John Calvin Commentary Genesis 21:25

"And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of the well of water, which Abimelech`s servants had violently taken away." — Genesis 21:25 (ASV)

And Abraham reproved Abimelech. This complaint seems to be unjust. For, if he had been injured, why did he not resort to the ordinary remedy? He knew the king to be humane, to have some seed of piety, and to have treated him courteously and honorably. Why then does he doubt that he will prove the equitable defender of his right?

If, indeed, he had chosen rather to smother the injury received than to be troublesome to the king, why does he now impute the fault to him, as if he had been guilty? Possibly, however, Abraham might know that the injury had been done, through the excessive forbearance of the king.

We may assuredly infer, both from his manners and his disposition, that he did not expostulate without cause. Thus, the moderation of the holy man is evident, because when deprived of the use of water found by his own industry and labor, he does not contend, as the greatness of the injury would have justified him in doing. For this was just as if the inhabitants of the place had made an attempt on his life.

But though he patiently bore so severe an injury, yet when, beyond expectation, the occasion of taking security is offered, he guards himself from future aggression. We also see how severely the Lord exercised Abraham, as soon as he appeared to be somewhat more at ease and had obtained a little alleviation. Certainly, it was not a light trial to be compelled to contend for water—and not for water that was public property, but for that of a well which he himself had dug.