Question 1

Why did Abimelech say, “God is with thee in all that thou doest”?

Accepted Answer

Abimelech had watched Abraham’s life and could see that his work and plans were helped in a special way. Abraham had grown in wealth, influence, and protection even though he was a foreigner. This made Abimelech recognize that Abraham did not stand by his own strength alone. He openly admits, “God is with thee in all that thou doest.” This shows that God’s care for His people can be so clear that even those who do not fully know Him can see that His hand is on them.

Question 2

What is the covenant between Abraham and Abimelech about in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The covenant is a sworn peace agreement between Abraham and Abimelech. Abimelech asks Abraham to swear by God that he will not deal falsely with him, his son, or his grandson, but will show the same kindness he has received. Abraham agrees and also raises a complaint about a well his men had dug that Abimelech’s servants had taken. They settle this by gifts, seven ewe lambs, and an oath at Beersheba. The covenant protects peace between them and clearly recognizes Abraham’s right to the well.

Question 3

Why did Abraham give Abimelech seven ewe lambs, and what did they mean?

Accepted Answer

Abraham set seven ewe lambs apart as a special sign in the agreement. When Abimelech asked what they meant, Abraham said Abimelech should take them as a witness that Abraham had dug the well. In other words, the lambs were like a living receipt or marker that the well truly belonged to Abraham. The number seven is tied to the name Beersheba, which can mean “well of seven” or “well of the oath,” showing that both the lambs and the oath fixed this agreement in everyone’s mind.

Question 4

What is the meaning and importance of the name Beersheba here?

Accepted Answer

Beersheba is named in this passage because of what happened there between Abraham and Abimelech. The name can mean “well of the oath” or “well of seven.” It points back to the oath they both swore to maintain peace and to the seven ewe lambs Abraham gave as a witness that he had dug the well. The name helped everyone remember that there was a settled covenant and clear ownership. It tied a normal place, a well, to a promise made before God.

Question 5

Why did Abraham reprove Abimelech about the well of water?

Accepted Answer

Abraham had dug a well, and Abimelech’s servants had taken it from him by force. Before sealing a lasting covenant, Abraham wisely brought up this wrong. He did not shout or start a fight, but he reproved Abimelech and explained what had happened. Abimelech said he had not heard about it until that day. By talking it through, they cleared up the matter, and Abimelech could publicly recognize Abraham’s right to the well. This shows that real peace often means honestly facing problems, not ignoring them.

Question 6

What does this passage teach about oaths and promises made before God?

Accepted Answer

In this story, both men treat an oath as serious and binding. Abimelech asks Abraham to swear by God that he will not deal falsely with him or his descendants. Abraham is willing to swear, showing that in weighty matters an oath can be used to confirm truth and give assurance. The oath at Beersheba marks their covenant and helps guard it for future generations. The passage shows that when people call on God as witness, they are to keep their word and act with honesty and kindness.

Question 7

Why did Abraham plant a grove in Beersheba and call on the everlasting God?

Accepted Answer

After the covenant, Abraham plants a grove at Beersheba, likely for shade and as a settled place where he could stay and worship. There he calls on the name of the Lord, the everlasting God. This means he openly worships God and acknowledges Him as the One who has no beginning or end and rules over all. The scene links everyday life and peace with public worship. Abraham does not just enjoy the safety of the agreement; he uses that place to honor the God who gave him rest.

Question 8

What does this passage show about living at peace with people who do not fully know God?

Accepted Answer

In this passage Abraham, a man who knows and worships the Lord, makes a peace covenant with Abimelech, a Philistine ruler who does not yet share his faith. They deal fairly, speak openly about wrongs, and seal their agreement with gifts and an oath. This shows that God’s people can live at peace, trade, and make agreements with those around them, as long as they act with honesty and do not sin. It encourages believers today to seek peace and fairness in their relationships, even in places where others do not share their faith.

Question 9

How can Abraham’s covenant with Abimelech help us think about conflict and reconciliation today?

Accepted Answer

This passage gives a very down-to-earth picture of handling conflict. Abraham brings up the wrong about the well instead of staying silent or taking revenge. Abimelech listens and is ready to set things right. They then confirm the solution clearly so the problem will not return. At the same time, they appeal to God as witness and aim for long-term peace, even for their children. This can guide us to face issues honestly, look for fair agreements, keep our promises, and remember God in our dealings with others.

Genesis 21:22

¶ And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest:

The Covenant at Beersheba

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Genesis 21:22

¶ And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest:

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The Covenant at Beersheba

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