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?

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?