God’s Faithfulness Despite Relapse – Part 3 (Genesis 20:1-18; 21:22-34)

“At that time Abimelek and Phicol the commander of his forces said to Abraham, “God is with you in everything you do.” (Genesis 21:22, NIV)

The inspired historian records the birth of Isaac after the debacle with Abimelek.  But there is one more segment in the Abraham, Abimelek story before we deal with the birth of Isaac.  Not only did Abimelek recognize that Abraham was a prophet but he also recognized that Abraham was fearfully more powerful than he -- because he had God on his side.  So to protect his interests he comes to Abraham to establish a treaty.

“Now swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or my descendants. Show to me and the country where you now reside as a foreigner the same kindness I have shown to you.” Abraham said, “I swear it.”” (Genesis 21:23–24, NIV)

"Abraham and Abimelech make a covenant to deal honestly with each other (vv. 23–24). Abraham originally dealt falsely with Abimelech by telling him that Sarah was his sister." [1] But now they promise to tell the truth.  So in keeping with that, and to make sure the slate is clean, Abraham brings up an issue of contention.  Abraham had to confront Abimelek about a well Abimelek's servants had seized.  Abimelek responded to Abraham that he wasn't aware of the problem. So they went ahead and made a covenant.

"The oaths were in God’s name . . . By accepting the gift, Abimelech was obliged to acknowledge Abraham’s right to the well. The covenant had to be ratified by witnesses and oaths (v. 31) . . . The planting of this small tree in the Negev probably served as a landmark of God’s grace, a pledge that Abraham would stay in the land, and perhaps as a symbol of God’s shading presence." [2]

It was there that "called there on the name of the LORD, the Everlasting God." [3] That is El Olam in Hebrew. "The everlasting God would be 'a logical epithet of a Deity called upon to support a formal treaty … expected to be valid for all time'" [4] Later, the prophet Isaiah would record these words:

“Do you not know? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.” (Isaiah 40:28, NIV).

Elmer Towns comments that by calling on God as El Olam, Abraham was calling on the One Who is always and eternally available to us....People today need just such a God as the eternal, unchangeable Lord, El Olam. [5]

• Brenton Brown & Ken Riley [6] co-wrote this popular song, sung by Chris Tomlin:

Strength will rise as we wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord
We will wait upon the Lord

Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary

Our God, You reign forever
Our hope, our Strong Deliverer
You are the everlasting God
The everlasting God
You do not faint
You won't grow weary

You're the defender of the weak
You comfort those in need
You lift us up on wings like eagles

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1. Barry, J. D., Heiser, M. S., Custis, M., Mangum, D., & Whitehead, M. M. (2012). Faithlife Study Bible (Ge 21:22–34). Bellingham, WA: Logos Bible Software.  

2. Whitlock, L. G., Sproul, R. C., Waltke, B. K., & Silva, M. (1995). The Reformation study Bible: Bringing the light of the Reformation to Scripture: New King James Version (Ge 21:23–33). Nashville: T. Nelson.

3.  The Holy Bible: English Standard Version. 2001 (Ge 21:33–34). Wheaton: Standard Bible Society.

4. KJV Bible Commentary. 1994 (E. E. Hindson & W. M. Kroll, Ed.) (60). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.

5. http://www.preceptaustin.org/el_olam-everlasting_god.htm

6. 2005 Thankyou Music (Admin. by EMI Christian Music Publishing)