Then Abimelech went to him from Gerar, and Ahuzzath one of his friends, and Phichol the chief captain of his army.
Then Abimelech went to him. Since there was a lapse of 70 years between the visit of Abraham and of Isaac, the Abimelech and Phichol spoken of must have been different persons' official titles. Kurtz and Tuch think that there is no chronological difficulty in the way of supposing the same Abimelech who covenanted with Abraham entered into a similar compact with Isaac; because as the patriarchs attained to a great age, their contemporaries might be equally distinguished for longevity. And their conjecture, that Abimelech was an aged king, appears to be confirmed by the fact that he did not himself take Rebekah to his harem, but only expressed a fear lest one of the people might have taken liberties with her.
Ahuzzath one of this friends. The 'king's friend' is frequently mentioned in the historical books as a chief officer of government-chancellor or prime minister (cf. 2 Samuel 15:37; 2 Samuel 16:16; 1 Kings 4:5; 1 Chronicles 27:33). This seems to be the true meaning of the clause. But the Septuagint has: Hochozath ho numfagoogos], the friend (or conductor) of the bride; and Jerome, following several Jewish commentators, does not consider Ahuzzath as a proper name, but renders the verse thus: 'Then Abimelech went to him from Gerar, and a number of his friends.'
Phichol - (see the note at Genesis 21:22.)
Verse 28,29. We saw certainly that the Lord was with thee. Abimelech's recognition of the Lord х Yahweh (H3068)] is somewhat remarkable. He evidently did not use this name in the theocratic sense which it bore in the mind of the patriarch, but simply as the appellation of the tutelary deity and patron of Isaac. The Abimelech of Abraham's time first addresses God as 'Adonaay (H136), Sir, Master (Genesis 20:4); but afterward, in conversing with Abraham, who (Genesis 20:11; Genesis 20:13) spoke of 'Elohiym (H430), God, he employed that name also (Genesis 21:22-23). The Abimelech who was Isaac's contemporary seems to have been led in a similar manner to the use of the name, "the Lord," by hearing it frequently from the lips of the patriarch. Here is another proof of the promise (Genesis 12:2) being fulfilled, in an overture of peace being made to him by the King of Gerar. By whatever motive the proposal was dictated-whether fear of his growing power, or regret for the bad usage they had given him, the king and two of his courtiers paid a visit to the tent of Isaac (Proverbs 16:7). His timid and passive temper had submitted to the annoyances of his rude neighbours; but now that they wish to renew the covenant, he evinces deep feeling at their conduct, and astonishment at their assurance, or artifice, in coming near him. Being, however, of a pacific disposition, he forgave their offence, accepted their proposals, and treated them to the banquet by which the ratification of a covenant was usually crowned.