John Calvin Commentary Genesis 21:22

"And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phicol the captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest." — Genesis 21:22 (ASV)

And it came to pass at that time. Moses relates that this covenant was entered into between Abraham and Abimelech to show that after various troubles, some rest was at last granted to the holy man. He had been constrained, as a wanderer and without a fixed home, to move his tent from place to place for sixty years.

But although God intended for him to be a sojourner even until death, yet under King Abimelech, He granted him a quiet dwelling. And Moses intends to show how it happened that he occupied one place longer than he was accustomed. The timing is noteworthy: namely, soon after he had dismissed his son.

For it seems that this consolation immediately followed his great trouble, not only so that he might have some relief from continual hardships, but also so that he might be more cheerful and could more peacefully engage in educating his young son Isaac. However, it is certain that the covenant was not, in every respect, an occasion of joy for him, for he perceived that he was being tested by indirect methods and that many people in that region found him disagreeable and hateful.

Indeed, the king openly declared his own suspicions of him: it was, however, a great honor that the local king would go, of his own accord, to a stranger to enter into a covenant with him. Yet one may ask whether this covenant was made on just and equal terms, as is customary among allies.

I certainly do not doubt that Abraham freely paid due honor to the king; nor is it probable that the king intended to diminish his own dignity in any way to confer it upon Abraham. What, then, did he do? Truly, while he allowed Abraham a free place to live, he would still hold him bound to himself by an oath.

God is with thee in all that thou doest. He begins with friendly and smooth terms; he does not accuse Abraham or complain that he had neglected any duty toward him, but declares that he earnestly desires his friendship. Still, the implication is that he wishes to be on his guard against him.

It may then be asked why he had this suspicion or fear—first, of a stranger, and second, of an honest and moderate man. First, we know that pagans are often anxious without cause and are alarmed even in times of peace. Next, Abraham was a man deserving of reverence; the number of servants in his household seemed like a small nation, and there is no doubt that his virtues would earn him great dignity; consequently, Abimelech suspected his power.

But while Abimelech had his own private interests in this matter, the Lord, who best knows how to direct events, provided, in this way, for the peace of His servant. We may, however, learn from Abraham's example that if, at any time, God's gifts stir up the enmity of worldly people against us, we should conduct ourselves with such moderation that they can find nothing wrong in us.