Genesis Chapter 21 verse 28 Holy Bible
And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.
read chapter 21 in ASV
And Abraham put seven young lambs of the flock on one side by themselves.
read chapter 21 in BBE
And Abraham set seven ewe-lambs of the flock by themselves.
read chapter 21 in DARBY
And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.
read chapter 21 in KJV
And Abraham set seven ewe-lambs of the flock by themselves.
read chapter 21 in WBT
Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.
read chapter 21 in WEB
and Abraham setteth seven Lambs of the flock by themselves.
read chapter 21 in YLT
Pulpit Commentary
Pulpit CommentaryVerses 28-30. - And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves (designing by another covenant to secure himself against future invasion of Isis rights). And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What mean these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set by themselves? And he said, For these seven ewe lambs shalt thou take of my hand, that they may be a witness unto me, - that this peculiar kind of oath never occurs again in Old Testament history is no proof of the mythical character of the narrative (Bohlen); on the contrary, "that the custom existed in primitive Hebrew times is shown by the word נִשְׁבַּע, which had early passed into the language, and which would be inexplicable without the existence of such a custom" (Havernick) - that I have digged this well.
Ellicott's Commentary
Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers(28) Seven ewe lambs.--The word in Hebrew for swearing is a passive verb, literally signifying "to be sevened," that is, done or confirmed by seven. In this ancient narrative we see a covenant actually thus made binding. Seven ewe lambs are picked out and placed by themselves, and by accepting these Abimelech bound himself to acknowledge and respect Abraham's title to the well. Apparently this manner of ratifying an oath was unknown to the Philistines, as Abimelech asks, "What mean these seven ewe lambs?" but it is equally possible that this question was dictated by the rules of Oriental courtesy. When Abraham had picked out the lambs, it became Abimelech's duty to ask what was the purpose of the act, which was then explained, and as soon as the lambs were accepted, the ratification was complete,
