Abimelech

Pronunciation: uh-BIHM-ih-lehk

Occurrences: 2

First Reference: Beginnings 27:50

Therefore, seeing that I am old and without child, then according to the custom of our ways, Abimelech, the chief steward of Abraham, shall inherit all and I shall be left desolate.”

See: Abraham, Lot

Summary: Abimelech was Abraham's chief steward who, according to custom, would have had sole rights to Abraham's inheritance had Abraham not had any children. It was Abimelech that Abraham sent to Sodom to warn his nephew Lot about the destruction that was soon to come (Beginnings 27:77).

The chief steward of Abraham being identified as Abimelech goes contrary to interpretations of traditional texts, which designate the individual as Eliezer (Genesis 15:2).

Notes/References:

And when he had gone, Abraham called unto his chief steward, Abimelech. And he instructed him to hasten quickly into the lands round about Sodom and there give warning to his nephew, Lot. For Abraham desired not the destruction of his brother’s son.

Beginnings 27:77

Abiel

Abraham (Abram)