Genesis 21:22-34

This passage begins with a peace treaty (v22-24).  It is sought by Abimelech because he has come to realize that God is truly blessing Abraham.  This early Philistine king and Phichol his commander have shown respect for the God of Abraham and do so again here as they seek peace on a long term basis.

Abraham uses the opportunity to settle a dispute over a well that Abraham’s men had dug (v25-32).  Though contested by citizens of Abimelech’s kingdom he disclaims any knowledge of the matter.  An agreement is reached and Abraham then gives a name to the place: Beersheba (meaning well of the oath or well of the seven).  

Beersheba would become a special place for Abraham, Isaac (26:23-25) and Jacob (46:1-4) and would in fact continue to have existence as a city to this day.  Today it is the capitol of the Negev in Israel.  If you visit tel Beersheba near the modern city you will see a well at the entrance to the ancient city.  Obviously, in this desert area of Israel, wells were of extreme importance.

Trees were also important.  It was common to plant trees near wells because of ready access to water.  So Abraham planted a tree, a tamarisk tree.  These salt cedars were ideal for the arid desert climate, providing shade during their long lifespan.  

For Abraham this is an act of worship.  God has already told him the fulfillment of the promise will extend beyond his own life (15:13-16).  At this point Abraham has been blessed by the birth of Isaac; he has an heir (15:1-6).  And now he has control over a well and the surrounding land because of the treaty with Abimelech.  

All of this caused Abraham to desire to worship El Olam, the Eternal God.  God has made the promise.  God will continue to live and will be faithful long after Abraham is gone.  His worship involves trust in the faithfulness of God in the future.

Do we understand this?  We also will come to the end of life.  There will be unfinished tasks, unfulfilled promises, unanswered prayers, and unrealized hopes.  Isaiah acknowledged this fact at a time when Israel’s existence may have seemed tenuous (Isaiah 40:6-8).  Though generations would come and go, yet he knew “the word of our God stands forever.”  Let us not set our affections on things that are temporal but on that which is eternal.  Put your trust in El Olam.