Genesis 21:31-33 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 21:22-32

We have here an account of the treaty between Abimelech and Abraham, in which appears the accomplishment of that promise (Gen. 12:2) that God would make his name great. His friendship is valued, is courted, though a stranger, though a tenant at will to the Canaanites and Perizzites. I. The league is proposed by Abimelech, and Phichol his prime-minister of state and general of his army. 1. The inducement to it was God's favour to Abraham (Gen. 21:22): ?God is with thee in all that thou doest,... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 21:33-34

Observe, 1. Abraham, having got into a good neighbourhood, knew when he was well off, and continued a great while there. There he planted a grove for a shade to his tent, or perhaps an orchard of fruit-trees; and there, though we cannot say he settled, for God would have him, while he lived, to be a stranger and a pilgrim, yet he sojourned many days, as many as would consist with his character, as Abraham the Hebrew, or passenger. 2. There he made, not only a constant practice, but an open... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 21:31

Wherefore he called that place Beersheba ,.... Either Abraham or Abimelech, or both, called it so; or it may be read impersonally, "therefore the place was called Beersheba" F20 יקרא "vocatus", V. L. Calvin, Piscator. , for two reasons, one implied, the other expressed; one was, because of the seven lambs before mentioned; so the Targum of Jonathan,"and therefore he called the well the well of seven lambs;'"Beer" signifying a well, and "sheba" seven; the other, and which is more... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 21:32

Thus they made a covenant at Beersheba ,.... Which took its name from the oath annexed to the covenant there made; and which is observed for the sake of what follows, to show that when they finished their agreement, and the ceremony of it: then Abimelech rose up, and Phichol, the chief captain of his host ; from the place where they had been conversing and covenanting with Abraham: and they returned into the land of the Philistines ; from Beersheba, which was in the extreme border of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 21:33

And Abraham planted a grove in Beersheba ,.... The Jewish writers F23 In T. Bab. Sotah, fol. 10. 1. are divided about the use of this grove, as Jarchi relates; one says it was for a paradise or orchard, to produce fruits out of it for travellers and for entertainment; another says it was for an inn to entertain strangers in; it rather was for a shade, to shelter from the sun in those sultry and hot countries; and perhaps for a religious use, and to be an oratory, as the following... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 21:31

He called that place Beer-sheba - שבע באר Beer - shaba , literally, the well of swearing or of the oath, because they both sware there - mutually confirmed the covenant. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 21:33

Abraham planted a grove - The original word אשל eshel has been variously translated a grove, a plantation, an orchard, a cultivated field, and an oak. From this word, says Mr. Parkhurst, may be derived the name of the famous asylum, opened by Romulus between two groves of oaks at Rome; ( μεθοριον δυοιν δρυμως , Dionys. Hal., lib. ii. c. 16): and as Abraham, Genesis 21:33 , agreeably, no doubt, to the institutes of the patriarchal religion, planted an oak in Beer-sheba, and called on... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 21:31

Verse 31 31.Wherefore he called that place Beer-sheba. Moses has once already called the place by this name, but proleptically. Now, however, he declares when, and for what reason, the name was given; namely, because there both he and Abimelech had sworn; therefore I translate the term ‘the well of swearing.’ Others translate it ‘the well of seven.’ But Moses plainly derives the word from swearing; nor is it of any consequence that the pronunciation slightly varies from grammatical correctness,... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 21:33

Verse 33 33.And Abraham planted a grove. It hence appears that more rest was granted to Abraham, after the covenant was entered into, than he had hitherto enjoyed; for now he begins to plant trees, which is a sign of a tranquil and fixed habitation; for we never before read that he planted a single shrub. Wherefore, we see how far his condition was improved because he was permitted to lead (as I may say) a settled life. The assertion, that he called on the name of the Lord, I thus interpret; he... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 21:22-34

Abimelech and Abraham, or ancient covenanters. I. THE POLITICAL ALLIANCE . 1. The contemplated object . Peace. What modern monarchs mostly desire at the close of exhausting campaigns is here sought before campaigns begin. 2. The covenanting parties . Two powerful princes, in their conduct exemplifying the spirit of unity and peace which should bind together private persons in their daily intercourse, as well as kings and nations in their political alliance. 3. ... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 21:22-32

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 21:33-34

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 21:31

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 21:32

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 21:33

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 21:31

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 21:33

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 21:31

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 21:33

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 21:22-34

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