And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water, which Abimelech’s servants had violently taken away.
25. Abraham reproved ] Disputes about wells are some of the most common causes of strife among the Bedouin tribes. Abraham’s complaint is that his servants had dug wells; that Abimelech’s servants had taken violent possession of them; that there had been no redress. The occasion of the treaty favoured a settlement of the dispute.
The verbs in Gen 21:25-26 are best rendered as frequentatives = “as often as Abraham complained to Abimelech, Abimelech used to reply he was entirely ignorant.” Gesen. Hebr. Gr. 112 rr.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Verse 25. Abraham reproved Abimelech] Wells were of great consequence in those hot countries, and especially where the flocks were numerous, because the water was scarce, and digging to find it was accompanied with much expense of time and labour.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
That the foundation of true friendship might be firmly laid, and the peace inviolably observed, he removes an impediment to it, an occasion of quarrel and just exception on Abrahams part.
A well of water in those hot and dry countries was of great esteem and necessity. Compare Gen 26:19-21; Jdg 1:15. Besides, a well may be put for wells, as the Greeks render it, and as may seem probable by comparing this with Gen 26:15,18; it being an ordinary thing to use the singular number for the plural, as hath been showed. See Gen 3:2; 4:20.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
25-31. And Abraham reprovedAbimelech because of a wellWells were of great importance to apastoral chief and on the successful operation of sinking a new one,the owner was solemnly informed in person. If, however, they wereallowed to get out of repair, the restorer acquired a right to them.In unoccupied lands the possession of wells gave a right of propertyin the land, and dread of this had caused the offense for whichAbraham reproved Abimelech. Some describe four, others five, wells inBeer-sheba.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water,…. Before he swore and entered into covenant with him, he thought it advisable to inform him of an affair that had happened concerning a well of water, which in those hot and dry countries, as the southern parts of the land of Canaan were, was an affair of great importance; and to make complaint of the ill usage of Abimelech’s servants with respect to it, and to reason with him about it, that the thing might be adjusted to mutual satisfaction, and so a firm basis and foundation be laid for the continuance of friendship for the future; which was wisely done before their league and covenant was ratified: this it seems was a well
which Abimelech’s servants had violently taken away: that is, had by force taken the use of it to themselves for their cattle, and had deprived Abraham of it, though it was of his own digging; and perhaps there might be more than one, and the singular may be put for the plural; and so the Septuagint version has it, “the wells”: see
Ge 26:15.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
25. And Abraham reproved Abimelech. This complaint seems to be unjust; for, if he had been injured, why did he not resort to the ordinary remedy? He knew the king to be humane, to have some seed of piety, and to have treated himself courteously and honorably; why then does he doubt that he will prove the equitable defender of his right? If, indeed, he had chosen rather to smother the injury received, than to be troublesome to the king, why does he now impute the fault to him, as if he had been guilty? Possibly, however, Abraham might know that the injury had been done, through the excessive forbearance of the king. We may assuredly infer, both from his manners and his disposition, that he did not expostulate without cause; and hence the moderation of the holy man is evident; because, when deprived of the use of water, found by his own industry and labor, he does not contend, as the greatness of the injury would have justified him in doing; for this was just as if the inhabitants of the place had made an attempt upon his life. But though he patiently bore so severe an injury, yet when beyond expectation, the occasion of taking security is offered, he guards himself from fixture aggression. We also see how severely the Lord exercised Abraham, as soon as he appeared to be somewhat more at ease, and had obtained a little alleviation. Certainly, it was not a light trial, to be compelled to contend for water; and not for water which was public property but for that of a well, which he himself had digged.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
25. Reproved The same word used in Gen 20:16, where it is said that Sarah was reproved by Abimelech . There was an outstanding difficulty which must be settled before Abraham will swear .
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of the well of water which Abimelech’s servants had violently taken away.’
The well, clearly fed by a powerful spring, must have been of great importance for it to come up at this point, which was why both groups wanted it. Indeed regular supplies of water were always important in all periods, but this must have been exceptional. That is why Abraham wants it brought within any covenant. It was so important that it in fact became the centre of their operations.
Digging a well satisfactorily could be a difficult and time consuming task, and when it was completed and the well producing satisfactorily it gave great satisfaction. It was not a happy thing therefore that it had then been snatched from them by force.
The incident does indicate that all was not necessarily well between the two groups. Presumably Abraham has not retaliated because he has considered the effect on the relationship between the two groups, or it may be that it was very recent and he was still considering what to do, but it clearly rankled. Now the opportunity had come to solve the matter.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Gen 21:25. Abraham reproved Abimelech, &c. Abraham was very ready to enter into a covenant with Abimelech, and to assure him of his friendship and protection, but thought it necessary first to settle a right understanding between them; and therefore he argued with Abimelech about a well dug at his own cost, (a matter of much labour, and a possession of great consequence in those hot and dry countries,) which had been wrested from him forcibly by some of Abimelech’s servants. Abimelech, who in his whole character appears a man of justice and integrity, was very ready to admit the claim; accordingly a solemn covenant, by sacrifice most probably, was made between them; and Abraham gave the king a present, as a memorial of his right to the well, which, from that mutual covenant or oath, was called the Well of the Oath, Beer-shebah. Upon which Abimelech and Phicol departed into that part of the land of the Philistines where they dwelt, while Abraham continued in that part of the same land where this transaction passed.
REFLECTIONS.The remarkable blessings continually accompanying Abraham’s undertakings engaged the growing respect of his neighbours, which brings Abimelech to renew his acquaintance with him, and to cement it by a solemn covenant. Observe,
1. Abimelech’s proposal. Convinced of God’s peculiar regard to him, he would engage him for his perpetual friend, and under oath of mutual kindness, secure to his son and son’s son this great blessing of Abraham’s friendship. Note; (1.) It is wise to take care that our children, when we are dead and gone, may be in good hands, and connected with the friends of God. (2.) Good done us is an obligation to return it, as Abimelech pleads.
2. Abraham consents; but first acquaints Abimelech with a transaction, of which he denies the knowledge, respecting a well. This matter is amicably adjusted, as differences between brethren should be. Note; Servants are often alone in fault when the master is blamed. The treaty then is passed, and Abraham ratifies it with an oath. Learn, (1.) It becomes us not to reject proffers of friendship from those who fear God; yea, we should be courteous to all men. (2.) An oath is lawful on solemn occasions, and a confirmation of confidence, as well as an end of strife.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Gen 21:25 And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water, which Abimelech’s servants had violently taken away.
Ver. 25. And Abraham reproved Abimelech. ] Inferiors may reprove their superiors, so they do it wisely and modestly.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
violently, &c. Compare Gen 26:19, Gen 26:20. Exo 2:17. Jdg 5:11. This explains Exo 17:8, “Then came Amalek”, because of verses: Gen 21:1-7.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
reproved: Gen 26:15-22, Gen 29:8, Exo 2:15-17, Jdg 1:15, Pro 17:10, Pro 25:9, Pro 27:5, Mat 18:15
because: Wells of water were of great consequence in those hot countries, especially where the flocks were numerous; because water was scarce, and digging to find it was attended with the expense of much time and labour.
servants: Gen 13:7, Gen 26:15-22, Exo 2:16, Exo 2:17
Reciprocal: Gen 26:20 – did strive Lev 6:4 – which he