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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>Genesis 21:28 Abraham separated seven ewe lambs from the flock,</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/21-28.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/01_Gen_21_28.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 21:28 - The Covenant at Beersheba" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Abraham separated seven ewe lambs from the flock," /><script type="application/javascript" 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class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/genesis/21.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/genesis/21.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Abraham set apart seven ewe lambs from the flock,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/21.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />But Abraham also took seven additional female lambs and set them off by themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/21.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock apart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Abraham separated seven ewe lambs from the flock,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/21.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/21.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/21.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Then Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then Abraham set apart seven ewe lambs of the flock,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Abraham separated seven ewe lambs from the flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Abraham separated seven ewe lambs from the flock. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/21.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Abraham separated seven female lambs from his flock of sheep, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/21.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Then Abraham set apart seven female lambs from the flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/21.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Abraham separated seven lambs from his flock, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/21.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Abraham set aside seven ewe lambs, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Abraham separated seven ewe lambs from the flock,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/21.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Then Abraham set seven ewe lambs apart from the flock by themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />And Abraham set seven ewe-lambs of the flock by themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/21.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and Abraham sets seven lambs of the flock by themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and Abraham setteth seven Lambs of the flock by themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Abraham set, seven ewe lambs of the sheep alone.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And Abraham set apart seven ewe lambs of the flock. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And Abraham set aside seven female lambs from the flock.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/21.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Abraham also set apart seven ewe lambs of the flock,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Abraham set apart seven ewe lambs of the flock.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Abraham set seven ewes of sheep by themselves.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />And Abraham set seven ewe-lambs of the flock by themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Abraam set seven ewe-lambs by themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/21-28.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=4753" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/21.htm">The Covenant at Beersheba</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">27</span>So Abraham brought sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelech, and the two men made a covenant. <span class="reftext">28</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/85.htm" title="85: ’aḇ·rā·hām (N-proper-ms) -- Contracted from 'ab and an unused root; father of a multitude; Abraham, the later name of Abram.">Abraham</a> <a href="/hebrew/853.htm" title="853: ’eṯ- (DirObjM) -- Apparent contracted from 'owth in the demonstrative sense of entity; properly, self."></a> <a href="/hebrew/5324.htm" title="5324: way·yaṣ·ṣêḇ (Conj-w:: V-Hifil-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To take one's stand, stand. A prim root; to station, in various applications.">separated</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: lə·ḇad·də·hen (Prep-l:: N-msc:: 3fp) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth."></a> <a href="/hebrew/7651.htm" title="7651: še·ḇa‘ (Number-fs) -- Or shibrah; from shaba'; a primitive cardinal number; seven; also seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number.">seven</a> <a href="/hebrew/3535.htm" title="3535: kiḇ·śōṯ (N-fpc) -- Ewe lamb. Or kabsah; feminine of kebes; a ewe.">ewe lambs</a> <a href="/hebrew/6629.htm" title="6629: haṣ·ṣōn (Art:: N-cs) -- Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock. Or tsaown; from an unused root meaning to migrate; a collective name for a flock; also figuratively.">from the flock,</a> </span><span class="reftext">29</span>and Abimelech asked him, “Why have you set apart these seven ewe lambs?”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/15-9.htm">Genesis 15:9-10</a></span><br />And the LORD said to him, “Bring Me a heifer, a goat, and a ram, each three years old, along with a turtledove and a young pigeon.” / So Abram brought all these to Him, split each of them down the middle, and laid the halves opposite each other. The birds, however, he did not cut in half.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/31-44.htm">Genesis 31:44-54</a></span><br />Come now, let us make a covenant, you and I, and let it serve as a witness between you and me.” / So Jacob picked out a stone and set it up as a pillar, / and he said to his relatives, “Gather some stones.” So they took stones and made a mound, and there by the mound they ate. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/12-3.htm">Exodus 12:3-5</a></span><br />Tell the whole congregation of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man must select a lamb for his family, one per household. / If the household is too small for a whole lamb, they are to share with the nearest neighbor based on the number of people, and apportion the lamb accordingly. / Your lamb must be an unblemished year-old male, and you may take it from the sheep or the goats.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/leviticus/1-10.htm">Leviticus 1:10</a></span><br />If, however, one’s offering is a burnt offering from the flock—from the sheep or goats—he is to present an unblemished male.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/17-1.htm">Deuteronomy 17:1</a></span><br />You shall not sacrifice to the LORD your God an ox or a sheep with any defect or serious flaw, for that is detestable to the LORD your God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/18-4.htm">1 Samuel 18:4</a></span><br />And Jonathan removed the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/24-24.htm">2 Samuel 24:24</a></span><br />“No,” replied the king, “I insist on paying a price, for I will not offer to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/8-63.htm">1 Kings 8:63</a></span><br />And Solomon offered as peace offerings to the LORD 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep. So the king and all the Israelites dedicated the house of the LORD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/7-5.htm">2 Chronicles 7:5</a></span><br />And King Solomon offered a sacrifice of 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep. So the king and all the people dedicated the house of God.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/53-7.htm">Isaiah 53:7</a></span><br />He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/34-18.htm">Jeremiah 34:18-19</a></span><br />And those who have transgressed My covenant and have not fulfilled the terms of the covenant they made before Me, I will treat like the calf they cut in two in order to pass between its pieces. / The officials of Judah and Jerusalem, the court officials, the priests, and all the people of the land who passed between the pieces of the calf,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/45-15.htm">Ezekiel 45:15</a></span><br />And one sheep shall be given from each flock of two hundred from the well-watered pastures of Israel. These are for the grain offerings, burnt offerings, and peace offerings, to make atonement for the people, declares the Lord GOD.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hosea/6-6.htm">Hosea 6:6</a></span><br />For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-23.htm">Matthew 5:23-24</a></span><br />So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, / leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/26-28.htm">Matthew 26:28</a></span><br />This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/21-27.htm">Abraham</a> <a href="/revelation/6-14.htm">Apart</a> <a href="/2_samuel/12-4.htm">Ewe</a> <a href="/genesis/21-30.htm">Ewe-Lambs</a> <a href="/genesis/4-4.htm">Flock</a> <a href="/genesis/4-4.htm">Lambs</a> <a href="/genesis/11-21.htm">Seven</a> <a href="/genesis/17-9.htm">Side</a> <a href="/genesis/19-11.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/genesis/19-11.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/21-29.htm">Abraham</a> <a href="/genesis/21-29.htm">Apart</a> <a href="/genesis/21-29.htm">Ewe</a> <a href="/genesis/21-29.htm">Ewe-Lambs</a> <a href="/genesis/24-35.htm">Flock</a> <a href="/genesis/21-29.htm">Lambs</a> <a href="/genesis/21-29.htm">Seven</a> <a href="/genesis/21-29.htm">Side</a> <a href="/genesis/21-29.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/genesis/22-3.htm">Young</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 21</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/21-1.htm">Isaac is born, and circumcised.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">6. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/21-6.htm">Sarah's joy.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">8. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/21-8.htm">Isaac is weaned.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/21-9.htm">Hagar and Ishmael sent away.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">15. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/21-15.htm">Hagar in distress.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">17. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/21-17.htm">The angel relieves and comforts her.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/21-23.htm">Abimelech's covenant with Abraham at Beersheba.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/21.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/21.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Abraham separated seven ewe lambs from the flock</b><br>*Abraham separated*: This action signifies a deliberate and intentional act by Abraham. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, separating animals from a flock was a common practice for making offerings or establishing covenants. Abraham's separation of the lambs is a symbolic gesture, indicating a formal agreement or treaty. This act is part of the covenant-making process with Abimelech, the king of Gerar, highlighting the importance of clear and intentional actions in agreements.<br><br>*seven ewe lambs*: The number seven in biblical terms often symbolizes completeness or perfection. The use of seven ewe lambs here may indicate the completeness of the covenant between Abraham and Abimelech. Ewe lambs, being female, were valuable for their ability to produce more sheep, thus representing a significant and generous gift. This act of giving seven lambs can be seen as a peace offering, ensuring goodwill and trust between the two parties. The number seven also connects to the creation narrative, where God completed His work in seven days, further emphasizing the idea of completeness.<br><br>*from the flock*: The flock represents Abraham's wealth and God's blessing upon him. In the pastoral and agrarian society of the time, livestock was a primary measure of wealth and prosperity. By taking from his own flock, Abraham demonstrates his willingness to share his blessings and resources to maintain peace and establish a lasting covenant. This act of giving from his own flock can be seen as a reflection of God's provision and faithfulness to Abraham, as well as Abraham's role as a steward of God's blessings.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/abraham.htm">Abraham</a></b><br>The patriarch of the Israelites, chosen by God to be the father of many nations. In this passage, he is making a covenant with Abimelech.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/abimelech.htm">Abimelech</a></b><br>The king of Gerar, who interacts with Abraham regarding a well of water that Abraham had dug, leading to a covenant between them.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/b/beersheba.htm">Beersheba</a></b><br>The location where Abraham and Abimelech make their covenant. It becomes a significant place in biblical history, often associated with oaths and covenants.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/s/seven_ewe_lambs.htm">Seven Ewe Lambs</a></b><br>These lambs are set apart by Abraham as a witness to the covenant he makes with Abimelech, symbolizing his rightful claim to the well.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/c/covenant.htm">Covenant</a></b><br>A formal agreement or treaty between two parties. In this context, it is a peace treaty between Abraham and Abimelech, ensuring mutual respect and rights.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_covenants.htm">The Importance of Covenants</a></b><br>Covenants are sacred and binding agreements that require sincerity and commitment. As believers, we are called to honor our commitments, whether they are with God or with others.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/symbolism_in_scripture.htm">Symbolism in Scripture</a></b><br>The use of seven ewe lambs signifies completeness and perfection in biblical numerology. This teaches us to pay attention to the symbolic meanings in Scripture, which often convey deeper spiritual truths.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/peaceful_resolutions.htm">Peaceful Resolutions</a></b><br>Abraham's approach to resolving the dispute over the well with Abimelech highlights the importance of seeking peaceful and fair resolutions in conflicts, a principle that is applicable in our personal and communal lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/w/witness_to_truth.htm">Witness to Truth</a></b><br>The seven ewe lambs serve as a witness to the truth of Abraham's claim. In our lives, we should strive to live in such a way that our actions bear witness to the truth of our faith and integrity.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/legacy_of_faith.htm">Legacy of Faith</a></b><br>Abraham's actions set a precedent for future generations, including his son Isaac. Our actions and decisions can have lasting impacts on those who come after us, encouraging us to live faithfully and righteously.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_21.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 21</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'by_my_spirit'_mean.htm">Where is Beersheba mentioned in the Bible?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'walking_in_truth'_mean.htm">What defines the Church Triumphant?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/evidence_for_balaam's_seven_altars.htm">Numbers 23:1–2: Is there any archaeological evidence supporting Balaam’s elaborate sacrifices on seven altars with seven bulls and seven rams? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what's_the_biblical_meaning_of_7.htm">What is the biblical significance of the number seven?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/21.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(28) <span class= "bld">Seven ewe lambs.</span>--The word in Hebrew for <span class= "ital">swearing </span>is a passive verb, literally signifying "to be sevened," that is, done or confirmed by seven. In this ancient narrative we see a covenant actually thus made binding. Seven ewe lambs are picked out and placed by themselves, and by accepting these Abimelech bound himself to acknowledge and respect Abraham's title to the well. Apparently this manner of ratifying an oath was unknown to the Philistines, as Abimelech asks, "What mean these seven ewe lambs?" but it is equally possible that this question was dictated by the rules of Oriental courtesy. When Abraham had picked out the lambs, it became Abimelech's duty to ask what was the purpose of the act, which was then explained, and as soon as the lambs were accepted, the ratification was complete,<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/21.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 28-30.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves</span> (designing by another covenant to secure himself against future invasion of Isis rights). <span class="cmt_word">And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What mean these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set by themselves? And he said, For these seven ewe lambs shalt thou take of my hand, that they may be a witness unto me,</span> - that this peculiar kind of oath never occurs again in Old Testament history is no proof of the mythical character of the narrative (Bohlen); on the contrary, "that the custom existed in primitive Hebrew times is shown by the word <span class="hebrew">נִשְׁבַּע</span>, which had early passed into the language, and which would be inexplicable without the existence of such a custom" (Havernick) - <span class="cmt_word">that I have digged this well.</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/21-28.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Abraham</span><br /><span class="heb">אַבְרָהָ֗ם</span> <span class="translit">(’aḇ·rā·hām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_85.htm">Strong's 85: </a> </span><span class="str2">Abraham -- 'exalted father', the father of the Jewish nation</span><br /><br /><span class="word">separated</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיַּצֵּ֣ב</span> <span class="translit">(way·yaṣ·ṣêḇ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_5324.htm">Strong's 5324: </a> </span><span class="str2">To take one's stand, stand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">seven</span><br /><span class="heb">שֶׁ֛בַע</span> <span class="translit">(še·ḇa‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Number - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7651.htm">Strong's 7651: </a> </span><span class="str2">Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number</span><br /><br /><span class="word">ewe lambs</span><br /><span class="heb">כִּבְשֹׂ֥ת</span> <span class="translit">(kiḇ·śōṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine plural construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3535.htm">Strong's 3535: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ewe lamb</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from the flock,</span><br /><span class="heb">הַצֹּ֖אן</span> <span class="translit">(haṣ·ṣōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article | Noun - common singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6629.htm">Strong's 6629: </a> </span><span class="str2">Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/21-28.htm">Genesis 21:28 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/21-28.htm">Genesis 21:28 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/21-28.htm">Genesis 21:28 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/21-28.htm">Genesis 21:28 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/21-28.htm">Genesis 21:28 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/21-28.htm">Genesis 21:28 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/21-28.htm">Genesis 21:28 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/21-28.htm">Genesis 21:28 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/21-28.htm">Genesis 21:28 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/21-28.htm">Genesis 21:28 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/21-28.htm">OT Law: Genesis 21:28 Abraham set seven ewe lambs (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/21-27.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 21:27"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 21:27" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/21-29.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 21:29"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 21:29" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>