Now You Know!

Avimelech knew Avraham’s children were promised the land, and now that he saw Yitzchak weaned, he knew it was only a matter of time before Avraham’s descendants took possession of the land of Grar and kicked out his children.

He therefore made this request of Avraham: “Promise me you will do no harm to me or my descendants. Just as I showed you kindness and allowed you to live in the land as my guest, so should you allow my children to remain in the land.”

Avraham agreed to swear, but first told Avimelech about the wells which had been stolen from him. Avimelech professed ignorance. Avraham gave him animals as a show of friendship and to establish the treaty, but left seven sheep separate.

Curious, Avimelech asked what they were. Avraham responded they would be witness that he had dug the well. It wasn’t the sheep, per se, but the conversation related to them which would recall his ownership. However, this only worked because Avimelech noticed something was unusual.

Hashem also sets up things in such a way that we sense purpose. If we acknowledge it and inquire, we will find Hashem’s mastery in the world. He’s counting on us to pay attention, and that’s how HIS covenant works.