“El Olam and Yahweh Shammah”

START

As your Connect Group time begins, use this section to introduce the topic of discussion.

Damian Phillips shared the following story in his sermon Life Giver #3: Life “God is immutable. He in the Son. “Whenever I hear the word ‘everlasting’ I am reminded of doesn’t change, He is the Everlast boxing gloves. I recall living in Moberly, Missouri where the same, continually, Everlast Boxing Equipment Company is located. The building where the perpetually, permanently, company first began production has been abandoned for a new facility; always and forever.” however, this presented a bit of irony. I remember driving past this old building countless times, with the glass broken and weeds growing -Paul Coleman between cracks in the parking lot, and seeing the huge logo ‘Everlast’ worn and faded by the elements. Nothing about that run down building appeared to be ‘everlasting.’”1

What are things that rust, spoil and fade?

What have you purchased that you thought would have lasting value or bring lasting enjoyment only to realize that it was quick to fail or be placed on a shelf to gather dust?

Today our study leads us to focus on two more names of God:

El Olam - “Everlasting, Eternal, Unchanging God”

Yahweh Shammah - “God is There”

READ GENESIS 21:22-33

ABRAHAM’S COVENANT WITH ABIMELECH

22 At that time Abimelech, accompanied by Phicol the commander of his army, said to , “God is with you in everything you do. 23 Swear to me by God here and now, that you will not break an agreement with me or with my children and descendants. As I have been loyal to you, so you will be loyal to me and to the country where you are a resident alien.”

24 And Abraham said, “I swear it.” 25 But Abraham complained to Abimelech because of the well that Abimelech’s servants had seized.

26 Abimelech replied, “I don’t know who did this thing. You didn’t report anything to me, so I hadn’t heard about it until today.”

1 https://www.sermoncentral.com/sermon-illustrations/66249/on-stories-by- sermoncentral?ref=TextIllustrationSerps

27 Abraham took flocks and herds and gave them to Abimelech, and the two of them made a covenant. 28 Abraham separated seven ewe lambs from the flock. 29 And Abimelech said to Abraham, “Why have you separated these seven ewe lambs?”

30 He replied, “You are to accept the seven ewe lambs from me so that this act will serve as my witness that I dug this well.” 31 Therefore that place was called Beer-, because it was there that the two of them swore an oath. 32 After they had made a covenant at Beer-sheba, Abimelech and Phicol, the commander of his army, left and returned to the land of the Philistines.

33 Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beer-sheba, and there he called on the name of the Lord, the Everlasting God. 34 And Abraham lived as an alien in the land of the Philistines for many days.

READ 48:30-35

30 “These will be the exits of the city: Beginning on the north side, which is 4,500 cubits long, 31 the gates of the city will be named after the tribes of . The three gates on the north side will be the gate of Reuben, the gate of Judah and the gate of Levi.

32 “On the east side, which is 4,500 cubits long, will be three gates: the gate of Joseph, the gate of Benjamin and the gate of Dan.

33 “On the south side, which measures 4,500 cubits, will be three gates: the gate of Simeon, the gate of Issachar and the gate of Zebulun.

34 “On the west side, which is 4,500 cubits long, will be three gates: the gate of Gad, the gate of Asher and the gate of Naphtali.

35 “The distance all around will be 18,000 cubits.[f]

“And the name of the city from that time on will be: The Lord is there.”

REVIEW

Context/Commentary/Background

GENESIS 21:22-34 THE KNOWLEDGE COMMENTARY

The covenant at Beersheba

The striking feature about this passage is the explanation of the name of Beersheba, the home of Abraham. This name will always reflect the covenant the patriarch made with the residents of the land, which enabled him to dwell there in peace and prosperity.

21:22–34. The word šāḇa‘ (“to swear or take an oath”) occurs three times in the passage (vv. 23– 24 [swear], 31 [swore]); the numerical adjective šeba‘ (seven) occurs three times as well (vv. 28– 30); the name be’ēr šāḇa‘ (“well of seven” or “well of the oath”) also occurs three times (vv. 31–33). Certainly the stress is on the significance of the oath (v. 31) between Abraham and Abimelech, a

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fact commemorated by Beersheba’s naming. Šāḇa‘ is clearly the key to the passage. Later Israel would learn about the solemnity of oaths and treaties.

The story fits well in the context that builds up to the sacrifice of Isaac in chapter 22. The birth of Isaac was clearly promised (18:1–15), and in Abraham’s deception (chap. 20) Abimelech learned that God’s hand was on this man (cf. 21:22). Then the promised seed was born and the rival was expelled (vv. 1–18). Now (vv. 22–34) a covenant was made that allowed Abraham to settle in the land in peace and Abimelech to share in the blessing. All this built slowly to the test in chapter 22, each chapter showing the completion of different phases of the promises.

The story in 21:22–34 reveals that the patriarch was blessed of God, and that some pagans recognized God’s blessings. The motif of the well appears again (cf. 16:14; 21:19). God provided water—a symbol of blessing—out of the wilderness, out of the barren land, out of the rock. Abimelech realized this, and after the controversy over his servants’ seizure of the well (v. 25), the two men made a treaty so that the pagan king could share in the blessing (cf. 12:1–3).

In making the treaty (covenant) Abraham gave Abimelech both sheep and cattle (21:27; cf. the reverse in 20:14), including seven ewe lambs (21:29–30). These secured Abraham’s legal right to dwell in the land in peace, and legally forced Abimelech to recognize that this well at Beersheba belonged to Abraham (vv. 30–31). The patriarch thus secured by treaty his right to the well, that is, God’s provision of blessing.

Significant is the fact that Abraham planted a … tree there and sojourned there many days (vv. 33– 34), indicating his faith and security. To plant a tree in Beersheba presupposed a constant supply of water, and indicated a determination to stay in the region. God would bless with well water, and Abraham would stay settled in the land. Dwelling under one’s tree was a sign of peaceful security (Zech. 3:10).

The passage certainly anticipated Israel’s future peaceful coexistence in the land with other tribes who would respond to the message of peace and desire to share in the blessing.

A subtle rebuke, however, is found in the story (cf. Abimelech’s rebuke in Gen. 20:9–10). Abimelech pressed for the treaty so that Abraham would not deal falsely with him (21:23). All Abimelech knew of this man was that (a) God blessed him (v. 22) and (b) he was deceptive (v. 23). This tragic contradiction called for a binding treaty.

Likewise, Israel was to keep her oaths and avoid falsehood. Today believers should speak the truth without using oaths (Matt. 5:37; James 5:12). Truthful and faithful dealings that preserve such peaceful relations enhance the work of God.The Philistines (Gen. 21:32) settled in Palestine en masse around 1200 b.c. However, some sea traders settled on the coast of Palestine as early as

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Abraham, who lived 2166–1991 b.c.; see the chart “Chronology of the Patriarchs,” near 47:28– 31.2

CSB STUDY BIBLE NOTES

21:33–34 In recognition of God’s good gifts, including a son who would carry the bloodline forward into the future, Abraham planted a tamarisk tree, a tree with many branches and small leaves. It likely grew to a height of twenty to thirty feet. He also worshiped the Lord as the Everlasting God (Hb ’el ‘olam) in recognition of the perpetuity of God’s promises to Abraham.3

EZEKIEL 48:30-35 THE BIBLE KNOWLEDGE COMMENTARY

The gates of the city (48:30–35)

In describing the gates of the new city of , Ezekiel brought the city “full circle” from what it was at the beginning of his book. The city doomed for destruction will be restored to glory.

48:30–31. The new city of Jerusalem will have 12 gates, 3 on each side. Why these gates are grouped as they are is obscure. The three gates on the north side (closest to the sanctuary) will be named for Reuben … Judah, and Levi. Perhaps these three were listed first because of their preeminent positions among the tribes. Reuben was the firstborn of Jacob’s 12 sons, Judah was the royal tribe, and Levi was the tribe of the priesthood. Also all three were children of Jacob’s first wife Leah (cf. Gen. 29:31–35).

48:32. On the east side of Jerusalem the gates will be named for Joseph … Benjamin, and Dan. Because Levi was given a gate (v. 31) the tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh were combined as the one (cf. Gen. 48:1). Joseph and Benjamin were both sons of Rachel (Gen. 30:22– 24; 35:16–18), and Dan was the first son of Rachel’s servant Bilhah, who became Jacob’s concubine (Gen. 30:4–6).

48:33. The gates on the south were named after Simeon … Issachar, and V 1, p 1317 Zebulun. These three were also born to Leah (Gen. 29:33; 30:17–20). Since each of these tribes was relocated in the southern portion of the land (cf. 48:24–26), the gates faced their inheritances.

48:34. The gates on the west side were named for Gad … Asher, and Naphtali. These three tribes descended from sons of Jacob’s concubines. Gad and Asher were born to Zilpah (Gen. 30:9–13), and Naphtali was born to Bilhah (Gen. 30:7–8).

48:35. The most remarkable aspect of the new city of Jerusalem will be the presence of the Lord. God’s glory had departed from the city as a prelude to its judgment (cf. chaps. 10–11), and His return will signal Jerusalem’s blessing. This fact so impressed Ezekiel that he wrote that the city will

2 Allen P. Ross, “Genesis,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 63–64. 3 Robert D. Bergen, “Genesis,” in CSB Study Bible: Notes, ed. Edwin A. Blum and Trevin Wax (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2017), 41.

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be given a new name: the Lord is there. As the Ezekiel had stated repeatedly, God will return to dwell with His people. No longer worshiping lifeless idols and engaged in detestable practices, Israel will enjoy the Lord’s holy presence in the Millennium.4

Content

Ask a volunteer to read Genesis 21:22-34.

Leader: Introduce the name El Olam – “Everlasting, Eternal, Unchanging”

If we were to look over the course of Abraham’s (Abram) life, we would encounter a man that depended on God, desired a family, faced disappointments, dealt with the struggles of obedience, witnessed the devastating consequences of sin, and delighted in the provisions of the Lord.

Having left the destruction of Sodom and Gommorah, Abraham moved to the west into Philistine territory a land held by the King of Gerar. He was a foreigner in this land. It is there that we have two recorded interactions with Abimelech, King of Gerar. The first of these encounters is found in Genesis 20 as, when out of fear, Abraham tells the King that Sarah is his sister.

The second encounter is found in Genesis 21:22-34 when Abimelech recognizes the favor that God has shown Abraham. Having been approached by Abimelech and the commander of his Army, Abraham confronts the King regarding the servants that had seized his well. Water was scarce in this territory and essential for both human and animal welfare. In this passage we discover a commitment, a covenant between Abimelech and Abraham and a recognition of God’s faithfulness. Abraham offered seven ewe lambs from his flock to Abimelech. In turn by accepting these, there was a symbolic recognition that the well was Abraham’s. There at Beer-sheba, a covenant was made (v. 32) and Abraham plants a Tamarisk tree celebrating God’s faithfulness and calling the Lord El Olam “the Everlasting God.”

Why do you think a passage about a business exchange was included in Scripture?

Abraham had handled his first encounter with the Abimelech, King of Gerar, by doubting God’s power to protect him and his wife Sarah which led to deception when questioned about his relationship to Sarah. In this second encounter, with Abilelech, Abraham is upfront about the situation trusting that God is unchanging and will provide.

Abraham did not permit one lapse of faith; he got right with God and made a Why new beginning. - Warren Wiersbe might we struggle with doubting God’s provision and protection and try to take matters into our own hands?

4 Charles H. Dyer, “Ezekiel,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 1316–1317.

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Like Abraham, we might try to take matters into our own hands. What situations have you failed to entrust to God?

When has God called you to walk by faith through uncertain circumstances?

Having walked in both doubt and in the delight of obedience, Abraham’s faith continued to be defined by a growing dependence “Everything in our world upon the true, living, immutable God. Rejoicing in God’s protection, experiences changes; Abraham plants a tree commemorating the event and calls God “El only God stays absolutely Olam,” the everlasting God. Abraham would go on to live, assumingly consistent, every time, all peacefully, in the land of the Philistines with Sarah and Isaac for many the time, for all time and years. The greatest test would await Abraham in Genesis 22 as God beyond time. So if you know God today, that is called him to bring his precious son to Mt. Moriah as a sacrifice. knowledge that will Abraham did not waiver in his obedience as he had undoubtedly benefit you always – even learned to rely upon “El Olam.” In turn God brought forth the sacrifice. in insecure times like Where has God called you to walk by faith during uncertain we’re living in right now.” circumstances? -Paul Coleman Ask a volunteer to read James 1:17.

How does knowing that God is unchanging and always consistent bring you comfort and confidence?

“He said to me Son of Man, this is the place of My throne and the place for the soles of My feet, where I will dwell among the Israelites forever.” :7

Ask a volunteer to read Ezekiel 48:30-35

Leader: Introduce the name Yahweh Shammah – “The Lord is There”

Have you ever had a time in your life where you felt abandoned? If so, describe, how did this make you feel?

In exile, the Israelites felt hopeless and abandoned. All the while, God had not forgotten His covenant people. Even though He had allowed them to experience the oppression of being held captive in , God was there. Sin has its consequences and God allowed this trial to bring them to a place of brokenness and repentance. The exile was about discipline not abandonment.

In the midst of trials, do you feel people lose sight of God’s presence? Why or why not?

Have you gone through a season in life where you felt an absence of God’s presence?

How would you characterize this season?

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Why do you think God allowed it?

What did you learn through the experience?

Our problem in the midst of the storm is we can tend to forget God is there. As Christ followers, we are never alone. God is with us (Joshua 1:9, Matthew 28:20, 1 Cor. 3:16), He is for us (Romans 8:31). During the 70 years of the exile, the nation of Israel would hunger to return to Jerusalem, to the temple, yet to be rebuilt, the very place that represented the presence of God. Ezekiel prophesies of such a return. In this text, we discover both a promise of the return to Jerusalem from the exile, and the promise of the New Jerusalem. In the final verse of Ezekiel’s prophesy he would write this about the New Jerusalem “Yahweh Is There.”

Ask a volunteer to read John 14:1-6 and :1-4

What confidence does it give you to know God is present with you on a daily basis?

In what ways do these verses give you hope for future?

APPLICATION “He exists forever; and He is always the same…His Write a list of the trials and uncertainties that you have walked through. By each of these, identify a character does not change. specific way the ever-present, unchanging God has His truth does not change. His met your needs. ways do not change. His purposes do not change and In what ways or with what situations is God asking His son does not change.” you to trust that He is unchanging and everlasting? How will this help you in taking your next step of -J.I. Packer faith? RESPOND PRAY

Close in prayer. Pray that God will continue to show Himself to you in new ways, and that daily you will entrust matters to Him rather than taking them into your own hands. Ask that God would give you the boldness to confront difficult situations in a manner that is honoring to Him.

MERGE IDEA

Talk about these names of God with your family. Ask open-ended questions like:

1. Make a list of things that last a long time. Ask “What happens to our toys over time?” (They break, we lose interest in them, and pieces get lost).

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2. Abraham described God as everlasting. What does this mean to you? How does the promise that God will never leave you help you face hard times?

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