Phicol פִּיכֹל

Male H6369 1 book

Commander of Abimelech's army

Biography

Phicol was the commander of the army of Abimelech, the Philistine king of Gerar. He is mentioned twice in the book of Genesis, both times in the context of treaties made between Abimelech and the patriarchs.

In Gen.21.22-32, Phicol accompanied Abimelech when they approached Abraham to make a treaty, acknowledging that God was with Abraham in all that he did. As part of the treaty, Abraham set apart seven ewe lambs as a witness that he had dug a well, which was named Beersheba.

Later, in Gen.26.26, Phicol again accompanied Abimelech, along with Ahuzzath, Abimelech's advisor, when they came to make a treaty with Isaac. This event took place after Isaac had reopened the wells dug by his father, Abraham, and had settled in Beersheba.

Phicol's presence in these narratives suggests that he was a trusted official in Abimelech's court and played a significant role in diplomatic relations with the patriarchs.

In Scripture

1 biblical book ; 1 with study content
Genesis 3 verses Study available
  • Genesis 21:22

    "At that time, Abimelech and Phicol the captain of his army spoke to Abraham, saying, “God is with you in all that you do."

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  • Genesis 21:32

    "So they made a covenant at Beersheba. Abimelech rose up with Phicol, the captain of his army, and they returned into the land of the Philistines."

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  • Genesis 26:26

    "Then Abimelech went to him from Gerar, and Ahuzzath his friend, and Phicol the captain of his army."

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Names & Aliases

Form Language Script Strong's
Named Hebrew פִּיכֹל H6369
Encyclopedia Article

Phicol

ISBE 1915 (Public Domain)

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fil-a-del-'fi-a (Philadelphia: A city of ancient Lydia in Asia Minor on the Cogamus River, 105 miles from Smyrna. It stood upon a terrace 650 ft. above the sea. Behind it are the volcanic cliffs to which the Turk