Genesis 21:22-33 “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 before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or descendants. Show to me and to the country in which you reside the same kindness that I have shown to you.”
And Abraham replied, “I swear it.”
But when Abraham complained to Abimelech about a well that Abimelech’s servants had seized, Abimelech replied, “I do not know who has done this. You did not tell me, so I have not heard about it until today.”
So Abraham brought sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelech, and the two men made a covenant. Abraham separated seven ewe lambs from the flock, and Abimelech asked him, “Why have you set apart these seven ewe lambs?”
He replied, “You are to accept the seven ewe lambs from my hand as my witness that I dug this well.” So that place was called Beersheba, (well of the seven) because it was there that the two of them swore an oath. 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.
And Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called upon the name of the LORD, the Eternal God. And Abraham resided in the land of the Philistines for a long time.”
Remember Abimelech, King of Gerar, who nearly added Sarah to his harem until God warned him not to in a dream? After God warned Abimelech, he paid Abraham 1,000 pieces of silver, plus giving him manservants, maidservants, and all kinds of livestock. Abimelech opened his land to Abraham, inviting him to live anywhere Abraham wished. Ever since that incident, Abimelech has been watching Abraham very closely to see if Abraham is actually a man of integrity. Because Abimelech is thoroughly impressed, he comes to Abraham along with Phicol, the commander of his army. Abimelech tells Abraham, “God is with you in all that you do. Now, therefore, swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or descendants. Show to me and to the country in which you reside the same kindness that I have shown to you.” Abraham gives his word to deal fairly with Abimelech, his family, and his country.
Now it is Abraham’s turn. In a country where water is scarce, Abraham has dug a well, only for Abimelech’s servants to seize it. Abimelech is appalled; here he is making a covenant with Abraham and his servants are creating problems. Now Abraham gives Abimelech seven ewe lambs in witness that Abraham has dug this well. The two men call the well Beersheba, or the well of the seven. Abraham also plants a tamarisk tree near the well as a second monument and worships God there. With honor being satisfied on both sides, King Abimelech returns to the land of the Philistines and Abraham remains near Beersheba.
This short story illustrates the success of two outstanding leaders to achieve peace despite a regrettable action by Abimelech’s servants. While Abraham is not a king, he is very wealthy and powerful. After watching Abraham for some time, Abimelech has decided that Abraham truly is an honorable man, one who will fulfill any covenant into which he has entered. As a ruler with foresight, Abimelech wants to have Abraham and his descendants on his side.
Notice how Abraham handles the problem of the well. Abraham allows Abimelech to state his case and pledges loyalty. Only then does Abraham complain about Abimelech’s servants seizing the well dug by Abraham’s servants. Abraham makes a concession before he lays a complaint. Many of us would have complained before we did anything else, offending Abimelech in the process. Next, Abraham gives Abimelech a very handsome present, seven choice ewe lambs that Abimelech can add to his flocks. Even though Abraham is actually the offended party, he takes the initiative to make peace.
How can Abraham take the initiative to make peace? Abraham worships God and trusts Him. Because Abraham has trusted God, God has given Abraham a miracle, a son in his old age. Abraham is more concerned about preserving peace than in proving who is right or who is more virtuous. Abimelech has taken the step to come to Abraham, and Abraham wants to demonstrate his appreciation. Abraham is wise enough not to sweat the small stuff.
Many times, the problems that assail us aren’t big ones; it’s just that there are so many of them. Someone has described such experiences as “being stoned to death with popcorn.” Trivial problems, small stuff, can still become overwhelming, plucking on your last nerve. But there is a very wise test to apply to the things that irritate you: will you remember this in five years? If you won’t remember this problem in five years, it’s not worth wasting energy worrying about it now. Solve problems, but refuse to sweat the small stuff. Isaiah 26:3 tells us, “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Abraham could handle complicated relationships with local rulers because he worshiped regularly and continued to ask God for guidance.
PRAYER: Father God, thank You for loving us and for caring for us. Lord, many of us are struggling to relate to family members, work colleagues, and others. Please guide us and give us Your peace so that we will also bring peace to these relationships. In the mighty and precious Name of King Jesus. Amen.
Burunche's Blog 
Leave a comment