Abimelech and Abraham, or ancient covenanters.
I. THE POLITICAL ALLIANCE.
1. The contemplated object. Peace. What modern monarchs mostly desire at the close of exhausting campaigns is here sought before campaigns begin.
2. The covenanting parties. Two powerful princes, in their conduct exemplifying the spirit of unity and peace which should bind together private persons in their daily intercourse, as well as kings and nations in their political alliance.
3. The impelling motives. Worldly policy may have urged Abimelech to cement a league with the powerful chieftain in his neighborhood, but religions affinity would also seem to have exercised an influence in drawing him to seek the friendship of one who appeared to enjoy celestial protection. Good men mostly desire to have the saints as friends, and even the wicked can perceive an advantage in being allied to the righteous. Abraham's acquiescence in the king's proposal was no doubt dictated by a peaceable disposition, a sense of equity, a spirit of contentment, and an unwavering confidence in God.
4. The public ceremonial. The alliance was contracted
II. THE FRIENDLY REMONSTRANCE.
1. The palpable injury. The herdsmen of the king had appropriated Abraham's well. God's people, though expected meekly to suffer wrong, cannot always help seeing that it is wrong they suffer. Nor are they called upon to bear what by lawful means they are able to redress. A godly man is entitled to be careful of his property, to preserve it from damage, protect it from theft, and recover it when stolen or lost.
2. The mistaken charge. Abraham, thinking the herdsmen had acted on their master's orders, reproved Abimelech. This, however, was an error, which shows
3. The satisfactory explanation. Abimelech declared himself perfectly unacquainted with the wrong which had been done to Abraham, and immediately returned the well, which discovers how easily misunderstandings might be removed if, instead of harboring enmity, men would resort to friendly conference. It is as much the duty of him who has a grievance to reveal it, as it is the duty of him who has caused the grievance to remove it.
4. The prudent measure Abraham gave Abimelech seven ewe lambs as a witness that he had digged the well, and consequently had a right to its possession. Seemingly betraying a secret suspicion of the prince's veracity, the act aimed at preventing any recurrence of the grievance, and in this light it appears to have been regarded by Abimelech. Good men should not only rectify the wrongs they do to one another, but adopt all wise precautions against their repetition.
III. THE PLEASING RESULT.
1. Peace established, Abimelech and Phichol, having accomplished their mission, returned to Philistia. "Blessed are the peace-makers," and "beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that publisheth peace."
2. Peace commemorated. Abraham instituted two memorials of the important transactions, naming the well Beersheba, and planting a tamarisk beside his tent. It is good to remember God's mercies, of which national and civil quietude is one of the greatest, and it is becoming to erect memorials of both privileges and obligations.
3. Peace enjoyed. Abraham called on the name of the everlasting God. As a planter of tamarisks, the patriarch has been styled the father of civilization; it is more important to remark that he never neglected to worship God himself and publish his salvation to others. Happy they who can do both in peace!
HOMILIES BY J.F. MONTGOMERY