Our Flawed Faith Fathers
- God had promised Abraham both land and a child that would possess it (Gen. 12:7.) However, Abraham frequently ran into foreign kings he had no power over. His fear of these kings in the text is always palpable. This is the second time we see Abraham lying to a king about who his wife is in fear of his own life. — Genesis 12:10-20
- Most scholars believe Abimelech is not the name of a man, but rather the title.
- The word means, “My father is king” or “son of the king.”
- Like the kings of Egypt are called Pharaohs and the rulers of Rome are called Caesar, so the kings of this part of the Philistine kingdom are called Abimelech.
- We see that Abraham’s son, Isaac, will have a run-in later with Abimelech and will fall in the same way His father fell during that time. — Genesis 26:7
- God rightly establishes His covenant does not depend on human work, but His divine effort.
A Place Called Beersheeba
- Abimelech is told the truth by God Himself in a dream.
- Abraham was scared of Abimelech, but now this mighty king is the one afraid of God Almighty!
- God calls Abraham His prophet and Abimelech works quickly to bless him and ask for his prayers. — vs. 20:7
- This is when a land issue is presented by Abraham that leads to the signing of a covenant. This may seem like an insignificant part of Abraham’s life. However, Abraham has been a sojourner and foreigner in the land that God promised him.
- This is the first time in Scripture we see the legal precedent for Abraham to stay and his descendants to possess the land.
- This is why Abraham plants a Tamarisk tree at this site. The Tamarisk is a slow-growing (like Abraham’s faith) tree that is incredibly resilient and can grow in the harshest of climates.
- It is planted as an enduring monument to the shade and water that is provided for the descendants of Abraham in the land of Canaan.
- This is also why Isaac returns to Beersheba and builds an altar to worship God. — Genesis 26:23-25
- Further, Isaac’s son, Jacob, also offers sacrifices in Beersheba before having to flee to Egypt because of famine. — Genesis 46:1
- The phrase, “from Dan to Beersheba” is used 9 times in Scripture to show that God was good to His promise of land from the beginning to the very end. God always keeps His promises!
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