22 At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his forces said to Abraham, "God is with you in everything you do. 23 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 are living as an alien the same kindness I have shown to you." 24 Abraham said, "I swear it."
25 Then Abraham complained to Abimelech about a well of water that Abimelech's servants had seized. 26 But Abimelech said, "I don't know who has done this. You did not tell me, and I heard about it only today." 27 So Abraham brought sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelech, and the two men made a treaty. 28 Abraham set apart seven ewe lambs from the flock, 29 and Abimelech asked Abraham, "What is the meaning of these seven ewe lambs you have set apart by themselves?" 30 He replied, "Accept these seven lambs from my hand as a witness that I dug this well." 31 So that place was called Beersheba, [d] because the two men swore an oath there.
32 After the treaty had been made at Beersheba, Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his forces returned to the land of the Philistines. 33 Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called upon the name of the LORD, the Eternal God. 34 And Abraham stayed in the land of the Philistines for a long time.
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It's the first time we see deals, negotiations and treaties between peoples and nations in Genesis. Also, it's the first time that we find out that there is potential warfare going on in the land of the Philistines. Overall, I just think it's amazing how God uses these individuals to form the nations and to use them to fulfill His purpose on this earth. We should also give credit to Abraham, since he stays loyal to God and acknowledges His presence and kingship. For example, we can see in verse 33, how Abraham calls upon the name of the Lord to give thanks.
I like that Abraham understands his neighbors fear him, because they can see that he is blessed by God. Yet Abraham does not take advantage of this fear. He still gives them sheep to swear that he is telling the truth. With all his faults, I think Abraham tried to be a just and fair man.
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