Genesis 21:27

KJV

And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech; and both of them made a covenant.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Abraham {H85} took {H3947} sheep {H6629} and oxen {H1241}, and gave {H5414} them unto Abimelech {H40}; and both of them {H8147} made {H3772} a covenant {H1285}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Avraham took sheep and cattle and gave them to Avimelekh, and the two of them made a covenant.

Berean Standard Bible

So Abraham brought sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelech, and the two men made a covenant.

American Standard Version

And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech; and they two made a covenant.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
[Genesis 21:27](/genesis/21-27 "The covenant between Abraham and Abimelech") records Abraham's act of presenting sheep and oxen to Abimelech, formally establishing a covenant between them. This pivotal moment resolves a prior dispute over a well, signifying the establishment of a peaceful and binding agreement that secured Abraham's rights and fostered reconciliation between the two parties.

### CONTEXT
This verse immediately follows a period of tension arising from Abimelech's servants seizing a well Abraham had dug at Beer-sheba, a grievance Abraham directly addressed in [Genesis 21:25](/genesis/21-25 "Abraham confronts Abimelech about the well"). Abimelech's denial of knowledge prompted the need for a formal resolution. The exchange of livestock, specifically sheep and oxen, was a well-established custom in the ancient Near East, serving not merely as a gift but as a solemn act to ratify a treaty or covenant, thereby demonstrating good faith and commitment to the terms agreed upon.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 21:27](/genesis/21-27 "The covenant between Abraham and Abimelech") describes the tangible actions Abraham took to formalize the agreement with Abimelech. "And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech." This act was more than a simple exchange; it was a customary and significant gesture in ancient Near Eastern diplomacy, serving as a material ratification of the covenant. The giving of livestock often symbolized the transfer of assets, a pledge of loyalty, or an offering to solemnize a pact, underscoring the gravity and permanence of the agreement being made.

Following this exchange, the verse states, "and both of them made a covenant." The Hebrew term for covenant, *berith* (בְּרִית), denotes a solemn, binding agreement, frequently accompanied by oaths, sacrifices, or other symbolic actions. In this instance, the giving of sheep and oxen served as the physical manifestation of this *berith*. This covenant was a mutual agreement, signifying a commitment from both Abraham and Abimelech to uphold the terms of their newfound peace and respect for each other's rights, particularly concerning the disputed well. It established a legal and social framework for their future interactions, moving beyond mere verbal promises to a formally recognized and binding pact.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Covenantal Relationships:** This verse illustrates the importance of covenants as foundational elements in biblical society, establishing binding agreements not only between humans but also as a model for God's relationship with humanity (e.g., [God's covenant with Abraham in Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "God's covenant with Abraham")).
* **Reconciliation and Peacemaking:** Despite prior conflict over resources, Abraham and Abimelech actively pursued and achieved reconciliation, demonstrating the biblical imperative to seek peace and resolve disputes through negotiation and formal agreement.
* **Integrity and Witness:** Abraham's willingness to engage in a binding covenant, even with a non-Israelite king, underscores his integrity and serves as a witness to his character and the God he serves, fostering respect and trust among those outside his immediate community.
* **Stewardship and Property Rights:** The resolution of the well dispute through covenant highlights the importance of clearly defined property rights and the responsible stewardship of resources, ensuring equitable access and preventing future contention.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
[Genesis 21:27](/genesis/21-27 "Abraham and Abimelech make a covenant") offers profound lessons for contemporary life, emphasizing the enduring value of peaceful conflict resolution and the establishment of clear, mutually agreed-upon understandings in all relationships. Just as Abraham and Abimelech formalized their peace through a tangible covenant, we are called to pursue clarity, fairness, and mutual respect in our personal, professional, and communal interactions. The act of giving and receiving in this covenant also reminds us that genuine reconciliation often necessitates a demonstrable commitment and goodwill, fostering trust and laying the groundwork for lasting harmony.

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "sheep and oxen" in this covenant?**

Answer: The giving of sheep and oxen was a customary practice in the ancient Near East to solemnize a treaty or covenant. It was not merely a gift but a tangible demonstration of good faith, commitment, and the material ratification of the agreement. It symbolized the value and permanence of the pact, often involving a transfer of assets or a pledge of resources to ensure its binding nature.

**Why did Abraham and Abimelech need a formal covenant if Abimelech denied knowing about the well dispute?**

Answer: While Abimelech denied direct knowledge of his servants' actions, the dispute over the well had created tension and uncertainty regarding property rights. A formal covenant was necessary to move beyond mere verbal assurances, establishing a legally and socially binding agreement that clearly defined boundaries, secured Abraham's rights to the well, and ensured future peace and stability between their peoples, preventing similar conflicts from arising again.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The covenant made between Abraham and Abimelech, securing peace and rights through a tangible exchange, foreshadows the ultimate covenant of peace established through Christ. While this earthly covenant resolved a dispute over a well, Christ's New Covenant, sealed not with sheep and oxen but with His own blood, resolves humanity's ultimate dispute with God, securing eternal peace, forgiveness, and an inheritance for all who believe. Abraham's pursuit of reconciliation and a binding agreement points to the greater reconciliation accomplished by Christ, who is our peace and the mediator of a superior covenant, fulfilling the deepest human need for lasting harmony with God and one another.

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.