham agrees to this.
21:25-34
While Abimelech had sought reassurances from Abraham, it was Abimelech’s men who caused the first problem by seizing a well of water. Abimelech denied any knowledge of the matter. Abraham seemed to accept this and gave sheep and oxen to Abimelech, presumably as a goodwill gesture of some sort. Seven ewe lambs were set apart and were a sign that the well had been dug by Abraham. The place was called Beersheba, which means “well of seven” or “well of the oath”. This seemed to settle the matter, and Abimelech and his commander returned to the land of the Philistines. Abraham planted a tamarisk tree to mark the occasion and called upon the name of the Lord.
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