[336] This is one instance out of several in which the honorable and generous conduct of a Gentile is distorted by Rabbinical tradition; the later Rabbis being unwilling to give any but their own nation credit for liberal and just dealing. It may have been observed in the account of Abimelech, how the frank exchange of promises between Abraham and the Philistine prince was regarded by them as sinful.
[337] Joshua i. 21.
[338] 2 Sam. v. 6; 1 Chron. xi. 4.
[339] 2 Sam. v. 8.
[340] 2 Sam. xxiv. 24; 1 Chron. xxi. 24. This is, however, in direct contravention of the account in the fifth chapter of the 2d Samuel.
[341] Gen. xxiv. 34-49.
[342] Gen. xxv. 2.
[343] Gen. xxv. 4.
[344] Tabari, i. c. lvii.
[345] Weil, p. 98.