Genesis 21:22-23
This page isn't yet indexed by search engines.
This statement from Abimelech isn't just flattery; it's a direct acknowledgment that Abraham's success isn't due to his own skill alone. It reveals a keen observation that Abraham’s prosperity and actions are divinely influenced, prompting the king to seek a formal pact based on this divine favor.
At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army said to Abraham, “God is with you in all that you do. Now therefore swear to me here by God that you will not deal falsely with me or with my descendants or with my posterity, but as I have dealt kindly with you, so you will deal with me and with the land where you have sojourned.”
English Standard Version (ESV)
Just after Abraham has sent away Hagar and Ishmael, the king of the land, Abimelech, and his military commander Phicol approach Abraham. They recognize that God is clearly with Abraham, evidenced by his extraordinary success and prosperity. This leads them to propose a formal covenant, seeking security and peace with this powerful man and the God he serves.
Imagine a powerful leader, not of your faith, approaching you and saying, 'God is with you.' That's exactly what happened to Abraham. What does it mean when those outside God's people recognize His hand?
This encounter with King Abimelech and his commander Phicol is remarkable because it's unsolicited. They aren't Abraham’s followers; they're pagan rulers.
A Foreign King's Observation
Abimelech and Phicol didn't just see Abraham's faith; they saw the results of his faith. What tangible signs did they point to?
Ask a follow-up
The leaders of Gerar didn't base their conclusion on abstract theology. They pointed to the observable evidence of God's involvement in Abraham's life.
Visible Blessings
Understand the original words
shaba · Hebrew Verb
A covenantal or contractual arrangement between individuals or groups, often sealed by an oath, involving mutual obligations and pledges of loyalty.
Elohim · Hebrew Noun
The supreme Being, the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, who enters into personal relationship and covenant with His people.
shaqar · Hebrew Verb
To act treacherously or deceitfully; it implies a failure to maintain covenantal integrity or to keep one's word.
chesed · Hebrew Noun
Loving-kindness, covenant loyalty, or steadfast love; a profound, active commitment to another, often used to describe God's faithful devotion to His people.
gur · Hebrew Verb
To dwell temporarily or reside as a foreigner/alien in a land that is not one's ancestral home; it emphasizes the transient, pilgrim nature of life on earth.
c. 2000 BC
Abimelech's first encounter with Abraham
King Abimelech of Gerar encounters Abraham, who falsely claims Sarah is his sister out of fear. God warns Abimelech in a dream, and Abraham offers sacrifices and prays for the king and his household, leading to their healing.
c. 1995 BC
Birth of Isaac
Sarah, miraculously conceives and gives birth to Isaac in her old age, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham.
c. 1993 BC
Expulsion of Hagar and Ishmael
Following Isaac's weaning and Ishmael's mockery of him, Sarah insists Abraham banish Hagar and Ishmael. God comforts Hagar and promises to make Ishmael a great nation.
c. 1993 BC— this verse
Covenant at Beersheba
Abimelech and his commander Phicol approach Abraham, acknowledging God's presence with him, and propose a treaty. Abraham agrees, securing his rights to a well and establishing a lasting peace.
This passage directly links to the events surrounding Genesis 21:22, where Abimelech acknowledges God's presence with Abraham after God had warned him in a dream not to touch Sarah.
Joshua 1:9This verse echoes the sentiment of divine presence as a source of strength and success, commanding Joshua to be strong and courageous because the Lord his God would be with him, just as God was with Abraham.
1 Samuel 16:18In this passage, David is described as someone with whom the Lord is present and prospering, similar to how Abimelech perceives Abraham's success as a sign of God's favor.
Psalm 1:1-3This psalm describes the blessedness of the one who meditates on God's law and prospers in all they do, paralleling Abimelech's observation that Abraham was successful in everything because God was with him.
Matthew 1:23The prophecy that Jesus would be called Immanuel, meaning 'God with us,' highlights the ultimate fulfillment of God's presence with His people, a truth Abraham experienced in a tangible way.
gillGenesis 21:22: "And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest:"
And it came to pass at that time,.... Not when Ishmael was grown up and married, but when Isaac was weaned and Ishmael was expelled: that Abimelech, and Phichol, the chief captain of his host, spake unto Abraham; Abimelech was king of Gerar, the same that is spoken of in the preceding chapter, and Phichol was the general…
cambridgeGenesis 21:22: "And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest:"
22–34 (E, J). The Covenant between Abraham and Abimelech at Beer-sheba 22 . Abimelech ] This passage seems to be a continuation of chap. 20. Phicol the captain of his host ] For this title, cf. 1 Samuel 14:50 ; 2 Samuel 2:8 (where it is applied to Abner); Genesis 24:2 (to Joab). It shews that Abimelech was a petty king o…
This statement from Abimelech isn't just flattery; it's a direct acknowledgment that Abraham's success isn't due to his own skill alone. It reveals a keen observation that Abraham’s prosperity and actions are divinely influenced, prompting the king to seek a formal pact based on this divine favor.
Just after Abraham has sent away Hagar and Ishmael, the king of the land, Abimelech, and his military commander Phicol approach Abraham. They recognize that God is clearly with Abraham, evidenced by his extraordinary success and prosperity. This leads them to propose a formal covenant, seeking security and peace with this powerful man and the God he serves.
Just after Abraham has sent away Hagar and Ishmael, the king of the land, Abimelech, and his military commander Phicol approach Abraham. They recognize that God is clearly with Abraham, evidenced by his extraordinary success and prosperity. This leads them to propose a formal covenant, seeking security and peace with this powerful man and the God he serves.
"At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army said to Abraham, “God is with you in all that you do. Now therefore swear to me here by God that you will not deal falsely with me or with my descendants or with my posterity, but…" — This statement from Abimelech isn't just flattery; it's a direct acknowledgment that Abraham's success isn't due to his own skill alone. It reveals a keen observation that Abraham’s prosperity and ac…
Get the original Greek and Hebrew, verse-by-verse context, and related passages inside the app.
Last reviewed October 2026
