Keraia
Genesis 21

Genesis 21:29

The Covenant at Beersheba · Genesis 21:22–34
Read Genesis 21

Translations

Modern
…and Abimelech asked him, “Why have you set apart these seven ewe lambs?”
Traditional
And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What mean these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set by themselves?
Literal
And Abimelech said to Abraham, “What are they—these seven ewe lambs that you have set by themselves?”
Latin
Cui dixit Abimelech: Quid sibi volunt septem agnæ istæ, quas stare fecisti seorsum?

Original

Hebrew
English
…and Abimelech asked him, “Why have you set apart these seven ewe lambs?”

Notes

Genesis 21:27–31

Abraham gave gifts to Abimelec (compare 20:14). These gifts helped confirm his legal right to live peacefully in the land and to claim the well as his own. Beersheba marked another step toward the fulfillment (completion) of God’s promise.

Genesis 21:22–34

At the high point of this passage, it explains the name of Beersheba, where Abraham lived (21:31–34). The name is linked to the covenant (a binding agreement) that Abraham made with the people of the land. This agreement allowed him to live there in peace and safety.

In this way, God’s promise was beginning to come true (12:7; 13:14–17; 15:7, 18–21; 17:8).

Theme notes and profiles

Abraham Isaac Symbolic Numbers

People

Abimelech: Philistine king who interacted with Abraham and Isaac Abraham: Patriarch, chosen by God to father His people

Glossary

Abimelech Abraham Alliance Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Ebla Tablets Genesis, Book of Oath Patriarchs, Period of the Phichol, Phicol Well

Topics

Abimelech: King of Gerar Abraham: Lives in Gerar Abraham: Unselfishness of Alliances: Abraham and Abimelech Contracts: Between Abraham and Abimelech, Concerning Wells of Water Contracts: Modes of Ratifying by Giving Presents Covenant of Men with Men by Giving Presents Covenant: Abraham and Abimelech Covenants: Presents Given As Tokens Patriarchal Government: Exercised in Forming Treaties and Alliances Presents were Given: To Confirm Covenants Rulers: Abraham The Lamb: Covenants Confirmed by Gift of Wells: The Occasion of Feuds: Between Abraham and Abimelech Witness: To the Transfer of Land