Genesis 21:22

KJV

¶ And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God [is] with thee in all that thou doest:

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass at that time {H6256}, that Abimelech {H40} and Phichol {H6369} the chief captain {H8269} of his host {H6635} spake {H559} unto Abraham {H85}, saying {H559}, God {H430} is with thee in all that thou doest {H6213}:

Complete Jewish Bible

At that time Avimelekh and Pikhol the commander of his army spoke to Avraham. They said, "God is with you in everything you do.

Berean Standard Bible

At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army said to Abraham, “God is with you in all that you do.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phicol the captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 21:22 marks a significant turning point where Abimelech, the Philistine king of Gerar, accompanied by Phichol, his chief military commander, approaches Abraham with an unsolicited declaration. This powerful statement acknowledges the undeniable and visible presence of God's favor and blessing upon Abraham's life, recognizing his prosperity, security, and success in all his endeavors. This encounter highlights the compelling nature of divine favor, which was so evident that even those outside the covenant community could perceive and respond to it, leading to a desire for a peaceful and lasting alliance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the emotionally charged events of Isaac's birth and the subsequent expulsion of Hagar and Ishmael from Abraham's household in [Genesis 21:1-21](/genesis/21-1-21 "Birth of Isaac and Expulsion of Hagar and Ishmael"). Abraham has recently settled in Beersheba, a new location that signifies a period of relative stability and growth for his household. The narrative transitions from internal family dynamics to external recognition of Abraham's growing influence. Abimelech's approach signals a shift in the power dynamic, where Abraham is no longer merely a sojourner but a figure whose divine backing is undeniable, prompting the king of the land to seek a formal covenant of peace. This encounter sets the stage for the subsequent well-digging dispute and covenant at Beersheba.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, a king's approach to a powerful individual, especially one accompanied by his chief military captain, was a formal and significant diplomatic gesture. It indicated a recognition of the individual's strength, influence, and potential threat or alliance value. Abimelech's previous encounter with Abraham in [Genesis 20](/genesis/20 "Abraham and Abimelech in Gerar") had already demonstrated God's protective hand over Abraham and Sarah, even leading to divine intervention that afflicted Abimelech's household. This prior experience would have deeply impressed upon Abimelech the reality of Abraham's God. For a Philistine king to acknowledge the God of Abraham, it underscores the visible manifestation of God's blessing in Abraham's life—his prosperity, the size of his retinue, and his apparent security in a foreign land—which would have been interpreted as clear signs of divine favor in that cultural milieu.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 21:22 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Faithfulness to Covenant Promises**, as God continues to bless Abraham and make his name great, just as He promised in [Genesis 12:2](/genesis/12-2 "God's Promise to Abraham"). Secondly, it highlights the **Visible Testimony of God's Presence**, demonstrating that God's favor can be so evident in the lives of His people that even outsiders, like Abimelech, are compelled to acknowledge it. This anticipates the idea that God's people are meant to be a blessing and a witness to the nations, a theme that resonates throughout the Old Testament and finds its ultimate fulfillment in the church's mission. Lastly, it reinforces **God's Sovereignty Over All Nations**, showing that even pagan rulers operate under the ultimate authority of the one true God, who can move them to recognize His work.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Abimelech (Hebrew, _ʼĂbîymelek'_):** From the Hebrew words for "father" and "king," meaning "father of (the) king." This name is significant as it designates the Philistine ruler of Gerar who, despite his royal status and pagan background, is compelled to acknowledge the superior divine power at work in Abraham's life. His very name, implying a foundational authority, contrasts with his recognition of a higher, divine authority over Abraham.
* **God (Hebrew, _ʼĕlôhîym'_):** This is the plural form of "Eloah," often used to refer to the supreme God, especially when accompanied by the article (though not present here, the context clearly points to the God of Abraham). The use of _Elohim_ by Abimelech, a non-Israelite, is striking. It indicates that he recognized not just *a* god, but the powerful, supreme deity who was uniquely associated with Abraham and whose influence was undeniable in "all that thou doest."
* **doest (Hebrew, _ʻâsâh'_):** A primitive root meaning "to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application." This word encompasses all of Abraham's actions, endeavors, and outcomes. Abimelech's observation that God is with Abraham "in all that thou doest" signifies a comprehensive and pervasive divine backing, extending to every aspect of Abraham's life—his prosperity, his military strength (implied by Phichol's presence), his security, and his overall success.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"¶ And it came to pass at that time,"**: This opening phrase serves as a temporal marker, indicating that the events described occurred at a specific, opportune moment following the preceding narrative. It signals a new development in Abraham's life, shifting from family matters to external recognition and diplomatic engagement.
* **"that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying,"**: This clause identifies the unexpected visitors and their high status. Abimelech, the king, bringing his chief military commander, Phichol, underscores the gravity and official nature of their approach. It's not a casual visit but a formal overture, signifying that Abraham's presence and power had become a matter of state concern for Gerar.
* **"God [is] with thee in all that thou doest:"**: This is the pivotal declaration. It is an unsolicited, profound acknowledgment from a pagan ruler that Abraham's success, security, and prosperity are not merely due to his own skill or fortune, but are directly attributable to the active, comprehensive presence and favor of his God. The phrase "in all that thou doest" emphasizes the pervasive nature of this divine backing, impacting every facet of Abraham's life.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound message. **Irony** is prominent, as a pagan king, Abimelech, articulates a truth about God's presence with Abraham that perhaps even Abraham himself might have occasionally doubted or taken for granted. This external **testimony** serves to validate God's faithfulness and Abraham's unique relationship with Him. The phrase "God is with thee" also functions as **foreshadowing**, hinting at the recurring biblical motif of divine companionship and active presence, which reaches its zenith in the person of Jesus Christ, Immanuel, "God with us." Furthermore, the encounter presents a **contrast** between the worldly power of a king and the spiritual power manifested through God's favor on a nomadic patriarch, highlighting the supremacy of God's blessing over human might.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, demonstrating that His blessings are not merely spiritual abstractions but tangible realities that shape the lives of His people. Abimelech's unsolicited declaration serves as a powerful testament to the visible nature of God's presence and favor, which can be so compelling that even those outside the covenant community are forced to acknowledge it. This highlights that God's work in His people is not just for their benefit but also to be a witness to the world, revealing His power and sovereignty over all nations and rulers.

* [Genesis 28:15](/genesis/28-15 "God's Promise to Jacob at Bethel"): "And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of."
* [Deuteronomy 28:10](/deuteronomy/28-10 "Nations will see God's blessing"): "And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the LORD; and they shall be afraid of thee."
* [Psalm 33:10-11](/psalms/33-10-11 "God's counsel stands forever"): "The LORD bringeth the counsel of the heathen to nought: he maketh the devices of the people of none effect. The counsel of the LORD standeth for ever, the thoughts of his heart to all generations."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 21:22 offers timeless insights for believers today, reminding us that genuine success, security, and influence are ultimately rooted not in our own efforts or strategies, but in the active presence and favor of God in our lives. When God is truly with us, His blessing can be so evident and compelling that even those who do not share our faith may recognize His hand upon us. This makes our lives a powerful, living testimony to His power, faithfulness, and the reality of His kingdom. Abraham's consistent walk, despite his imperfections, allowed God's blessing to be seen, encouraging us to live lives of integrity, trust, and obedience. Such lives, marked by God's favor, can open doors, provide protection, and extend influence even in challenging or hostile environments, ultimately drawing others to inquire about the God who is with us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you most clearly see God's "being with you" (His favor, provision, protection)?**
* **How might your life, like Abraham's, serve as a visible testimony to God's presence and blessing for those around you who do not yet know Him?**
* **What practical steps can you take to cultivate a deeper awareness of God's presence in "all that you do"?**

### FAQ
**Why would a pagan king acknowledge God's presence with Abraham?**

Answer: Abimelech, though not a worshiper of Yahweh, was a shrewd and pragmatic ruler who observed the undeniable evidence of God's favor on Abraham's life. This included Abraham's prosperity, his large and seemingly secure household, and the clear divine intervention that had previously occurred on Abraham's behalf (as detailed in [Genesis 20](/genesis/20 "God's intervention for Abraham and Abimelech"), where God directly afflicted Abimelech's household until Sarah was returned). For Abimelech, this was not a theological conversion but a pragmatic recognition of a powerful spiritual reality. He sought to secure a peaceful alliance with someone clearly backed by a formidable deity, understanding that opposing Abraham would mean opposing his God. His acknowledgment was a strategic move to ensure the well-being of his own kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Abraham's experience of God's visible presence and blessing, recognized even by a pagan king, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate "God with us" in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus is Immanuel ([Matthew 1:23](/matthew/1-23 "Jesus is Immanuel")), the perfect embodiment of God's active presence among humanity. His life, miracles, teachings, and ultimately His resurrection were the supreme manifestation of divine power and favor, recognized not only by His disciples but also by outsiders, including Roman centurions who confessed His divine identity ([Matthew 27:54](/matthew/27-54 "Centurion's confession")). Through Christ, believers are indwelt by the Holy Spirit ([John 14:16-17](/john/14-16-17 "The Spirit of Truth")), making them temples where God's presence resides ([1 Corinthians 6:19](/1_corinthians/6-19 "Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit")). This indwelling enables believers to live lives that, like Abraham's, can visibly testify to God's active work and blessing in the world, drawing others to the one true God and His Son, Jesus Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Genesis 26:26

¶ Then Abimelech went to him from Gerar, and Ahuzzath one of his friends, and Phichol the chief captain of his army.

Genesis 26:28

And they said, We saw certainly that the LORD was with thee: and we said, Let there be now an oath betwixt us, [even] betwixt us and thee, and let us make a covenant with thee;

Joshua 3:7

¶ And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, [so] I will be with thee.

Genesis 20:2

And Abraham said of Sarah his wife, She [is] my sister: and Abimelech king of Gerar sent, and took Sarah.

Isaiah 8:10

Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God [is] with us.

Hebrews 13:5

[Let your] conversation [be] without covetousness; [and be] content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.

1 Corinthians 14:25

And thus are the secrets of his heart made manifest; and so falling down on [his] face he will worship God, and report that God is in you of a truth.