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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 21:32 After they had made the covenant at Beersheba, Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army got up and returned to the land of the Philistines.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/genesis/21-32.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/7/01_Gen_21_32.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="Genesis 21:32 - The Covenant at Beersheba" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="After they had made the covenant at Beersheba, Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army got up and returned to the land of the Philistines." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/genesis/21-32.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/genesis/21-32.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/genesis/">Genesis</a> > <a href="/genesis/21.htm">Chapter 21</a> > Verse 32</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad12.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/21-31.htm" title="Genesis 21:31">◄</a> Genesis 21:32 <a href="/genesis/21-33.htm" title="Genesis 21:33">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div 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 />After the treaty had been made at Beersheba, Abimelek and Phicol the commander of his forces returned to the land of the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/21.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />After making their covenant at Beersheba, Abimelech left with Phicol, the commander of his army, and they returned home to the land of the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/21.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />So they made a covenant at Beersheba. Then Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army rose up and returned to the land of the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/21.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />After they had made the covenant at Beersheba, Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army got up and returned to the land of the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/21.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Thus they made a covenant at Beersheba: then Abimelech rose up, and Phichol the chief captain of his host, and they returned into the land of the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/21.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Thus they made a covenant at Beersheba. So Abimelech rose with Phichol, the commander of his army, and they returned to the land of the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/21.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />So they made a covenant at Beersheba; and Abimelech and Phicol, the commander of his army, got up and returned to the land of the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/21.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />So they made a covenant at Beersheba; and Abimelech and Phicol, the commander of his army, arose and returned to the land of the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/21.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />So they made a covenant at Beersheba; and Abimelech and Phicol, the commander of his army, arose and returned to the land of the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/21.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />So they cut a covenant at Beersheba; and Abimelech and Phicol, the commander of his army, arose and returned to the land of the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/21.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />So they made a covenant at Beersheba; then Abimelech and Phicol, the commander of his army, got up and returned to the land of the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/21.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />After they had made a covenant at Beer-sheba, Abimelech and Phicol, the commander of his army, left and returned to the land of the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/21.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />After they had made a covenant at Beer-sheba, Abimelech and Phicol, the commander of his army, left and returned to the land of the Philistines. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/21.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />So they made a covenant at Beer-sheba: and Abimelech rose up, and Phicol the captain of his host, and they returned into the land of the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/21.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />When the treaty was completed, Abimelech and his army commander Phicol went back to the land of the Philistines. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/21.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />So they made a covenant at Beer-sheba: and Abimelech rose up, and Phicol the captain of his host, and they returned into the land of the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/21.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />After they made the treaty at Beersheba, Abimelech and Phicol, the commander of his army, left and went back to the land of the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/21.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />After they had made this agreement at Beersheba, Abimelech and Phicol went back to Philistia. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/21.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />So after they had made a covenant in Beer-sheba, Abimelech and Phicol, the commander of his army, left and returned to Philistine territory.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/21.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />After they had made the covenant at Beersheba, Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army got up and returned to the land of the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/21.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />So they made a treaty at Beer Sheba. Then Abimelech and Phicol, the commander of his army, returned to the land of the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/21.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />So they made a covenant at Beersheba. Abimelech rose up with Phicol, the commander of his army, and they returned into the land of the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/21.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Thus they made a covenant at Beer-sheba: Then Abimelech arose, and Phichol the chief captain of his host, and they returned into the land of the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/21.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />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. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/21.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And they make a covenant in Beer-Sheba, and Abimelech rises—Phichol also, head of his host—and they return to the land of the Philistines;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/21.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And they make a covenant in Beer-Sheba, and Abimelech riseth -- Phichol also, head of his host -- and they turn back unto the land of the Philistines;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/21.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And they will make a covenant, at the well of the oath, and Abimelech will rise up, and Phicol, the leader of his army, and they will turn back to the land of the Philistines,<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/21.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />And they made a league for the well of oath. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/21.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />And they initiated a pact on behalf of the well of oath.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/21.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />When they had thus made the covenant in Beer-sheba, Abimelech, along with Phicol, the commander of his army, left to return to the land of the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/21.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />When they had made a covenant at Beer-sheba, Abimelech, with Phicol the commander of his army, left and returned to the land of the Philistines.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/21.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Thus they made a covenant at Beer-sheba; then Abimeleck and Phichol, the general of the army, rose up and returned to the land of the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/21.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And they made a covenant in Beersheba; Abimelek and Phikol the Captain of his army rose up and they returned to the land of the Philistines.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/21.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />So they made a covenant at Beer-sheba; and Abimelech rose up, and Phicol the captain of his host, and they returned into the land of the Philistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/21.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And they made a covenant at the well of the oath. And there rose up Abimelech, Ochozath his friend, and Phichol the commander-in-chief of his army, and they returned to the land of the Phylistines.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/21-32.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=4775" 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">31</span>So that place was called Beersheba, because it was there that the two of them swore an oath. <span class="reftext">32</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/3772.htm" title="3772: way·yiḵ·rə·ṯū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- To cut off, cut down. A primitive root; to cut; by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant.">After they had made</a> <a href="/hebrew/1285.htm" title="1285: ḇə·rîṯ (N-fs) -- A covenant. From barah (like bara'); a compact.">the covenant</a> <a href="/hebrew/884.htm" title="884: biḇ·’êr (Prep) -- Well of seven, a place in the Negev. From 'er and sheba'; well of an oath; Beer-Sheba, a place in Palestine."></a> <a href="/hebrew/884.htm" title="884: šā·ḇa‘ (Prep:: N-proper-fs) -- Well of seven, a place in the Negev. From 'er and sheba'; well of an oath; Beer-Sheba, a place in Palestine.">at Beersheba,</a> <a href="/hebrew/40.htm" title="40: ’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ (N-proper-ms) -- From 'ab and melek; father of king; Abimelek, the name of two Philistine kings and of two Israelites.">Abimelech</a> <a href="/hebrew/6369.htm" title="6369: ū·p̄î·ḵōl (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- Commander of Abimelech's army. Apparently from peh and kol; mouth of all; Picol, a Philistine.">and Phicol</a> <a href="/hebrew/8269.htm" title="8269: śar- (N-msc) -- Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince. From sarar; a head person.">the commander</a> <a href="/hebrew/6635.htm" title="6635: ṣə·ḇā·’ōw (N-csc:: 3ms) -- Or tsbadah; from tsaba'; a mass of persons, especially reg. Organized for war; by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively.">of his army</a> <a href="/hebrew/6965.htm" title="6965: way·yā·qām (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms) -- To arise, stand up, stand. A primitive root; to rise.">got up</a> <a href="/hebrew/7725.htm" title="7725: way·yā·šu·ḇū (Conj-w:: V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3mp) -- A primitive root; to turn back transitively or intransitively, literally or figuratively; generally to retreat; often adverbial, again.">and returned</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’el- (Prep) -- To, into, towards. ">to</a> <a href="/hebrew/776.htm" title="776: ’e·reṣ (N-fsc) -- Earth, land. From an unused root probably meaning to be firm; the earth.">the land</a> <a href="/hebrew/6430.htm" title="6430: pə·liš·tîm (N-proper-mp) -- Inhab. of Philistia. Patrial from Plesheth; a Pelishtite or inhabitant of Pelesheth.">of the Philistines.</a> </span><span class="reftext">33</span>And Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called upon the name of the LORD, the Eternal God.…<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/26-26.htm">Genesis 26:26-31</a></span><br />Later, Abimelech came to Isaac from Gerar, with Ahuzzath his adviser and Phicol the commander of his army. / “Why have you come to me?” Isaac asked them. “You hated me and sent me away.” / “We can plainly see that the LORD has been with you,” they replied. “We recommend that there should now be an oath between us and you. Let us make a covenant with you ...<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="/joshua/9-15.htm">Joshua 9:15</a></span><br />And Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore an oath to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/20-42.htm">1 Samuel 20:42</a></span><br />And Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, for the two of us have sworn in the name of the LORD, saying, ‘May the LORD be a witness between you and me, and between your descendants and mine forever.’” Then David got up and departed, and Jonathan went back into the city.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/5-12.htm">1 Kings 5:12</a></span><br />And the LORD gave Solomon wisdom, as He had promised him. There was peace between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a treaty.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/21-2.htm">2 Samuel 21:2</a></span><br />At this, David summoned the Gibeonites and spoke to them. (Now the Gibeonites were not Israelites, but a remnant of the Amorites. The Israelites had taken an oath concerning them, but in his zeal for Israel and Judah, Saul had sought to kill them.)<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/judges/2-2.htm">Judges 2:2</a></span><br />and you are not to make a covenant with the people of this land, but you shall tear down their altars.’ Yet you have not obeyed My voice. What is this you have done?<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/23-32.htm">Exodus 23:32</a></span><br />You shall make no covenant with them or with their gods.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/deuteronomy/7-2.htm">Deuteronomy 7:2</a></span><br />and when the LORD your God has delivered them over to you to defeat them, then you must devote them to complete destruction. Make no treaty with them and show them no mercy.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/105-8.htm">Psalm 105:8-10</a></span><br />He remembers His covenant forever, the word He ordained for a thousand generations— / the covenant He made with Abraham, and the oath He swore to Isaac. / He confirmed it to Jacob as a decree, to Israel as an everlasting covenant:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/33-8.htm">Isaiah 33:8</a></span><br />The highways are deserted; travel has ceased. The treaty has been broken, the witnesses are despised, and human life is disregarded.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/17-13.htm">Ezekiel 17:13-16</a></span><br />He took a member of the royal family and made a covenant with him, putting him under oath. Then he carried away the leading men of the land, / so that the kingdom would be brought low, unable to lift itself up, surviving only by keeping his covenant. / But this king rebelled against Babylon by sending his envoys to Egypt to ask for horses and a large army. Will he flourish? Will the one who does such things escape? Can he break a covenant and yet escape?’ ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/5-37.htm">Matthew 5:37</a></span><br />Simply let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ Anything more comes from the evil one.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/6-16.htm">Hebrews 6:16</a></span><br />Men swear by someone greater than themselves, and their oath serves as a confirmation to end all argument.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/3-15.htm">Galatians 3:15</a></span><br />Brothers, let me put this in human terms. Even a human covenant, once it is ratified, cannot be canceled or amended.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Thus they made a covenant at Beersheba: then Abimelech rose up, and Phichol the chief captain of his host, and they returned into the land of the Philistines.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/21-27.htm">Genesis 21:27</a></b></br> And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech; and both of them made a covenant.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/14-13.htm">Genesis 14:13</a></b></br> And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelt in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these <i>were</i> confederate with Abram.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/31-53.htm">Genesis 31:53</a></b></br> The God of Abraham, and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge betwixt us. And Jacob sware by the fear of his father Isaac.</p><p class="hdg">the Philistines.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/10-14.htm">Genesis 10:14</a></b></br> And Pathrusim, and Casluhim, (out of whom came Philistim,) and Caphtorim.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/26-8.htm">Genesis 26:8,14</a></b></br> And it came to pass, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out at a window, and saw, and, behold, Isaac <i>was</i> sporting with Rebekah his wife… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/exodus/13-17.htm">Exodus 13:17</a></b></br> And it came to pass, when Pharaoh had let the people go, that God led them not <i>through</i> the way of the land of the Philistines, although that <i>was</i> near; for God said, Lest peradventure the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt:</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/21-29.htm">Abimelech</a> <a href="/genesis/21-29.htm">Abim'elech</a> <a href="/genesis/21-22.htm">Army</a> <a href="/genesis/21-31.htm">Beersheba</a> <a href="/genesis/21-31.htm">Beer-Sheba</a> <a href="/genesis/21-22.htm">Captain</a> <a href="/genesis/21-22.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/genesis/21-22.htm">Commander</a> <a href="/genesis/21-27.htm">Covenant</a> <a href="/genesis/21-22.htm">Forces</a> <a href="/genesis/3-15.htm">Head</a> <a href="/genesis/21-22.htm">Host</a> <a href="/genesis/21-22.htm">Phichol</a> <a href="/genesis/21-22.htm">Phicol</a> <a href="/genesis/10-14.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/genesis/20-8.htm">Riseth</a> <a href="/genesis/21-14.htm">Rose</a> <a href="/genesis/19-3.htm">Turn</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/genesis/26-1.htm">Abimelech</a> <a href="/genesis/26-1.htm">Abim'elech</a> <a href="/genesis/26-26.htm">Army</a> <a href="/genesis/21-33.htm">Beersheba</a> <a href="/genesis/21-33.htm">Beer-Sheba</a> <a href="/genesis/26-26.htm">Captain</a> <a href="/genesis/23-6.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/genesis/26-26.htm">Commander</a> <a href="/genesis/26-28.htm">Covenant</a> <a href="/genesis/26-26.htm">Forces</a> <a href="/genesis/24-26.htm">Head</a> <a href="/genesis/26-26.htm">Host</a> <a href="/genesis/26-26.htm">Phichol</a> <a href="/genesis/26-26.htm">Phicol</a> <a href="/genesis/21-34.htm">Philistines</a> <a href="/genesis/23-3.htm">Riseth</a> <a href="/genesis/22-3.htm">Rose</a> <a href="/genesis/22-5.htm">Turn</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>After they had made the covenant at Beersheba</b><br>The covenant at Beersheba marks a significant moment of peace and mutual recognition between Abraham and Abimelech. Beersheba, meaning "well of the oath" or "well of seven," is a location of strategic importance in the Negev desert. This covenant reflects the ancient Near Eastern practice of forming alliances through oaths and treaties, often sealed by shared rituals or sacrifices. The well at Beersheba becomes a symbol of God's provision and faithfulness, as it ensures water and sustenance for Abraham's descendants. This event foreshadows later biblical covenants, emphasizing themes of divine promise and human agreement.<p><b>Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army</b><br>Abimelech, likely a title rather than a personal name, refers to the king of Gerar. His presence, along with Phicol, the military commander, underscores the political and military significance of the covenant. The inclusion of Phicol suggests the importance of securing peace and stability in the region, as military leaders often played crucial roles in treaty negotiations. This alliance with Abraham, a growing patriarchal figure, indicates the recognition of his increasing influence and God's blessing upon him. The presence of these leaders highlights the intersection of divine promise and human political dynamics.<p><b>got up and returned to the land of the Philistines</b><br>The Philistines, though not the same as the later Philistines of the Iron Age, were a group residing in the coastal regions of Canaan. This phrase indicates the conclusion of the diplomatic encounter and the return to their territory, suggesting a successful negotiation. The mention of the Philistines connects to the broader biblical narrative, where they frequently appear as adversaries of Israel. This early interaction sets the stage for future conflicts and relationships between the descendants of Abraham and the Philistine people. The return to their land signifies the maintenance of territorial boundaries and the respect for the covenant established at Beersheba.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/abimelech.htm">Abimelech</a></b><br>A Philistine king who forms a covenant with Abraham. His name means "my father is king" in Hebrew, indicating a royal lineage or title.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/p/phicol.htm">Phicol</a></b><br>The commander of Abimelech's army. His presence signifies the importance of the covenant, as military leaders often represented the strength and authority of their rulers.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/a/abraham.htm">Abraham</a></b><br>The patriarch with whom God made a covenant. Here, he enters into a human covenant with Abimelech, demonstrating his role as a peacemaker and leader.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/b/beersheba.htm">Beersheba</a></b><br>A location in the Negev desert, its name means "well of the oath" or "well of seven," referring to the seven ewe lambs Abraham gave to Abimelech as a witness to their agreement.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_covenant.htm">The Covenant</a></b><br>A formal agreement between Abraham and Abimelech, ensuring peace and mutual respect. This covenant is significant as it reflects God's promise to Abraham to make him a father of many nations.<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 foundational in Scripture, representing commitments and promises. They remind us of God's faithfulness and our call to be faithful in our commitments.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/p/peacemaking_as_a_godly_trait.htm">Peacemaking as a Godly Trait</a></b><br>Abraham's initiative to make peace with Abimelech reflects the biblical call to be peacemakers. As believers, we are encouraged to seek peace and reconciliation in our relationships.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness_across_generations.htm">God's Faithfulness Across Generations</a></b><br>The covenant at Beersheba is a testament to God's ongoing faithfulness to Abraham and his descendants. We can trust in God's promises to us and our families.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_witnesses_in_agreements.htm">The Role of Witnesses in Agreements</a></b><br>The seven ewe lambs served as a witness to the covenant. In our lives, we should ensure that our commitments are clear and witnessed, reflecting integrity and transparency.<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_defines_palestinian_descent.htm">What defines Palestinian descent?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/israel-philistines_relationship.htm">What was the relationship between Israel and the Philistines?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_mention_philistines_in_abraham's_time.htm">Why does the Bible describe the Philistines in Abraham’s time when they only arrived in Canaan centuries later?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_philistines_in_genesis_contradict_history.htm">Why does the existence of Philistines in Genesis contradict the historical record, as they arrived centuries later?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/21-32.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">After they had made</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיִּכְרְת֥וּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yiḵ·rə·ṯū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_3772.htm">Strong's 3772: </a> </span><span class="str2">To cut, to destroy, consume, to covenant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the covenant</span><br /><span class="heb">בְרִ֖ית</span> <span class="translit">(ḇə·rîṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1285.htm">Strong's 1285: </a> </span><span class="str2">A covenant</span><br /><br /><span class="word">at Beersheba,</span><br /><span class="heb">שָׁ֑בַע</span> <span class="translit">(šā·ḇa‘)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_884.htm">Strong's 884: </a> </span><span class="str2">Beersheba -- 'well of seven', a place in the Negev</span><br /><br /><span class="word">Abimelech</span><br /><span class="heb">אֲבִימֶ֗לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_40.htm">Strong's 40: </a> </span><span class="str2">Abimelech -- 'father is king', a Philistine name, also an Israelite name</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and Phicol</span><br /><span class="heb">וּפִיכֹל֙</span> <span class="translit">(ū·p̄î·ḵōl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6369.htm">Strong's 6369: </a> </span><span class="str2">Phicol -- commander of Abimelech's army</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the commander</span><br /><span class="heb">שַׂר־</span> <span class="translit">(śar-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8269.htm">Strong's 8269: </a> </span><span class="str2">Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of his army</span><br /><span class="heb">צְבָא֔וֹ</span> <span class="translit">(ṣə·ḇā·’ōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6635.htm">Strong's 6635: </a> </span><span class="str2">A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign</span><br /><br /><span class="word">got up</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּ֣קָם</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·qām)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6965.htm">Strong's 6965: </a> </span><span class="str2">To arise, stand up, stand</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and returned</span><br /><span class="heb">וַיָּשֻׁ֖בוּ</span> <span class="translit">(way·yā·šu·ḇū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_7725.htm">Strong's 7725: </a> </span><span class="str2">To turn back, in, to retreat, again</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶל־</span> <span class="translit">(’el-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the land</span><br /><span class="heb">אֶ֥רֶץ</span> <span class="translit">(’e·reṣ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - feminine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_776.htm">Strong's 776: </a> </span><span class="str2">Earth, land</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of the Philistines.</span><br /><span class="heb">פְּלִשְׁתִּֽים׃</span> <span class="translit">(pə·liš·tîm)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - proper - masculine plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6430.htm">Strong's 6430: </a> </span><span class="str2">Philistines -- inhabitants of Philistia</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/21-32.htm">Genesis 21:32 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/21-32.htm">Genesis 21:32 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/21-32.htm">Genesis 21:32 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/21-32.htm">Genesis 21:32 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/21-32.htm">Genesis 21:32 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/21-32.htm">Genesis 21:32 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/21-32.htm">Genesis 21:32 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/21-32.htm">Genesis 21:32 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/21-32.htm">Genesis 21:32 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/21-32.htm">Genesis 21:32 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/21-32.htm">OT Law: Genesis 21:32 So they made a covenant at Beersheba (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/21-31.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 21:31"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 21:31" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/21-33.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 21:33"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 21:33" /></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>