Genesis 21:22-34 When we fear God, we shall fear no man

Genesis 21:22-34

Now it came about at that time that Abimelech and Phicol, the commander of his army, spoke to Abraham, saying, “God is with you in all that you do; 23 now therefore, swear to me here by God that you will not deal falsely with me or with my offspring or with my posterity, but according to the kindness that I have shown to you, you shall show to me and to the land in which you have sojourned.” 24 Abraham said, “I swear it.” 25 But Abraham complained to Abimelech because of the well of water which the servants of Abimelech had seized. 26 And Abimelech said, “I do not know who has done this thing; you did not tell me, nor did I hear of it until today.” 27 Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them to Abimelech, and the two of them made a covenant. 

28 Then Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves. 29 Abimelech said to Abraham, “What do these seven ewe lambs mean, which you have set by themselves?” 30 He said, “You shall take these seven ewe lambs from my hand so that it may be a witness to me, that I dug this well.” 31 Therefore he called that place Beersheba, because there the two of them took an oath. 32 So they made a covenant at Beersheba; and Abimelech and Phicol, the commander of his army, arose and returned to the land of the Philistines. 33 Abraham planted a tamarisk tree at Beersheba, and there he called on the name of the Lord, the Everlasting God. 34 And Abraham sojourned in the land of the Philistines for many days.

Background

Abraham, at the offer of Abimelech dwells in the land of the Philistines. As Abraham grows in wealth and power, Abimelech, seeing God’s favour upon Abraham seeks him out for a nonaggression treaty. Apparently, Abimelech’s servants have been violating Abraham’s expected rights to well water. Abraham takes on the Philistine king insisting on clarity concerning this matter. Today’s devotion teaches us: When we fear God, we shall fear no man, however high-placed he may be.

Observation

God is with you in all that you do; now therefore, swear to me here by God that you will not deal falsely with me or with my offspring or with my posterity.

Abraham is again found in Negev after Abimelech’s prior offer: Behold, my land is before you; settle wherever you please (Genesis 20:15). The Philistine king and his commander visit, this time to secure a nonaggression pact with Abraham. Abraham is considered a foreigner but one who is graced with divine favour and protection. Abimelech perceives Abraham as a formidable immigrant in his land and sues for an oath of nonaggression. This oath, which is to endure in perpetuity presumably provides for continuing mutual cooperation and perhaps to confirm Abraham’s right to be an immigrant in the land.

However, Abraham surfaces an issue where Abimelech’s servants have prior forcibly taken a well from him violating his expected rights. Abimelech claims innocence not being aware of it as a responsible ruler ought to be. Having heard Abimelech’s verbal assurances, Abraham goes ahead with the oath in good faith. The covenant normally involves an exchange of gifts. But here, we see only Abraham contributing the gifts which suggests that he is the lesser party and the principal beneficiary of the treaty.

Then Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.

Abraham, in wanting to be more thorough in the specifics concerning well ownership, appends the general treaty with a provision to “rights to water”. By setting aside seven ewe lambs he binds the specifics of well ownership to the main treaty setting a legal precedent for future generations. What Abraham does at Beersheba is wise as it secures the rights to water without which land is valueless. Abraham, having sealed the rights of an immigrant at Beersheba proceeds to establish God’s kingdom in it by planting a tamarisk tree.

Truth

When we fear God, we shall fear no man

When we fear God, we shall fear no man, however high-placed he may be. In reality, those who are powerful get away with crimes because people are afraid to take them on fearing certain backlash. As a result, the weak suffer in silence not willing to risk further confrontations. And such is the state of affairs in today’s society. The bible teaches when people fear God and are righteous in all their dealings, God protects them from the attacks of the enemy. The rule of law is the bedrock where all parties regardless of their social standings are given just consideration before God. And God will surely vindicate the innocent and punish the evil doer. Proverbs 11:20-21 says,

The perverse in heart are an abomination to the Lord,
But the blameless in their walk are His delight.
Assuredly, the evil man will not go unpunished,
But the descendants of the righteous will be delivered. 

Therefore, as believers place their trust in God, their righteousness becomes their breastplate (see Ephesians 6:14b). Their inner man sensing an armour around them becomes emboldened to engage even the powerful. King Saul of the Old Testament, in wanting to attack David sends an army but fails to penetrate the wall of the Spirit that surrounds him (see 1 Samuel 19:18-24). Saul’s army fell into disarray and even he too is stripped off his clothing laying down naked all day and night. Abraham, facing violation of his expected rights is not afraid to take on Abimelech, the Philistine king but respectfully presses for clarity concerning his rights to water.

As the children of God walk in righteousness, He shields them from the attacks of the enemy. As we build God’s kingdom in our community, God will establish the law of justice and mercy in our midst.

We must not hesitate to clarify or append existing rules and boundaries when circumstances require it.

In order for any relationship to progress, it must be founded on a mutually agreed set of rules and boundaries. If people progress from mere acquaintances to become friends and partners, additional provisions may be needed to support the new arrangement. In the context of Israel, the law that is then given to Abraham’s family (see Genesis 17) is too simplistic to provide civil administration for the young nation that comes out of Egypt. Hence, God gives Moses the Law (the 10 commandments) which forms the basis of Israel’s civil laws.

Some people are not used to setting rules because they have no boundaries for themselves nor for others. Such are frequently abused and misunderstandings with their colleagues, superiors, friends and family members are rife. The law, when enforced protects relationships causing them to grow in the right direction. The law also brings out the best in people while keeping evil at bay. Without laws, relationships become fuzzy and unpredictable and those who are manipulative tend to get away with it.

It is surprising that Abimelech who is a Philistine king seeks out Abraham, a commoner with no formal standing in Negev to ratify a nonaggression treaty. It is also here that Abraham berates Abimelech for his servants’ violation of his expected rights. To prevent future violation and unwarranted conflicts, Abraham seeks to substantiate the general treaty with provisions to protect his rights to water.

Therefore, drawing from Abraham’s example, we must not be afraid to establish rules and boundaries with others regardless of their position or stature. If Abraham is given rights to sojourn in the land, naturally he must also be given rights to water. It is advisable to actively review existing framework and introduce new provisions should circumstances change. When expectations are made clear and explicit, the devil has no foothold to sow discord among the parties.

Application

Are you afraid to deal with certain types of people fearing certain backlash from them? Or are you easily manipulated by certain types of personalities? Fear and manipulation are the devil’s devices to breach your boundaries. As you endeavour to walk in righteousness, be bold to establish justice and truth in all your relationships and dealings.

It is wise to keep a distance from all your acquaintances. By establishing proper boundaries, you maintain clarity and keep yourself from being attacked.

To fend off manipulative people, it is wise to maintain the rules that you have established and not to give concessions no matter how intimate the relationship may appear to be.

Dear Lord, as I endeavour to walk in righteousness, embolden me to establish rules and boundaries in all my relationships and dealings. In God I place my trust for the protection of my household and career. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.