Genesis 21:24

²³Now, therefore, swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or descendants. Show to me and to the country in which you reside the same kindness that I have shown to you.”²⁴And Abraham replied, “I swear it.”

Sermons

(Through the Bible) Exodus 1-5

Chuck Smith

1.8K

Summary

In this verse, Abraham and Abimelek make a covenant to affirm their peaceful relationship and mutual respect. Abimelek acknowledges that God is with Abraham in everything he does, recognizing the divine favor upon him. This covenant serves as a testimony to God's faithfulness and protection over Abraham, even in foreign lands. It also demonstrates the importance of maintaining good relations with others and resolving conflicts amicably. Ultimately, it reveals God's sovereignty in establishing and preserving relationships among His people.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And Abimelech said, I wot not who hath done this thing,.... He pleads ignorance; he knew nothing of it before, nor now which of his servants had done it; intimating, that if he could know who it was, he should severely reprimand him for it: neither didst thou tell me: signifying that he was to blame he did not complain of it sooner; and at least he had no reason to blame him, since he had never informed him before of it, and therefore could not expect to be redressed: neither yet heard of it but today: he had not heard of it from others, as the Targum of Jonathan rightly adds, by way of explanation, but that very day, and very probably not till the moment he had it from Abraham himself.