Witnessing (vv. 27-32). The Hebrew word for “to swear” means “to bind by seven things,” and the words swear (saba) and seven (seba) are very similar. This time the two men went beyond merely giving their oath: They made a covenant that involved slaying animals (21:27; 15:9-10). As Abraham and Abimelech walked between the carcasses of the sacrifices, they were saying, in effect, “May God do to us and more if we fail to keep our covenant with each other.” This was a serious matter.

But Abraham went a step further: He set aside seven very valuable ewe lambs as living witnesses that he had dug the well and the water belonged to him. He gave the lambs to Abimelech, who would then guard them carefully. They were like “receipts” guaranteeing that Abraham owned the well. The name of the well (Beersheba means “well of the oath”) was another witness to the transaction. Both men swore to uphold the covenant, and the problem was settled.

This entire transaction involved three elements: sacrifices (21:27), witnesses (vv. 28-30), and promises (vv. 31-32). You find these same elements in God’s covenant with us through our Lord Jesus Christ, as outlined in Hebrews 10:1-18. First, there is the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross (vv. 1-14); then, the witness of the Spirit within the believer (v. 15); and finally, the promise of God’s Word (vv. 16-18). Abraham’s covenant with Abimelech only guaranteed possession of a well that provides water to sustain life. God’s covenant with His people guarantees that we have the living water that gives everlasting life to all who will trust the Savior!