Genesis 21:25 - Printer Friendly

ESV: When Abraham reproved Abimelech about a well of water that Abimelech’s servants had seized,

NIV: Then Abraham complained to Abimelek about a well of water that Abimelek's servants had seized.

NASB: But Abraham complained to Abimelech because of the well of water which the servants of Abimelech had seized.

CSB: But Abraham complained to Abimelech because of the well that Abimelech's servants had seized.

NLT: Then Abraham complained to Abimelech about a well that Abimelech’s servants had taken by force from Abraham’s servants.

KJV: And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water, which Abimelech's servants had violently taken away.

NKJV: Then Abraham rebuked Abimelech because of a well of water which Abimelech’s servants had seized.

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.

Genesis 21:22–34 describes a covenant treaty between Abraham and Abimelech, king of Gerar. Abimelech had previously given Abraham land to occupy. Now the king wishes to formalize their relationship. Abraham swears not to deceive Abimelech or his offspring again, and to deal kindly with all in the land. Abimelech agrees to recognize Abraham's ownership of a well at the place which becomes known as Beersheba, which means ''well of seve'' or ''well of the oath.''

The Lord did as He had promised. Sarah, now 90 years old, gives birth to Isaac, the long-awaited child. Her joy sours, though, over a fear that Isaac might have to share an inheritance with Ishmael. In obedience to the Lord, who promises to safeguard Ishmael, Abraham sends him and his mother, Hagar, into the wilderness. God rescues them and renews His promise to make Ishmael a great nation in his own right. Meanwhile, Abimelech, king of Gerar, approaches Abraham to make a permanent treaty between them and their descendants. The agreement includes Abraham's possession of a well, at a place which will become known as Beersheba.

In the prior chapter, Abraham managed to get Sarah back from Abimelech, following his own deception and God's intervention. Here, Abraham and Sarah finally conceive a natural child. Isaac, the long-awaited child of the promise, is born. In obedience to God, Abraham sends Hagar and Ishmael away. Abimelech approaches Abraham to make a treaty, giving Abraham a permanent home in a place that becomes known as Beersheba. In the following chapter, God will test Abraham's faith and obedience, in one of Scripture's ultimate examples of trust.

The book of Genesis establishes fundamental truths about God. Among these are His role as the Creator, His holiness, His hatred of sin, His love for mankind, and His willingness to provide for our redemption. We learn not only where mankind has come from, but why the world is in its present form. The book also presents the establishment of Israel, God's chosen people. Many of the principles given in other parts of Scripture depend on the basic ideas presented here in the book of Genesis. Within the framework of the Bible, Genesis explains the bare-bones history of the universe leading up to the captivity of Israel in Egypt, setting the stage for the book of Exodus.

Accessed 5/3/2024 12:10:38 AM