In Genesis 21:26, Abimelech is speaking to Abraham after Abraham confronted him about Abimelech's servants seizing a well that Abraham had dug. Abimelech's statement means:
"I don't know who has done this thing": Abimelech is claiming ignorance of the well-seizing incident. He is asserting that he was not aware of his servants' actions.
"You didn't tell me": He points out that Abraham had not previously informed him about the issue. If Abraham had brought it to his attention earlier, Abimelech suggests he would have addressed it.
"I didn't hear of it until today": This reinforces Abimelech's claim of ignorance. He's saying that this is the first time he is learning about the incident.
Essentially, Abimelech is trying to distance himself from the actions of his servants and assert his innocence in the matter. He is likely trying to avoid conflict with Abraham and maintain the treaty they had previously made (Genesis 21:22-24). By claiming ignorance, he can then address the issue and rectify the situation without appearing to have intentionally violated their agreement.
In Genesis 21:26, Abimelech is speaking to Abraham after Abraham confronted him about Abimelech's servants seizing a well that Abraham had dug. Abimelech's statement means:
"I don't know who has done this thing": Abimelech is claiming ignorance of the well-seizing incident. He is asserting that he was not aware of his servants' actions.
"You didn't tell me": He points out that Abraham had not previously informed him about the issue. If Abraham had brought it to his attention earlier, Abimelech suggests he would have addressed it.
"I didn't hear of it until today": This reinforces Abimelech's claim of ignorance. He's saying that this is the first time he is learning about the incident.
Essentially, Abimelech is trying to distance himself from the actions of his servants and assert his innocence in the matter. He is likely trying to avoid conflict with Abraham and maintain the treaty they had previously made (Genesis 21:22-24). By claiming ignorance, he can then address the issue and rectify the situation without appearing to have intentionally violated their agreement.