Genesis 21:22-24 – And it came to pass at that time that Abimelech and Phichol, the commander of his army, spoke to Abraham, saying, “God is with you in all that you do. Now therefore, swear to me by God that you will not deal falsely with me, with my offspring, or with my posterity; but that according to the kindness that I have done to you, you will do to me and to the land in which you have dwelt.” And Abraham said, “I will swear.” (NKJV)Given the somewhat barbaric ways that the wealthy and powerful solved their property differences in the Ancient Middle East, Abimelech and Abraham’s covenant offers a striking contrast. These two mighty leaders find a way to get along in spite of their many differences. What does Abimelech want? Trust. He wants Abraham to deal fairly with him and he will respond in kind. After Abraham’s deception a few years before, Abimelech doesn’t want any uncertainties. Perhaps this story is proof that you can get along with anyone who is willing to respond in honesty. Even if you are from very different backgrounds and headed to very different futures, an attitude of mutual respect can make relationships work.
