Bible Commentary

Genesis 21:22-34

Matthew Henry on Genesis 21:22-34

Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · Matthew Henry · CC0 1.0 Universal

Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled to Abraham. It is wise to connect ourselves with those who are blessed of God; and we ought to requite kindness to those who have been kind to us.

Wells of water are scarce and valuable in eastern countries. Abraham took care to have his title to the well allowed, to prevent disputes in future. No more can be expected from an honest man than that he be ready to do right, as soon as he knows he has done wrong.

Abraham, being now in a good neighbourhood, stayed a great while there. There he made, not only a constant practice, but an open profession of his religion. There he called on the name of the Lord, as the everlasting God; probably in the grove he planted, which was his place of prayer.

Abraham kept up public worship, in which his neighbours might join. Good men should do all they can to make others so. Wherever we sojourn, we must neither neglect nor be ashamed of the worship of Jehovah.

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commentaryAbimelech's Covenant with Abraham. (b. c. 1892.)ABIMELECH'S COVENANT WITH ABRAHAM. (B. C. 1892.) We have here an account of the treaty between Abimelech and Abraham, in which appears the accomplishment of that promise (Genesis 12:2) that God would make his name great…Matthew HenrycommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Genesis 21:22-34A covenant between the patriarch and the Philistine king. Abraham a sojourner in that land, afterwards the troubler of Israel; for his sake as discipline, for their sakes as opportunity. 1. God's care for those beyond t…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Genesis 21:22-34EXPOSITIONJoseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Genesis 21:22And it came to pass at that time,—possibly in immediate sequence to the incident of the preceding chapter, but, "according to the common law of Hebrew narrative, probably not long after the birth of Isaac." (Murphy)—tha…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Genesis 21:22-34Abimelech and Abraham, or ancient covenanters. I. THE POLITICAL ALLIANCE. 1. The contemplated object. Peace. What modern monarchs mostly desire at the close of exhausting campaigns is here sought before campaigns begin.…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Genesis 21:23Now therefore swear unto me here by God—the verb to swear is derived from the Hebrew numeral seven, inasmuch as the septennary number was sacred, and oaths were confirmed either by seven sacrifices (Genesis 21:28) or by…Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Genesis 21:24And Abraham said, I will swear. Only before concluding the agreement there was a matter of a more personal character that required settlement.Joseph S. Exell and contributorscommentaryThe Pulpit Commentary on Genesis 21:25And Abraham reproved (literally, reasoned with, and proved to the satisfaction of) Abimelech (who was, until informed, entirely unacquainted with the action of his servants) because of a well of water, which Abimelech's…Joseph S. Exell and contributors