Genesis 21:22-3

(E, J). The Covenant between Abraham and Abimelech at Beer-sheba

22. Abimelech This passage seems to be a continuation of chap. 20.

Phicol the captain of his host For this title, cf. 1 Samuel 14:50; 2 Samuel 2:8 (where it is applied to Abner); Genesis 24:2 (to Joab). It shews that Abimelech was a petty king of some importance.

Here and in Genesis 21:32, the LXX inserts another name and title between Abimelech and Phicol, Ὀχοζὰθ ὁ νυμφαγωγὸς αὐτοῦ, "Ahuzzath his friend." This name occurs with that of Phicol again in Genesis 26:26.

God is with thee Cf. 20, Genesis 26:28. Abimelech has had reason to discern the meaning of the description of Abraham, in Genesis 20:7, as "a prophet."