Abimelech's Treaty: Genesis 21:22-24
People remember how we treat them. Most are willing to overlook small social gaffes and personality quirks. If we treat people harshly enough – sometimes even once – they may become cautious around us and perhaps lose trust completely. It is easy to understand why God calls us to love others. When our default position is one of love, we demonstrate our concern for others and give them reason to trust.
Abimelech comes to Abraham to make a treaty. The name Abimelech is a title and not a proper name. Abimelech is a Philistine title that means “My father is king.” It is a title that speaks to a person’s inherent right to rule. It is a title that constantly reminds the rest of the Philistines that the person who bears the title comes from a line of worthy people.
This might explain why Abimelech comes to Abraham. This Abimelech may not be the same Abimelech as in the prior story or even future stories. It could be that the prior Abimelech died, his son took over, embraced the title Abimelech, and then came to Abraham to establish a covenant for himself. In this case, it speaks to the blessing of God that rests upon Abraham as his prosperity and reputation grows.
Regardless of whether this is a new Abimelech or the same Abimelech as the prior chapter, Abimelech’s words speak loudly. Abimelech acknowledges Abraham’s God is strong. In fact, Abimelech says “God is with you.” He doesn’t say “Your God;” he also doesn’t say “My God.” Abimelech acknowledges the presence of God and acknowledges the importance of God’s blessing in Abraham’s life.
Abimelech also tells Abraham that the point of the covenant is to make sure that Abraham doesn’t treat Abimelech unfairly. This request lends credence to the idea that this Abimelech may be the son of the Abimelech in the prior story. If this is a new Abimelech, the treaty between the prior king of Gerar and Abraham would need to be revisited.
The process of remembering Abraham’s covenant demonstrates something about Abraham’s reputation. Abimelech is concerned about being treated unfairly. Abraham’s past dealings have given him the reputation of someone who is willing to lie to get what he wants. The last time Abimelech and Abraham had dealings, Abraham’s lie caused strife between Abimelech and God.
This story reminds us about the impact our actions have on our reputation. Abraham is a friend of God. Generally speaking, Abraham follows God’s guidance and remembers His commands. There are certainly kings in Canaan who consider Abraham a friend and who readily make agreements with him, but the perspective of the kings of Gerar is not quite so assured. They understand God is with Abraham, but they also understand that Abraham has an issue with fear and lies. They feel it necessary to get reassurance from Abraham that he will not deal unfairly. People remember how we treat them.
