Patriarchal Government: Exercised in Forming Treaties and Alliances

Then an escapee came and reported this to Abram the Hebrew. Now Abram was living near the Oaks of Mamre the Amorite, a brother of Eshcol and Aner, all of whom were bound by treaty to Abram.

At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army said to Abraham, “God is with you in all that you do. …

“We can plainly see that the LORD has been with you,” they replied. “We recommend that there should now be an oath between us and you. Let us make a covenant with you …