Being Watched

Being Watched

Genesis 26: ²⁶ Then Abimelech came to him from Gerar with Ahuzzath, one of his friends, and Phichol the commander of his army. ²⁷ And Isaac said to them, “Why have you come to me, since you hate me and have sent me away from you?”

 

²⁸ But they said, “We have certainly seen that the Lord is with you. So we said, ‘Let there now be an oath between us, between you and us; and let us make a covenant with you, ²⁹ that you will do us no harm, since we have not touched you, and since we have done nothing to you but good and have sent you away in peace. You are now the blessed of the Lord.’ ”

 

³⁰ So he made them a feast, and they ate and drank. ³¹ Then they arose early in the morning and swore an oath with one another; and Isaac sent them away, and they departed from him in peace.

 

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Abimelech went out to see Isaac after hearing about the quarrels and the hostility. He brought along with him Ahuzzath and Phichol, the commander of his army. Years before, Abimelech met with Abraham and did the same thing by bringing military strength with him. He cam to make a treaty.

 

My Observations:

• Isaac was being watched by his enemies.
• Isaac did nothing to make Abimelech his enemy, but since he followed GOD, Abimelech became an adversary.
• Abimelech watched Isaac to see if he was blessed like Abraham and recognized that he was.

 

During Abraham’s day, Sodom and Gomorrah was wiped out. Fear struck surrounding leaders into caution. Abimelech probably heard that his people would steal from and fight against Isaac. He may have gotten nervous about GOD so he went out to make a treaty.

 

Abimelech made his leaders swear to not harm Isaac and asked Isaac to return the favor. He did not want the wrath of GOD on him so they made a covenant. He watched Isaac and saw the he was indeed “blessed of the LORD.”

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about this conversation?
• Do you believe that you are being watched by more people than you think?
• What example of GOD are you setting to people you don’t even know are watching you?

Blessings Upon Blessings

Blessings Upon Blessings

Genesis 26: ¹² Then Isaac sowed in that land, and reaped in the same year a hundredfold; and the Lord blessed him. ¹³ The man began to prosper, and continued prospering until he became very prosperous; ¹⁴ for he had possessions of flocks and possessions of herds and a great number of servants. So the Philistines envied him. ¹⁵ Now the Philistines had stopped up all the wells which his father’s servants had dug in the days of Abraham his father, and they had filled them with earth. ¹⁶ And Abimelech said to Isaac, “Go away from us, for you are much mightier than we.”

 

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Isaac stayed in the area that had a famine which was in the land of the Philistines in Gerar. There he was able to plant in fields. Supernaturally, his fields grew faster and more plentiful than anyone else’s.

 

My Observations:

• GOD blessed Isaac because HE promised HE would.
• Isaac did not do anything special, BUT GOD did.
• Abimelech became a hater because Isaac was blessed.

 

Seeing Isaac prosper made the Philistines jealous. Isaac followed in his father’s footsteps by believing and trusting in the LORD. I believe it was JESUS who met Isaac and told him to “Dwell in this land, and I will be with you and bless you.”  HE did as HE said.

 

Blessings kept coming towards Isaac. Crowds flocked to him and soon he was growing stronger than the Philistines. Following GOD was attractive to people. Abimelech knew that the way of the Philistines was being threatened. He sent Isaac away before war broke out. GOD blessed Isaac tremendously!

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about blessing Isaac?
• Has GOD kept you all these years?
• Will you praise GOD for all the blessings HE has given you and will continue to give you?

Obedient Blessings

Obedient Blessings

Genesis 26: There was a famine in the land, besides the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines, in Gerar.

 

² Then the Lord appeared to him and said: “Do not go down to Egypt; live in the land of which I shall tell you. ³ Dwell in this land, and I will be with you and bless you; for to you and your descendants I give all these lands, and I will perform the oath which I swore to Abraham your father. ⁴ And I will make your descendants multiply as the stars of heaven; I will give to your descendants all these lands; and in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed; ⁵ because Abraham obeyed My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws.”

 

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A second famine in history was wiping out all food. Like Abraham, Isaac went to the king, looking for answers. He may have wondered if there was a plan that could warrant him moving to Gerar. BUT GOD appeared to HIM.

 

My Observations:

• GOD caused a second famine.
• GOD told Isaac to stay away from Egypt unlike what HE allowed Abraham to do.
• GOD spoke to Abraham through HIS voice, providing HIS charge, HIS commandments, HIS statutes and HIS laws.

 

Laws? What laws? Commands? What commands? Before Moses, Abraham was given information to live according to the LORD. I believe it was JESUS who delivered the message regarding how to live a Godly life to Abraham.

 

He obeyed everything told to him and was not manipulated into doing so. Many humans have tried to manipulate GOD’s words today. But Abraham heard directly from the LORD so he received full truth. Isaac followed in Abraham’s footsteps. His obedience to GOD would bring him blessings.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD mention the second famine and Abraham’s prior obedience, to Moses?
• Have you ever struggled obeying GOD?
• Is obedience to GOD something that is valuable or a barrier to you?

Untainted Relationship

 Untainted Relationship

Genesis 21: ³² 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.  ³³ Then Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there called on the name of the Lord, the Everlasting God. ³⁴ And Abraham stayed in the land of the Philistines many days.

 

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Growing up in the land of the Chaldeans, Abraham learned the ways of a group that was on the move. He learned how to protect sheep and cattle from wild animals and thieves. But this was his father’s choice of residence. GOD told Abraham to move to a place where HE would show him. Abraham obeyed without question.

 

He ended up in a land that had a famine. He went to Egypt to avoid the famine. There he was given Hagar who later birthed him a son at the request of his wife Sarah. Abraham saw Sodom and Gomorrah get destroyed. He moved to Gerar where he settled amongst a group of people known for taking what they wanted, when they wanted.

 

My Observations:

• No place that Abraham moved was ideal, yet GOD was with him.
• Abraham lived around people who would lie and steal, yet Abraham’s relationship with GOD remained the same.
• Abraham settled down in a place that did not follow GOD, but he did.

 

Having a relationship with GOD was not dependent on the people around Abraham. He seemed untainted by their actions and followed GOD anyway. Most people would probably fold and follow the surrounding culture. By following GOD, the leaders came to him asking to be protected from GOD’s wrath.

 

They had seen what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah and knew Abraham was special. They would not change their ways, nor would Abraham change his. He would follow GOD until he died.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD mention the “land of the Philistines” to Moses so many times?
• Have you ever been in a place where you were the only follower of GOD?
• Can you follow GOD without letting your surroundings cause you to fear, falter or fall?

Perfect Witness

Perfect Witness

Genesis 21: ²⁵ Then Abraham rebuked Abimelech because of a well of water which Abimelech’s servants had seized. ²⁶ And Abimelech said, “I do not know who has done this thing; you did not tell me, nor had I heard of it until today.” ²⁷ So Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them to Abimelech, and the two of them made a covenant. ²⁸ And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.

 

²⁹ Then Abimelech asked Abraham, “What is the meaning of these seven ewe lambs which you have set by themselves?”

 

³⁰ And he said, “You will take these seven ewe lambs from my hand, that they may be my witness that I have dug this well.” ³¹ Therefore he called that place Beersheba, because the two of them swore an oath there.

 

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After Abraham swore to never lie to Abimelech, he raised a concern that a well he dug was confiscated. Abimelech’s servants watched Abraham’s servants dig a well. When it was complete, they bullied their way in and took the well. Abraham wanted to live peacefully, so he approached Abimelech.

 

My Observations:

• In Revelation, GOD revealed HE has seven Spirits, which could mean completeness.
• GOD may have been the reason Abraham chose seven ewe lambs to be his witness.
• Ewe lambs are young female sheep, which could create an entire flock for Abimelech.

 

Seven seems to be perfection in GOD’s eyes. Abraham gave a perfect gift. Each time Abimelech would look at his flock, he would be able to remember where it came from and leave Abraham alone and at peace.

 

Abimelech’s servants would need to be told to stay away from Abraham. Abraham did as Abimelech did by giving sheep and oxen. It seemed more of a sign of peace than a bribe. Abraham and Abimelech made a covenant to not fight, but live together in peace.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD consider this conversation as significant enough to tell Moses?
• Have you ever given someone a gift of peace that will remind him or her of your resolution?
• Are you able to bring GOD’s peace to your argument or difficult situation today?

 

Hello reader, this is my daily quiet time with the LORD. Please feel free to read this and share it with someone who may need the message. I am going verse by verse through the Bible, attempting to understand it for application in my life. Here are all the messages. https://honordevotional.blogspot.com/

Recognized Relationship

Recognized Relationship

Genesis 21: ²² And it came to pass at that time that Abimelech and Phichol, the commander of his army, spoke to Abraham, saying, “God is with you in all that you do. ²³ Now therefore, swear to me by God that you will not deal falsely with me, with my offspring, or with my posterity; but that according to the kindness that I have done to you, you will do to me and to the land in which you have dwelt.”

 

²⁴ And Abraham said, “I will swear.”

 

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After GOD’s promise had been delivered, Abimelech and Phichol realized that Abraham had some help. They saw the women become barren because of Sarah’s captivity and healed when she was released. Instead of turning to GOD, they made a deal with Abraham.

 

My Observations:

• Abimelech recognized Abraham’s relationship with GOD, but in the context of human power.
• Abimelech thought long-term by making a covenant with Abraham.
• Abimelech probably heard about what happened to Sodom and Gomorrah and wanted to make sure that it did not happen to his city.

 

Leaders recognize power and Abimelech was no exception. He saw Abraham’s relationship with GOD and probably wanted to keep his kingdom intact, regardless of the belief. He made Abraham swear to GOD that he would not deal falsely with him or anyone related to him. Abimelech probably was used to dealing with lying political leaders, so he brought his guard with him to show that he was willing to use force if necessary.

 

Abraham agreed easily to not lying to Abimelech. He followed GOD so he had nothing to lose. Abraham was blessed by his relationship with GOD and people could see the protection. GOD watched over Abraham and his family.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD include this conversation between Abimelech and Abraham to Moses?
• Have you ever seen someone who had a close relationship with GOD get blessed and protected, even through difficulties?
• Do people see your relationship with GOD and recognize HIS power through your life?

 

Trying to Pay for Wrong

Trying to Pay for Wrong

Genesis 20: ¹⁴ Then Abimelech took sheep, oxen, and male and female servants, and gave them to Abraham; and he restored Sarah his wife to him. ¹⁵ And Abimelech said, “See, my land is before you; dwell where it pleases you.” ¹⁶ Then to Sarah he said, “Behold, I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver; indeed this vindicates you before all who are with you and before everybody.” Thus she was rebuked.

 

¹⁷ So Abraham prayed to God; and God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female servants. Then they bore children; ¹⁸ for the Lord had closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife.

 

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Havilah was a place that had gold and precious or rare stones on it. Adam and Eve could visit this place to see something different, but they may have thought nothing more than “wow, this is beautiful.” But when Satan caused them to fall, humans were taken out of the Garden of Eden. When the flood happened, the Garden was washed away. But precious stones remained and were scattered all over the earth.

 

People may have searched for these unique stones and metals because of their rarity. Abimelech had silver, a slightly more common metal, and he offered it to Abraham as a way of trade. He knew he had done something wrong, so he gave animals, people and silver.

 

My Observations:

• Silver was mentioned for the second time here, where the first mention was with Abraham.
• Currency seemed to have gotten started and trading people, animals and precious stones had become the norm.
• Abimelech thought he could pay for his wrong through his vast supply of people, animals, land, and precious stones.

 

Sarah remained untouched, but may have been in captivity for over a year. Living in the king’s house, she may have been treated well, but was not with Abraham. During that time, no woman in Gerar could have a child because of Sarah. GOD made all the women barren.  Abraham may have regularly tried to convince Abimelech to let Sarah go, but he may have refused.

 

But after a while he begged Abraham to take Sarah back. He paid, what he thought was, a heavy price for her to Abraham. A thousand pieces of silver for Sarah and only thirty was offered for JESUS.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about the conversation between Abimelech and Sarah?
• Have you ever done something wrong and thought you could pay GOD off by giving to a church or by sinning less?
• Have you considered that GOD owns everything you own and JESUS paid for your sins with HIS life?

Not Acting Like It

Not Acting Like It

Genesis 20: ⁸ So Abimelech rose early in the morning, called all his servants, and told all these things in their hearing; and the men were very much afraid. ⁹ And Abimelech called Abraham and said to him, “What have you done to us? How have I offended you, that you have brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? You have done deeds to me that ought not to be done.” ¹⁰ Then Abimelech said to Abraham, “What did you have in view, that you have done this thing?”

 

¹¹ And Abraham said, “Because I thought, surely the fear of God is not in this place; and they will kill me on account of my wife. ¹² But indeed she is truly my sister. She is the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother; and she became my wife. ¹³ And it came to pass, when God caused me to wander from my father’s house, that I said to her, ‘This is your kindness that you should do for me: in every place, wherever we go, say of me, “He is my brother.” ’ ”

 

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After his encounter with GOD, Abimelech got up “early” in the morning, bringing “all” his servants with him to talk with the men. A town hall meeting was brought together to hear what GOD said to Abimelech. When everyone heard what was said, they became afraid. Abimelech was young and the king.

 

My Observations:

• Abimelech heard from GOD that Abraham was a prophet and Sarah was protected by HIM.
• Abraham had not lied, in Egypt or in Gerar when he said Sarah was his sister.
• Abraham feared, by the actions of the people, that Sarah would be taken

 

It seemed that women were more desirable if they were married to someone. Kings would take the best for themselves and his henchmen would take the rest. This city seemed to be doing the same. They did not seem to fear GOD in any way.

 

Abraham finally came out with the truth about Sarah. Her father was Terah, Abraham’s father. But she had a different mother. He feared being killed because the men of that city acted like they would commit murder to take the wife, permanently. GOD intervened to protect Sarah.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think Abraham tells the truth about Sarah to Abimelech and not to the Pharoah of Egypt?
• Have you ever gone through so much that you realized the truth is the best way?
• Are you acting like you belong to CHRIST who is all knowing and all powerful?