Genesis 21 Treaty

Abraham and Abimelech make a treaty that will last for generations. It is a promise to deal truthfully with one another and to treat the others as you are treated.

When thinking about this treaty, the first thing that comes to mind is that the land God promised Israel as an inheritance, included the land of the Philistines. Looking at a map showing the original divisions promised, I see that they have left the Philistines their place. Other places I look have God giving them ALL the land. When I read Exodus 23:20-33, the Philistines are NOT listed as a people to be driven out. God also specifies the area for their inheritance to cover “And I will set your border from the Red Sea to the Sea of the Philistines, and from the wilderness to the Euphrates” (Exodus 23:31)

So, from what I can gather, it appears as though God honored this treaty that Abraham made with Abimelech. But man would break it. Israel and Philistia would become constant enemies. For a moment in time though, they were allies.

I know this isn’t an exciting story. It doesn’t draw me into it as so many others have. But I don’t feel that I should skip it either. IF someday I assemble a ‘story book’ from what God has allowed me to imagine, I don’t want to be missing any stories. So, let’s join in with Abraham as he and Abimelech make this pact.

♥ ♦ ♥

Life in the camp of Abraham has a few bumps along the road, but is mostly quiet, now that Sarah and Hagar are no longer an issue. They have stayed in the southern region of Canaan for some time, moving as the herds and flocks require. They are still within ‘spitting’ distance of Gerar; the home of King Abimelech. Abimelech had told Abraham that he could camp anywhere in his land and that his people would leave them alone.

Even after all these years, Abimelech still hasn’t forgotten the trouble with Sarah. Nor has he forgotten how Abraham’s God looks after him. Abimelech is aging and wants to make sure things will go well for his sons, who will succeed him.

One day, while going over the accounts with is scribe, Abimelech poses a question. “What do you think of the man Abraham?”

Not wanting to give the wrong answer and anger his king, the scribe chooses something noncommittal. “I’m not sure what to think about him.”

“How do you mean” the king presses.

“It is really not my place to pass judgment my king” the scribe tries again.

“Lay out the facts and we will judge together then.”

“What have I gotten myself into” thinks the scribe before he begins the task the king has set before him.

“When we first encountered the man, he deceived you regarding his wife.”

“He did. But what he said was not truly a lie.”

“Before you fell into sin with his wife, his God stopped you. HE told you the truth. AND He told you that the man was a prophet.”

“And when I returned his wife, my own household was healed of a barrenness!”

“This is true too. You blessed him greatly at that time with herds, flocks and servants. I have the tallies here if you want to see them.”

“No. I remember well enough. But what has gone on since then?”

“Other than him moving about the country, that you told him he was free to use, I have seen his livestock and people increase in number. Nothing so drastic that it is threatening our safety, but he is most certainly blessed by some god out there.”

“Have there been any altercations between him and our people? Has he taken anything that did not belong to him?”

“Not that I’m aware of. I have NEVER heard of him taking even a sandal strap without paying for it. The merchants he deals with all speak highly of his honestly in bargaining for supplies he needs, as well as giving fair prices for what he sells without inflating its condition.”

“That IS rare.” The king stands up and wanders his throne room for a few minutes before he continues. “Do you believe that he is to be trusted? That if he gives his word on a thing that he will stick by it?”

“I have seen no evidence to the contrary. I actually heard a story of a merchant who tried to cheat him by giving him less than desirable goods. When this Abraham discovered the fraud, he delt with the merchant in a way that protected the merchant’s reputation and repaired the damage done. This particular merchant has never cheated another customer because of the way Abraham handled the situation. One of the things he told the merchant was, that if ANYONE came to him and reported he had defrauded them, HE would personally return and deal harshly with the man; to the extent that the law allowed.”

“And you believe he would keep this threat?”

“I do my king.”

“I must make a treaty with him. I will not see too many more summers myself, but my kingdom must be protected. This man’s God could wipe us out if Abraham chose to call Him down on us. I will go to him and propose peace between our two peoples.”

“That is very wise my king. It is always best to be prepared in advance.”

“Send for the captain of my army. We will make a plan together to go to Abraham.”

Phicol came immediately to the king. Together they made plans to approach Abraham.

“We don’t want to go out in force. It may look like we are trying to provoke a battle” advised Phicol.

“That is a wise point. But I also don’t want to look weak. As though I’m coming to him begging his protection.”

“If I go in full dress and stand at your side, I believe you will both impress upon him your seriousness AND your ability decide any conflict that may arise.”

The king was very pleased with this idea. The two men would leave first thing in the morning. Abimelech’s scribe would also accompany them to record all that was agreed to. This would prevent future misunderstandings.

Abraham is alerted to the presence of the visitors much prior to their arrival. One of his herdsmen had seen them as they topped a nearby hill. This was reported to Abraham in time for him to meet Abimelech and Phicol at the edge of his encampment. Abraham ensured that bread and wine are available for them to refresh themselves, if they so chose.

As the king and his companions dismount their horses, Abraham bids them welcome. “Shalom, my king. I am honored by your visit.” Abraham bows politely before the king. “How may I be of service to my king? But before we begin, may I offer you some refreshments after your journey?”

“That is most kind of you my friend. I may accept later. For now, I have an important matter I wish to discuss with you.”

The king’s words brought a feeling of unease to Abraham’s heart. “What have we done now?” he asks himself while he silently waits for the king to continue.

“I am concerned about the future of my kingdom. I will not live forever, nor would I want to!” Abimelech

“Nor would I” Abraham adds with a smile.

“I want there to be lasting peace between our peoples. I know that ‘God is with you in all that you do. Now therefore swear to me here by God that you will not deal falsely with me or with my descendants or with my posterity, but as I have dealt kindly with you, so you will deal with me and with the hand where you have sojourned’” (verses 22b-23).

Abraham feels a slight twinge of guilt regarding the first encounter he had with Abimelech, but it quickly passes as he looks to the future. He also values the kindness that Abimelech has shown him and his people. But this is also a matter he needs to address with the king. First things first though.

“I will swear” answers Abraham.

“Would you join me for a midday meal? Or at least some bread and wine to refresh you after your journey” offers Abraham.

“That would be most welcome my friend. Bread and wine will be sufficient though, as I’m certain you have more important things to attend to than entertaining an old king” Abimelech says with a smile.

“You are my honored guest ‘old king’” Abraham Teases. “Please sit. Enjoy yourselves.”

While Abimelech, Phicol, their scribe and Abraham are enjoying their refreshments, Abraham believes it is a good time to bring up an incident that occurred a short while ago. If it were not for the king’s visit, Abraham would have dismissed it completely.

“I have a matter I would like to share with you my king. There is a well that I and my servants dug in this area that your servants have seized by force.”

“I do not know who has done this thing; you did not tell me, and I have not heard of it until today” (verse 26).

“I hadn’t brought it to you before because I decided it was not that critical at the moment. But as you are here, I thought it might be a good time to address it.”

Abraham called for his two most trusted servants. He gave them orders to bring a gift of oxen and sheep worthy of the king for a gift for the king. The men bowed and immediately set about the task. When they returned, there was a group of oxen and sheep waiting to be handed over to the king.

Abraham stood up and went through the flock of sheep. He picked out seven ewe lambs and brought them closer to the king.

“What is the meaning of these seven ewe lambs that you have set apart?” (verse 29).

Abraham elaborated regarding this portion of his gift. “These seven ewe lambs you will take from my hand, that this may be a witness for me that I dug this well” (verse 30).

“I accept my friend. I will see to it that my servants are removed immediately and that they will trouble you no longer regarding your wells.”

“Thank you my king. And I look forward to a long and peaceful relationship with you.”

King Abimelech, Phicol and their scribe rose up from their impromptu table to be on their way. As they made their way back to Gerar, both the king and his captain of the guard made it clear to the men who had seized Abraham’s well. “NO ONE will touch ANYTHING that belongs to this man.”

“But what if it is ours?” pleads on of the three.

“This man’s word is to be trusted as surely as you would trust mine! If he says it is his, it IS. Do not make the mistake of doubting his word again or taking what does not belong to you.”

The men from the well left immediately and set off to warn their brothers of the king’s commands.

Abimelech and Abraham would have peace the rest of the time that Abraham dwelt in Abimelech’s land.

♥ ♦ ♥

Abimelech knew he could trust Abraham because of past experiences. Other than the ‘half-truth’ Abraham initially told Abimelech, their relationship was always honest. Abimelech wanted to KEEP it that way, for those to follow in his role.

I still don’t know exactly how God regarded this covenant. Maybe it ended with Abraham. Abimelech didn’t say Abraham’s descendants had to honor the covenant. He only asked that Abraham honor it with Abimelech’s descendants and posterity. I fully believe that Abraham honored their treaty the rest of his life. He was a man of his word. As we should be!

Father God, I know there have been times when MY word was ‘bent or broken’ by me. I accept that the consequences of those times were well earned and rightfully delivered. I pray that I am not currently breaking my word in ANY fashion to ANYONE. This includes being faithful to You in our time together. With our stories, I find that we are spending much more time together. I’m NOT complaining, but keep me from being so engrossed that I don’t live up to the other obligations in my life. THANK YOU for the time to sit with You in Your stories. I’m looking forward to tomorrows. It’s one that has intrigued me for MANY years!