Genesis 21:28

KJV

And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Abraham {H85} set {H5324} seven {H7651} ewe lambs {H3535} of the flock {H6629} by themselves.

Complete Jewish Bible

Avraham put seven female lambs from the flock by themselves.

Berean Standard Bible

Abraham separated seven ewe lambs from the flock,

American Standard Version

And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 21:28 records Abraham's deliberate act of setting aside seven ewe lambs from his flock, a specific and symbolic gesture within the context of forming a covenant with Abimelech, the king of Gerar. This action served as a tangible witness and confirmation of the solemn oath sworn between them, particularly regarding Abraham's rightful claim to a well, thereby illustrating ancient Near Eastern covenant practices and underscoring the profound significance of the number seven in establishing binding agreements.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a pivotal moment within the broader narrative of Abraham's interactions with Abimelech, beginning in [Genesis 21:22](/genesis/21-22 "Genesis 21:22 - Abimelech's Treaty Proposal"). Abimelech, accompanied by Phichol, his chief captain, approaches Abraham to propose a treaty, acknowledging God's evident blessing upon Abraham's life. Abraham, seizing the opportunity, voices a grievance regarding a well that Abimelech's servants had seized, a critical resource in the arid region. To resolve this dispute and establish a lasting peace, Abraham initially offers sheep and oxen to Abimelech. However, it is the distinctive act described in [Genesis 21:28](/genesis/21-28 "Genesis 21:28 - Abraham Sets Aside Seven Ewe Lambs")—setting aside "seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves"—that precedes and formalizes the oath, serving as a unique witness to the agreement. This act culminates in the naming of the place as Beersheba, meaning "well of the oath" or "well of seven," as explicitly stated in [Genesis 21:31](/genesis/21-31 "Genesis 21:31 - Naming of Beersheba"), solidifying the covenant's significance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, covenants and treaties were foundational to social, political, and economic stability. These agreements were often formalized through elaborate rituals, including the exchange of gifts, the swearing of oaths, and the use of symbolic objects or actions to serve as witnesses. Wells were incredibly valuable assets, representing life and sustenance in a desert environment, and disputes over their ownership were common and serious. The act of "setting aside" animals for a specific purpose was a recognized part of covenant ceremonies, often involving a sacrifice or a designated offering to seal the agreement. The animals served as a tangible, living testimony, understood by all parties to represent the binding nature of the oath. This practice ensured that the terms of the agreement were remembered and respected, providing a clear and undeniable record in a pre-literate society.

* **Key Themes:** The passage in [Genesis 21](/genesis/21 "Genesis 21 - Birth of Isaac and Covenant with Abimelech") and specifically [Genesis 21:28](/genesis/21-28 "Genesis 21:28 - Abraham's Covenant Gesture") contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Covenant**, not just between God and humanity, but also between human parties, demonstrating the principles of trust, integrity, and dispute resolution. Secondly, the concept of **Witness and Testimony** is central; the lambs serve as a physical embodiment of the oath, emphasizing the importance of verifiable proof in establishing truth and preventing future conflict. Thirdly, the **Significance of Numbers**, particularly the number seven, is powerfully illustrated. This number frequently symbolizes completeness, perfection, or divine order throughout Scripture, and its linguistic connection to the Hebrew word for "oath" (שָׁבַע, *shava*) underscores its profound theological and ceremonial weight in this context, making the seven lambs a direct representation of the solemnity and binding nature of the agreement.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 21:28 details a specific, deliberate action by Abraham: "And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves." This was not merely a casual gift but a crucial component of a formal covenant ceremony, designed to establish a lasting agreement and resolve a dispute over a well. The separation of these particular animals underscores their role as a distinct and undeniable witness to the impending oath.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **set (Hebrew, _nâtsab'_):** H5324, a primitive root meaning "to station, in various applications (literally or figuratively); appointed, deputy, erect, establish, lay, officer, pillar, present, rear up, set (over, up), settle, sharpen, establish, (make to) stand(-ing, still, up, upright), best state." In this context, Abraham's action is not passive but an active, deliberate "stationing" or "establishing" of these lambs for a specific, formal purpose. It implies a firm, unchangeable designation.
* **seven (Hebrew, _shebaʻ'_):** H7651, a primitive cardinal number, "seven (as the sacred full one); also (adverbially) seven times; by implication, a week; by extension, an indefinite number." This number is profoundly symbolic in biblical contexts, frequently representing completeness, perfection, or divine order. Crucially, it is linguistically linked to the Hebrew word for "oath" (שָׁבַע - *shava*), making the seven lambs a direct embodiment of the oath's solemnity and completeness.
* **ewe lambs (Hebrew, _kibsâh'_):** H3535, feminine of כֶּבֶשׂ, "a ewe; (ewe) lamb." These specific animals, young and unblemished, were often used in ancient Near Eastern rituals and sacrifices, signifying purity and value. Their selection highlights the preciousness and solemnity of the covenant being established.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Abraham set":** This phrase emphasizes Abraham's agency and intentionality. He is the active party initiating this specific action within the covenant-making process. It is a deliberate, formal act, not a casual offering.
* **"seven ewe lambs of the flock":** The precise number "seven" is highly significant, carrying symbolic weight related to completeness and oaths. The designation "ewe lambs" specifies young, female sheep, animals of value, often used in ancient Near Eastern covenant rituals as a tangible witness or pledge. They are taken "of the flock," indicating they are from Abraham's own possessions, making the offering personal and costly.
* **"by themselves":** This crucial phrase indicates separation and distinction. These seven lambs were not part of the general gift of sheep and oxen Abraham had already given Abimelech (Genesis 21:27). By setting them "by themselves," Abraham designates them for a unique, specific, and symbolic purpose—to serve as a visible, living witness to the covenant and the oath being sworn, highlighting their special role in the formalization of the agreement.

#### Literary Devices
The verse makes significant use of **Symbolism**. The number **seven** is a powerful symbol throughout the Bible, representing completeness, perfection, and divine covenant. Here, it directly links to the Hebrew word for "oath" (*shava*), making the seven ewe lambs a symbolic representation of the solemnity and binding nature of the covenant. The **ewe lambs** themselves serve as a tangible, living **witness** or testimony to the agreement, a common practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures where physical tokens reinforced verbal agreements. This act of setting them "by themselves" also employs **Emphasis**, drawing particular attention to these specific animals and their unique role, distinguishing them from other gifts and highlighting their importance as a formal, undeniable sign of the oath.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 21:28 provides a profound illustration of the practical and symbolic elements of covenant-making, a central theme throughout the Old Testament. It demonstrates how tangible acts and specific witnesses were essential to formalize agreements between human parties, reflecting principles that also apply to covenants between God and humanity. The meticulous nature of Abraham's actions underscores the gravity and binding nature of oaths, emphasizing the importance of integrity and truthfulness in all dealings. This passage also powerfully demonstrates the theological significance of numbers, particularly "seven," which consistently appears in Scripture as a symbol of divine completion, perfection, and the solemnity of an oath, reinforcing its weight beyond mere numerical value.

* [Genesis 26:28-31](/genesis/26-28-31 "Genesis 26:28-31 - Isaac's Covenant with Abimelech")
* [Joshua 24:27](/joshua/24-27 "Joshua 24:27 - The Stone as a Witness")
* [Hebrews 6:13-18](/hebrews/6-13-18 "Hebrews 6:13-18 - God's Oath and Promise")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account in Genesis 21:28 emphasizes the enduring importance of clear, witnessed agreements in all facets of life. Whether in personal relationships, business dealings, or community interactions, establishing transparent terms and having reliable witnesses can prevent future disputes and foster trust. Abraham's example encourages believers to seek peaceful resolutions to conflicts and to conduct their affairs with integrity and transparency, ensuring that their words are backed by demonstrable actions. Just as the [Word became flesh](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh") to provide the ultimate witness and fulfillment of God's promises, our commitments should be clear and verifiable. This passage reminds us that our integrity in keeping our word and honoring our commitments is a powerful testimony to our character and, ultimately, to the God we serve, who is Himself a covenant-keeping God. We are called to live lives marked by faithfulness, just as Abraham sought to establish a faithful agreement.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life could more clarity and "witnessed" agreements prevent future misunderstandings or conflicts?**
* **How does Abraham's meticulousness in this covenant challenge you to be more intentional and honorable in your own commitments?**
* **Considering the symbolic weight of "seven," what does this passage teach us about the completeness and binding nature of oaths and promises, both human and divine?**

### FAQ

**Why did Abraham set aside exactly seven lambs?**

Answer: The number seven (Hebrew: *shebaʻ*, H7651) is deeply significant in the Bible, often symbolizing completeness, perfection, or divine order. Crucially, it is linguistically linked to the Hebrew word for "oath" (שָׁבַע - *shava*). Therefore, the seven ewe lambs were not an arbitrary number but a deliberate, symbolic act to solemnize the oath and serve as a tangible "witness of the oath" between Abraham and Abimelech. This act reinforced the gravity and binding nature of their covenant, which is further highlighted by the naming of Beersheba, meaning "well of the oath" or "well of seven," in [Genesis 21:31](/genesis/21-31 "Genesis 21:31 - The Naming of Beersheba").

**What is the broader significance of this specific act in the narrative of Abraham?**

Answer: This act highlights Abraham's character as a man who values peace, justice, and clear agreements. It demonstrates his commitment to resolving disputes honorably and formally, even with a foreign king like Abimelech. By setting aside these lambs, Abraham establishes a clear and undeniable witness, a vital practice in ancient Near Eastern culture for ensuring that the terms of an agreement are remembered and respected. This event also directly leads to the naming of Beersheba, a significant location in biblical history, forever linking the place to this covenant and the "well of the oath." It underscores Abraham's role as a man of integrity, whose word is backed by demonstrable actions and solemn commitments, reflecting his walk of faith with God, who is Himself a covenant-keeping God (as seen in [Genesis 15:18](/genesis/15-18 "Genesis 15:18 - God's Covenant with Abraham")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 21:28 details an earthly covenant between Abraham and Abimelech, it subtly points to the ultimate covenant established through Christ. Abraham's act of setting aside a witness for an oath prefigures Christ as the ultimate "faithful and true witness" ([Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - Christ, the Faithful and True Witness")) to God's promises. The peace established between Abraham and Abimelech, secured by an oath and a tangible witness, foreshadows the deeper, eternal peace that Christ brings between God and humanity through the New Covenant, ratified not by lambs but by His own precious blood ([Hebrews 9:11-14](/hebrews/9-11-14 "Hebrews 9:11-14 - Christ's Blood, the New Covenant")). He is the fulfillment of all oaths and covenants, the "Amen" to God's promises ([2_corinthians/1-20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - All God's Promises are Yes in Christ")), ensuring the complete and perfect reconciliation symbolized by the number seven. Through His finished work on the cross, Christ brings humanity into a lasting relationship with God, fulfilling the promise of a multitude of descendants and a blessed inheritance, not merely of land, but of eternal life in Him ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Galatians 3:16 - The Promise to Abraham's Seed, Christ")).

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.