What does Genesis 21:25 mean?
Abraham has agreed to swear before God to several things Abimelech has asked about, including not deceiving him and dealing kindly with him and his kingdom. The provision for honesty is the result of Abraham's own deception. Earlier, Abraham and Sarah had caused great trouble for Abimelech's household by hinting that they were not actually married (Genesis 20:3–11). Abimelech treated Abraham well, given all of this, but still wants to encourage Abraham's honesty.Now though, Abraham raises an issue that has been bothering him. Abimelech's servants had seized a well of water from Abraham, one we will soon learn that Abraham dug himself. Water, of course, was of vital importance in this part of the world. Without a reliable source of water, Abraham could not hope to remain in Abimelech's kingdom.
Abraham was understandably upset that Abimelech's men had seized his well. He believed himself to be the owner of the well. Why would Abimelech's men do this? Abimelech will respond in the following verse.