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Genesis 21:32 - Peace pact at Be'er Sheva?

Genesis 21:32 - בראשית 21:32

Hebrew Text

וַיִּכְרְתוּ בְרִית בִּבְאֵר שָׁבַע וַיָּקָם אֲבִימֶלֶךְ וּפִיכֹל שַׂר־צְבָאוֹ וַיָּשֻׁבוּ אֶל־אֶרֶץ פְּלִשְׁתִּים׃

English Translation

Thus they made a covenant at Be᾽er-sheva; then Avimelekh rose up, and Pikhol the captain of his host, and they returned to the land of the Pelishtim.

Transliteration

Vayichretu brit bive'er sheva vayakam Avimelech uFikhol sar tzva'o vayashuvu el-eretz Plishtim.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיִּכְרְת֥וּ בְרִ֖ית בִּבְאֵ֣ר שָׁ֑בַע וַיָּ֣קׇם אֲבִימֶ֗לֶךְ וּפִיכֹל֙ שַׂר־צְבָא֔וֹ וַיָּשֻׁ֖בוּ אֶל־אֶ֥רֶץ פְּלִשְׁתִּֽים׃
וַיִּכְרְת֥וּ בְרִ֖ית בִּבְאֵ֣ר שָׁ֑בַע וַיָּ֣קׇם אֲבִימֶ֗לֶךְ וּפִיכֹל֙ שַׂר־צְבָא֔וֹ וַיָּשֻׁ֖בוּ אֶל־אֶ֥רֶץ פְּלִשְׁתִּֽים׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Covenant at Be'er Sheva

The verse (Bereishit 21:32) describes the establishment of a covenant between Avraham and Avimelekh at Be'er Sheva, followed by Avimelekh and Pikhol's return to Philistine territory. This event holds significance in understanding Avraham's diplomatic relations and the sanctity of Be'er Sheva.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi notes that the covenant was made specifically at Be'er Sheva because this was the location where Avraham had previously sworn an oath (as indicated by the name "Be'er Sheva" – "Well of the Oath"). The covenant reinforced peaceful relations after the dispute over the well (Bereishit 21:25-30). Avimelekh's departure with Pikhol, his military commander, signifies that their entire delegation left, ensuring no lingering threat to Avraham.

Symbolism of Be'er Sheva

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 54:4) highlights Be'er Sheva as a place of divine connection, where Avraham called in the name of Hashem (Bereishit 21:33). The covenant here underscores that true peace is rooted in acknowledgment of Hashem's presence. The Ramban adds that this location later became a central site for the Avot, further sanctified by Yitzchak and Yaakov.

Avimelekh and Pikhol's Departure

  • Avimelekh's Role: As king, his presence at the covenant demonstrated Philistine recognition of Avraham's rights. His departure confirmed the agreement's validity (Malbim).
  • Pikhol's Significance: As "sar tzava" (military chief), his participation ensured the Philistine army would honor the treaty (Sforno). Their joint return emphasized peaceful intent.

Broader Implications

The Talmud (Sanhedrin 109b) references Avimelekh's descendants negatively, yet this episode shows that even adversarial nations could engage in diplomacy with the Avot when acting justly. The covenant model here reflects the Torah's ideal of peaceful coexistence with neighboring peoples when they respect boundaries and divine sovereignty.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the covenant made at Be'er Sheva in Genesis 21:32?
A: The covenant at Be'er Sheva between Avraham and Avimelekh signifies a peaceful resolution to their earlier dispute over water rights (Genesis 21:25-30). According to Rashi, this agreement established boundaries and mutual respect, showing how conflicts can be resolved through dialogue and treaties. Be'er Sheva later became an important city for the Jewish people, symbolizing divine oath and connection (the name means 'Well of the Oath').
Q: Why did Avimelekh and Pikhol return to the land of the Pelishtim after making the covenant?
A: Avimelekh and Pikhol returned to the land of the Pelishtim (Philistines) because their mission was complete—they secured a peaceful agreement with Avraham. The Ramban explains that this demonstrates the importance of honoring agreements; once the covenant was established, they departed respectfully rather than overstaying or causing further tension.
Q: What lesson can we learn from this verse about resolving conflicts?
A: This verse teaches the value of diplomacy and peaceful conflict resolution. The Midrash highlights that Avraham, despite being morally and spiritually superior, engaged respectfully with Avimelekh to avoid strife. This aligns with the Torah's emphasis on 'seeking peace and pursuing it' (Psalms 34:15) and sets an example for resolving disputes through mutual agreements.
Q: How does Be'er Sheva's role in this covenant connect to its later importance in Jewish history?
A: Be'er Sheva became a significant site in Jewish tradition because of this covenant and Avraham's earlier oath there (Genesis 21:31). The Talmud (Sanhedrin 32b) associates it with justice and divine connection. Later, it was a central city in the territory of the tribe of Shimon and a place of prophecy (as with Eliyahu in 1 Kings 19:3). This verse marks its foundational role as a place of sacred agreements.