Abimelech was impressed with Abraham’s growing prosperity. He felt that it could not be explained on merely natural grounds. “God is with thee in all that thou doest.” He sought, therefore, to secure the well-being of himself and his kingdom by forming an amicable treaty. Abraham immediately indicated that, whilst willing to meet him, they must first have a clear understanding about a certain injustice which he had suffered. As our Lord taught afterward, he showed Abimelech his fault as between them alone. Matt. 18:15. The matter was easily adjusted by the king’s frank disavowal of his servants’ action. In lieu

of written documents the seven lambs would be a perpetual sign and token of Abraham’s claim to the well, henceforth known as “the well of the oath.” The tamarisk was the second of these natural title-deeds. Wherever the religious man dwells he should pray, and leave behind him trees and wells.