DAILY BIBLE READING July 10th, 2020 GENESIS 21:22-34 (GNT)

God’s Life-Giving Word of Promise

INTRODUCTION

Genesis 21:22-34: In chapter 20, we can read about Abraham’s encounter with Abimelech, the King of Gerar. Abraham had journeyed to Gerar in the southern part of Canaan and had told the king that Sarah was his sister. The king had Sarah brought to him, but God spoke to him in a dream and told him that Sarah was Abraham’s wife, thus preventing the king from sinning against God. Today’s reading is a continuation of the story and recounts an agreement made between Abraham and Abimelech concerning a well that Abraham had dug but was seized by Abimelech’s servants.

TODAY'S SCRIPTURE: GENESIS 21:33

Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba and worshiped the LORD, the Everlasting God.

TODAY'S READING

The Agreement between Abraham and Abimelech

22 At that time Abimelech went with Phicol, the commander of his army, and said to Abraham, “God is with you in everything you do. 23So make a vow here in the presence of God that you will not deceive me, my children, or my descendants. I have been loyal to you, so promise that you will also be loyal to me and to this country in which you are living.”

24Abraham said, “I promise.”

25Abraham complained to Abimelech about a well which the servants of Abimelech had seized. 26Abimelech said, “I don't know who did this. You didn't tell me about it, and this is the first I have heard of it.” 27Then Abraham gave some sheep and cattle to Abimelech, and the two of them made an agreement. 28Abraham separated seven lambs from his flock, 29and Abimelech asked him, “Why did you do that?”

30Abraham answered, “Accept these seven lambs. By doing this, you admit that I am the one who dug this well.” 31And so the place was called Beersheba, because it was there that the two of them made a vow.

32After they had made this agreement at Beersheba, Abimelech and Phicol went back to Philistia. 33Then Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba and worshiped the Lord, the Everlasting God. 34Abraham lived in Philistia for a long time.

REFLECT

How was the dispute about the well settled? What is the vow that was made between Abraham and Abimelech? What can be learned from the way they negotiated their agreement? Today’s reading concludes with an explanation of the founding of the city Beersheba, a name that in Hebrew means “Well of the Vow” or “Well of Seven.” What is the significance of the name of the city?

PRAY

Sovereign God, through the example of Abraham and Abimelech, you teach us how to resolve disagreements in a peaceful and fair manner. Remind me of their example whenever I am confronted with a situation that requires seeking a resolution in a peaceful and just manner. Amen.

PRAYER CONCERN

Those involved in treaty negotiations