Read Gen. 21:23-34
Meanwhile back with Abraham… Abimelech had discovered that Sarah was Abraham’s wife and he and Abraham are having parting words. Abimelech’s name means “my father is God” and it was. Because he knew God, he sensed the anointing and mantle that was on Abraham. He made Abraham promise that he would never harm him or his descendants and always remember the kindness he showed Abraham. Abraham swore that he would do that. Then Abraham rebuked Abimelech for letting his servants violently steal a well from Abraham’s servants. Abimelech said he didn’t even know it had happened. Wells were of great importance because they were the source of life especially for the animals. If, however, they were allowed to get out of repair, the person who restored them acquired a right to them. If the land that the well was on was unoccupied then whoever possessed the wells had the right to the property also. This was the cause of the offense for which Abraham reproved Abimelech. Then Abraham gave Abimelech a present of sheep and oxen and they both made a covenant with one another. Abraham took 7 ewes to be a reminder to Abimelech that this well was his. Beersheba means “well of the 7” and today there are 7 wells around this area. It is likely that they had to dig 4-5 miles through solid rock to make this well so it was a big deal to them. Abraham and many of the patriarchs spent much time here so it became significant. I wonder if it wasn’t a picture of a Gentile, Abimelech making a covenant with the first Jew, Abraham to stand by each other. Could Abmimelech stand for the church? In the end, the church will be the only people standing with Israel.
Lord, may we always love what you love and you love your covenant people, the Jews. Thank you for the rich heritage they give us.
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