Phicol פִּיכֹל
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 contentGenesis 3 verses
- 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."
Study Genesis → - 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."
Study Genesis → - Genesis 26:26
"Then Abimelech went to him from Gerar, and Ahuzzath his friend, and Phicol the captain of his army."
Study Genesis →
Names & Aliases
| Form | Language | Script | Strong's |
|---|---|---|---|
| Named | Hebrew | פִּיכֹל | H6369 |