Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Abraham set apart seven ewe lambs from the flock, New Living Translation But Abraham also took seven additional female lambs and set them off by themselves. English Standard Version Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock apart. Berean Standard Bible Abraham separated seven ewe lambs from the flock, King James Bible And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves. New King James Version And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves. New American Standard Bible But Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves. NASB 1995 Then Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves. NASB 1977 Then Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves. Legacy Standard Bible Then Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves. Amplified Bible Then Abraham set apart seven ewe lambs of the flock, Christian Standard Bible Abraham separated seven ewe lambs from the flock. Holman Christian Standard Bible Abraham separated seven ewe lambs from the flock. American Standard Version And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves. Contemporary English Version Abraham separated seven female lambs from his flock of sheep, English Revised Version And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves. GOD'S WORD® Translation Then Abraham set apart seven female lambs from the flock. Good News Translation Abraham separated seven lambs from his flock, International Standard Version Then Abraham set aside seven ewe lambs, Majority Standard Bible Abraham separated seven ewe lambs from the flock, NET Bible Then Abraham set seven ewe lambs apart from the flock by themselves. New Heart English Bible Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves. Webster's Bible Translation And Abraham set seven ewe-lambs of the flock by themselves. World English Bible Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionand Abraham sets seven lambs of the flock by themselves. Young's Literal Translation and Abraham setteth seven Lambs of the flock by themselves. Smith's Literal Translation And Abraham set, seven ewe lambs of the sheep alone. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleAnd Abraham set apart seven ewe lambs of the flock. Catholic Public Domain Version And Abraham set aside seven female lambs from the flock. New American Bible Abraham also set apart seven ewe lambs of the flock, New Revised Standard Version Abraham set apart seven ewe lambs of the flock. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleAnd Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Abraham set seven ewes of sheep by themselves. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917And Abraham set seven ewe-lambs of the flock by themselves. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Abraam set seven ewe-lambs by themselves. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context The Covenant at Beersheba…27So Abraham brought sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelech, and the two men made a covenant. 28Abraham separated seven ewe lambs from the flock, 29and Abimelech asked him, “Why have you set apart these seven ewe lambs?”… Cross References Genesis 15:9-10 And the LORD said to him, “Bring Me a heifer, a goat, and a ram, each three years old, along with a turtledove and a young pigeon.” / So Abram brought all these to Him, split each of them down the middle, and laid the halves opposite each other. The birds, however, he did not cut in half. Genesis 31:44-54 Come now, let us make a covenant, you and I, and let it serve as a witness between you and me.” / So Jacob picked out a stone and set it up as a pillar, / and he said to his relatives, “Gather some stones.” So they took stones and made a mound, and there by the mound they ate. ... Exodus 12:3-5 Tell the whole congregation of Israel that on the tenth day of this month each man must select a lamb for his family, one per household. / If the household is too small for a whole lamb, they are to share with the nearest neighbor based on the number of people, and apportion the lamb accordingly. / Your lamb must be an unblemished year-old male, and you may take it from the sheep or the goats. Leviticus 1:10 If, however, one’s offering is a burnt offering from the flock—from the sheep or goats—he is to present an unblemished male. Deuteronomy 17:1 You shall not sacrifice to the LORD your God an ox or a sheep with any defect or serious flaw, for that is detestable to the LORD your God. 1 Samuel 18:4 And Jonathan removed the robe he was wearing and gave it to David, along with his tunic, his sword, his bow, and his belt. 2 Samuel 24:24 “No,” replied the king, “I insist on paying a price, for I will not offer to the LORD my God burnt offerings that cost me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for fifty shekels of silver. 1 Kings 8:63 And Solomon offered as peace offerings to the LORD 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep. So the king and all the Israelites dedicated the house of the LORD. 2 Chronicles 7:5 And King Solomon offered a sacrifice of 22,000 oxen and 120,000 sheep. So the king and all the people dedicated the house of God. Isaiah 53:7 He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth. He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth. Jeremiah 34:18-19 And those who have transgressed My covenant and have not fulfilled the terms of the covenant they made before Me, I will treat like the calf they cut in two in order to pass between its pieces. / The officials of Judah and Jerusalem, the court officials, the priests, and all the people of the land who passed between the pieces of the calf, Ezekiel 45:15 And one sheep shall be given from each flock of two hundred from the well-watered pastures of Israel. These are for the grain offerings, burnt offerings, and peace offerings, to make atonement for the people, declares the Lord GOD. Hosea 6:6 For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings. Matthew 5:23-24 So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, / leave your gift there before the altar. First go and be reconciled to your brother; then come and offer your gift. Matthew 26:28 This is My blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. Treasury of Scripture And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves. Jump to Previous Abraham Apart Ewe Ewe-Lambs Flock Lambs Seven Side Themselves YoungJump to Next Abraham Apart Ewe Ewe-Lambs Flock Lambs Seven Side Themselves YoungGenesis 21 1. Isaac is born, and circumcised.6. Sarah's joy. 8. Isaac is weaned. 9. Hagar and Ishmael sent away. 15. Hagar in distress. 17. The angel relieves and comforts her. 23. Abimelech's covenant with Abraham at Beersheba. Abraham separated seven ewe lambs from the flock *Abraham separated*: This action signifies a deliberate and intentional act by Abraham. In the cultural context of the ancient Near East, separating animals from a flock was a common practice for making offerings or establishing covenants. Abraham's separation of the lambs is a symbolic gesture, indicating a formal agreement or treaty. This act is part of the covenant-making process with Abimelech, the king of Gerar, highlighting the importance of clear and intentional actions in agreements. *seven ewe lambs*: The number seven in biblical terms often symbolizes completeness or perfection. The use of seven ewe lambs here may indicate the completeness of the covenant between Abraham and Abimelech. Ewe lambs, being female, were valuable for their ability to produce more sheep, thus representing a significant and generous gift. This act of giving seven lambs can be seen as a peace offering, ensuring goodwill and trust between the two parties. The number seven also connects to the creation narrative, where God completed His work in seven days, further emphasizing the idea of completeness. *from the flock*: The flock represents Abraham's wealth and God's blessing upon him. In the pastoral and agrarian society of the time, livestock was a primary measure of wealth and prosperity. By taking from his own flock, Abraham demonstrates his willingness to share his blessings and resources to maintain peace and establish a lasting covenant. This act of giving from his own flock can be seen as a reflection of God's provision and faithfulness to Abraham, as well as Abraham's role as a steward of God's blessings. Persons / Places / Events 1. AbrahamThe patriarch of the Israelites, chosen by God to be the father of many nations. In this passage, he is making a covenant with Abimelech. 2. Abimelech The king of Gerar, who interacts with Abraham regarding a well of water that Abraham had dug, leading to a covenant between them. 3. Beersheba The location where Abraham and Abimelech make their covenant. It becomes a significant place in biblical history, often associated with oaths and covenants. 4. Seven Ewe Lambs These lambs are set apart by Abraham as a witness to the covenant he makes with Abimelech, symbolizing his rightful claim to the well. 5. Covenant A formal agreement or treaty between two parties. In this context, it is a peace treaty between Abraham and Abimelech, ensuring mutual respect and rights. Teaching Points The Importance of CovenantsCovenants are sacred and binding agreements that require sincerity and commitment. As believers, we are called to honor our commitments, whether they are with God or with others. Symbolism in Scripture The use of seven ewe lambs signifies completeness and perfection in biblical numerology. This teaches us to pay attention to the symbolic meanings in Scripture, which often convey deeper spiritual truths. Peaceful Resolutions Abraham's approach to resolving the dispute over the well with Abimelech highlights the importance of seeking peaceful and fair resolutions in conflicts, a principle that is applicable in our personal and communal lives. Witness to Truth The seven ewe lambs serve as a witness to the truth of Abraham's claim. In our lives, we should strive to live in such a way that our actions bear witness to the truth of our faith and integrity. Legacy of Faith Abraham's actions set a precedent for future generations, including his son Isaac. Our actions and decisions can have lasting impacts on those who come after us, encouraging us to live faithfully and righteously.(28) Seven ewe lambs.--The word in Hebrew for swearing is a passive verb, literally signifying "to be sevened," that is, done or confirmed by seven. In this ancient narrative we see a covenant actually thus made binding. Seven ewe lambs are picked out and placed by themselves, and by accepting these Abimelech bound himself to acknowledge and respect Abraham's title to the well. Apparently this manner of ratifying an oath was unknown to the Philistines, as Abimelech asks, "What mean these seven ewe lambs?" but it is equally possible that this question was dictated by the rules of Oriental courtesy. When Abraham had picked out the lambs, it became Abimelech's duty to ask what was the purpose of the act, which was then explained, and as soon as the lambs were accepted, the ratification was complete,Verses 28-30. - And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves (designing by another covenant to secure himself against future invasion of Isis rights). And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What mean these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set by themselves? And he said, For these seven ewe lambs shalt thou take of my hand, that they may be a witness unto me, - that this peculiar kind of oath never occurs again in Old Testament history is no proof of the mythical character of the narrative (Bohlen); on the contrary, "that the custom existed in primitive Hebrew times is shown by the word נִשְׁבַּע, which had early passed into the language, and which would be inexplicable without the existence of such a custom" (Havernick) - that I have digged this well. Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Abrahamאַבְרָהָ֗ם (’aḇ·rā·hām) Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 85: Abraham -- 'exalted father', the father of the Jewish nation separated וַיַּצֵּ֣ב (way·yaṣ·ṣêḇ) Conjunctive waw | Verb - Hifil - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 5324: To take one's stand, stand seven שֶׁ֛בַע (še·ḇa‘) Number - feminine singular Strong's 7651: Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number ewe lambs כִּבְשֹׂ֥ת (kiḇ·śōṯ) Noun - feminine plural construct Strong's 3535: Ewe lamb from the flock, הַצֹּ֖אן (haṣ·ṣōn) Article | Noun - common singular Strong's 6629: Small cattle, sheep and goats, flock Links Genesis 21:28 NIVGenesis 21:28 NLT Genesis 21:28 ESV Genesis 21:28 NASB Genesis 21:28 KJV Genesis 21:28 BibleApps.com Genesis 21:28 Biblia Paralela Genesis 21:28 Chinese Bible Genesis 21:28 French Bible Genesis 21:28 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 21:28 Abraham set seven ewe lambs (Gen. Ge Gn) |
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