Genesis 21:32 - So they made a covenant at Beersheba. Abimelech rose up with Phicol, the captain of his army, and they returned into the land of the Philistines.
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What does "Genesis 21:32" mean?
Genesis 21:32 describes the aftermath of a treaty or agreement made between Abraham and Abimelech. Let's break it down:
"So they made a covenant at Beersheba:" This refers to Abraham and Abimelech (King of Gerar) formally agreeing to a treaty. A covenant in those times was a solemn agreement, often involving oaths and promises of mutual respect and non-aggression. Beersheba was a place in the Negev desert (southern Israel) where this covenant was established.
"Abimelech rose up with Phicol, the captain of his army:" This indicates that Abimelech, accompanied by his military commander, Phicol, left Beersheba. "Rose up" likely means they prepared to depart and started their journey.
"and they returned into the land of the Philistines." This states that Abimelech and Phicol went back to the territory controlled by the Philistines, where Gerar was located.
In essence, the verse indicates that the treaty between Abraham and Abimelech was finalized at Beersheba, and immediately afterward, Abimelech and his military leader returned to their homeland in the Philistine territory.
Contextual Significance:
The preceding verses in Genesis 21 detail the dispute over a well between Abraham's servants and Abimelech's servants. This led to Abraham rebuking Abimelech, and ultimately, they established this covenant to ensure peaceful relations and guarantee Abraham's rights to the well.
This covenant is important because it establishes Abraham's right to live and pasture his flocks in the area, and it symbolizes peaceful coexistence between the Israelites and the Philistines, at least for a time.
The fact that Abimelech brought his army captain, Phicol, to the meeting emphasizes the importance he placed on the agreement and its potential military implications.
In summary, the verse signifies the conclusion of a peace treaty and the return of Abimelech and his military leader to their land after finalizing the agreement with Abraham at Beersheba.
Genesis 21:32 - So they made a covenant at Beersheba. Abimelech rose up with Phicol, the captain of his army, and they returned into the land of the Philistines.
What does "Genesis 21:32" mean?
Genesis 21:32 describes the aftermath of a treaty or agreement made between Abraham and Abimelech. Let's break it down:
"So they made a covenant at Beersheba:" This refers to Abraham and Abimelech (King of Gerar) formally agreeing to a treaty. A covenant in those times was a solemn agreement, often involving oaths and promises of mutual respect and non-aggression. Beersheba was a place in the Negev desert (southern Israel) where this covenant was established.
"Abimelech rose up with Phicol, the captain of his army:" This indicates that Abimelech, accompanied by his military commander, Phicol, left Beersheba. "Rose up" likely means they prepared to depart and started their journey.
"and they returned into the land of the Philistines." This states that Abimelech and Phicol went back to the territory controlled by the Philistines, where Gerar was located.
In essence, the verse indicates that the treaty between Abraham and Abimelech was finalized at Beersheba, and immediately afterward, Abimelech and his military leader returned to their homeland in the Philistine territory.
Contextual Significance:
The preceding verses in Genesis 21 detail the dispute over a well between Abraham's servants and Abimelech's servants. This led to Abraham rebuking Abimelech, and ultimately, they established this covenant to ensure peaceful relations and guarantee Abraham's rights to the well.
This covenant is important because it establishes Abraham's right to live and pasture his flocks in the area, and it symbolizes peaceful coexistence between the Israelites and the Philistines, at least for a time.
The fact that Abimelech brought his army captain, Phicol, to the meeting emphasizes the importance he placed on the agreement and its potential military implications.
In summary, the verse signifies the conclusion of a peace treaty and the return of Abimelech and his military leader to their land after finalizing the agreement with Abraham at Beersheba.