VERSE 1 Now there was a famine in the land, besides the previous famine that had occurred in the days of Abraham (~h'r'b.a; ymeyBi hy"h' rv,a] !AvarIh' b['r'h' db;L.mi #r,a'B' b['r' yhiy>w: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. hayah + noun m.s.abs. ra-abh famine; vb is ra-ebh to be hungry + def.art.w/prep beth w/noun both s.abs. eretz + prep min w/prep lamedh w/noun m.s.abs. badh besides + def.art.w/noun m.s.abs. ra-ab famine + def.art.w/adj.m.s.abs. rishon first; "previous" + rel.pro. asher which + Qal perf.3m.s. hayah + prep beth w/noun m.p.constr. yom day + proper noun Abraham]).

So Isaac went to Gerar, to Abimelech king of the Philistines (hr'r'G> ~yTiv.liP.-%l,m, %l,M,ybia]-la, qx'c.yI %l,YEw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. halak walk; "went" + proper noun Isaac + prep el to + proper noun Abimelech + noun m.s.abs. melek king + proper noun Abimelech + proper noun Gerar]).

VERSE 2 The LORD appeared to him and said, "Do not go down to Egypt; stay in the land of which I shall tell you (^yl,ae rm;ao rv,a] #r,a'B' !kov. hm'y>r'c.mi dreTe-la; rm,aYOw: hw"hy> wyl'ae ar'YEw: [waw w/Niphal impf.3m.s. ra-ah see; "appeared" + prep el w/3m.s.suff. + proper noun Yahweh + waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. amar say + neg al not + Qal impf.2m.s. yarah descend + proper noun Egypt + def.art.w/prep beth w/noun both s.abs. eretz land + rel.pro. asher + Qal impf.1s. amar say + prep el w/2m.s.suff.]).

VERSE 3 "Sojourn in this land and I will be with you and bless you (&'k,r>b'a]w: ^M.[i hy<h.a,w> taZOh; #r,a'B' rWG [Qal imper.m.s. gur sojourn + def.art.w/prep beth w/noun both s.abs. eretz land + def.art.w/adj.f.s.abs. zoth this + waw w/Qal impf.1s. hayah + prep im with w/2m.s.suff. + waw w/Piel impf.1s.w/2m.s.suff. barak bless], for to you and to your descendants I will give all these lands [laeh' tcor'a]h'-lK'-ta, !Tea, ^[]r>z:l.W ^l.-yK [part ki for + prep lamedh w/2m.s.suff. + waw w/prep lamedh w/noun m.s.constr.w/2m.s.suff. zera seed + Qal impf.1s. nathan give + d.o. marker + noun m.s.constr. kol all + def.art.w/noun f.p.absl. eretz land; "lands" + def.art.w/adj. both p.abs. elleh these], and I will establish the oath which I swore to your father Abraham [^ybia' ~h'r'b.a;l. yTi[.B;v.nI rv,a] h['buV.h;-ta, ytimoqih]w: [waw w/Hiphil perf.1s. qum rise; "establish" + d.o. marker + def.art.w/noun f.s.abs. shebu-ah oath + rel.pro. asher which + Niphal perf.1s. sheba swear + prep lamedh w/proper noun Abraham + noun m.s.constr.w/2m.s.suff. abh father]).

VERSE 4 "I will multiply your descendants as the stars of heaven, and will give your descendants all these lands (laeh' tcor'a]h'-lK' tae ^[]r>z:l. yTit;n"w> ~yIm;V'h; ybek.AkK. ^[]r>z:-ta, ytiyBer>hiw> waw w/Hiphil perf.1s. rabah become great; "multiply" + d.o. marker + noun m.s.constr.w/2m.s.suff. zera seed + prep kaph w/noun m.p.constr. kokab star + def.art.w/noun m.p.abs. shamayim heaven + waw w/Qal perf.1s. nathan give + prep lamedh w/noun m.s.constr.w/2m.s.suff. zera seed + d.o. marker + noun m.s.constr. kol + def.art.w/noun f.p.abs. eretz land + def.art.w/adj. both p.abs. elleh these]; and by your descendants all the nations of the earth shall be blessed [#r,a'h' yyEAG lKo ^[]r>z:b. Wkr]B't.hiw> [waw w/Hithpael perf.3p. barak bless + prep beth w/noun m.s.constr.w/2m.s.suff. zera seed + noun m.s.abs. kol all + noun m.p.constr. goi nation + def.art.w/noun both s.abs. eretz earth];

VERSE 5 because Abraham obeyed Me and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes and My laws (yt'roAtw> yt;AQxu yt;wOc.mi yTir>m;v.mi rmov.YIw: yliqoB. ~h'r'b.a; [m;v'-rv,a] bq,[e [adj.m.s.abs. eqeb because + rel.pro. asher + Qal perf.3m.s. shama hear; "obeyed" + proper noun Abraham + prep beth w/noun m.s.constr.w/1s.suff. qol voice + waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. shamar hear; "kept" + noun f.s.constr.w/1s.suff. mishemereth obligation; "charge" + noun f.p.constr.w/1s.suff. mitsewah commandment + noun f.p.constr.w/1s.suff. choq statute + waw w/noun f.p.constr.w/1s.suff. torah law])."

VERSE 6 So Isaac lived in Gerar (rr'g>Bi qx'c.yI bv,YEw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. yashab dwell + proper noun Isaac + prep beth w/proper noun Gerar].

ANALYSIS: VERSES 1-6

1. The timing of the events of this chapter is sometime shortly after the death of Abraham (cf. v. 18).
2. Isaac was 75 years of age at the death of his father Abraham.
3. When Abraham died at age 175, Jacob was 15 years of age.
4. The twins were born when Isaac was 60 years of age.
5. Isaac is tested with a famine similar to the one that his father experienced shortly after Abraham’s arrival in the Promised Land (cf. Gen. 12:10 for "the previous/first famine").
6. Approximately one century separates these two famines.
7. Abraham arrived in Canaan in 1871 BC so this would place the 2^nd major famine at somewhere around 1771 BC (Abraham’s age when he first entered Canaan was 75 and he died at age 175).
8. During the lifetimes of father and son their experience of testing was similar in kind if not in degree as this chapter will demonstrate.
9. This famine like the "previous famine" was the result of prolonged drought in the land.
10. So Isaac proceeds to take refuge in the Philistine city of Gerar where Abraham’s old ally Abimelech was still reigning as king (v. 1b).
11. In route "Yahweh appeared to him" instructing him not to go down to Egypt, but rather remain in the land.
12. Isaac, like his father, was contemplating moving his people to Egypt when the LORD appeared to him in a vision.
13. Vv. 2-5 represents the first reiteration of the covenant promises to Abraham’s son.
14. His hearing of the promises directly from the LORD on this occasion was not the first time he had heard the LORD speak.
15. In Gen. 22 on the occasion of his near sacrifice Isaac heard the covenant promises on the mountain of sacrifice when God took an oath before his father.
16. Because of this intervention Isaac did not react and succumb to fear leaving the geographical will in order to survive.
17. Due to this intervention there was no following his father’s experience of radical geographical relocation.
18. Filled with anxiety, Isaac was on the verge of repeating his father’s survival mode expect for divine intervention.
19. Rather he is instructed to "stay in the land of which I shall tell you."
20. This rather strange way of telling him to stay put echoes Gen. 12:1 and the directive "Go forth…to the land which I will show you."
21. Again, this chapter begs comparison between the careers of father and son.
22. While their respective experiences were not identical in detail they were very similar in kind.
23. Both men were similarly challenged in their spiritual walk.
24. The question that arises from v. 2b is this: Is the land Canaan or Gerar?
25. The imperative "stay" is shakan meaning to tabernacle or live somewhere as a temporary resident.
26. It is used in connection with the movement of the Tabernacle—the Tent in the wilderness wanderings (cf. Ex. 25:8; 29:45-46).
27. A question that might be asked is: Where was Isaac when these specific instructions were given to him?
28. Some would argue that Isaac was in Gerar when Yahweh spoke to him based on what we read in v. 1.
29. But this is unlikely due to the fact that Isaac resorted to Gerar when his thoughts of going to Egypt were overruled.
30. Isaac was most likely in Beersheba when he entertained thoughts of retreating to Egypt due to the famine.
31. After all the chapter ends with Isaac being prospered in Beersheba, after his time in Gerar, and then in the Philistine countryside.
32. The command to "stay in the land" includes Canaan proper but does not exclude the land held by the early Philistines.
33. In v. 3 God promises to bless him if he "sojourns in this land."
34. The imperative "sojourn" (gur) has the connotation of one who is a resident alien in a place.
35. The exact wording "and I will be with you" is here first used in connection with divine reassurance to Isaac and repeated on several occasions to Jacob (28:15; 31:3; 46:4).
36. The words "I will be with you and bless you" is a promise of divine protection and success.
37. For "bless you" see 12:2; 22:17; 26:24; 27:7).
38. The formulation of the promise "for to you and to your descendants I will give these lands" is also found one other time at 17:8.
39. The word order where the verb "I will give" comes after "for you and your descendants" is for emphasis.
40. Isaac is promised "these lands" requiring his latter day resurrection.
41. "All these lands" includes territory beyond Canaan proper such as the then territory of the Philistines (cf. 15:18 for the most comprehensive treatment of the eternal land grant).
42. The covenant promise on this occasion and on this occasion alone is referred to as "an oath" (represented by the Niphal perfect of sheba) connected with the covenant promise in Gen. 22 on the mount of sacrifice, rather than with the standard noun "covenant."
43. Again, the oath that is referenced is found in 22:16-18, which is the only divine oath in Gen. 12-25.
44. V. 4 replays 22:17-18a substituting "that you may possess the gates of your enemies"with "I shall give to you and to your descendants all these lands."
45. Multiplication of descendants along with the real estate promise is one of the main features of the Abrahamic Covenant.
46. An all-important subset of the innumerable descendants clause is the messianic promise—"in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed" (cf. 12:3; 22:18; 27:33; 28:14).
47. This is fulfilled in the first advent of Jesus Christ, who brought eternal salvation to humanity through his death and resurrection.
48. The foundation of Isaac’s blessings is not is own contributions/applications but rather is based on his father’s positive voliton as noted in: "because Abraham obeyed Me."
49. The expanded listing here in v. 5 of 22:18b ("because you have obeyed Me") with "and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes and My laws" reflects the tone of the Mosaic Law.
50. "Obeyed Me" is literally, "listened to My voice" or "heard my voice (shama to hear, followed by qol voice)."
51. This refers to the function of GAP with respect to Abraham.
52. Next in the listing is "kept by charge" or "kept my requirements (vb. shamar followed by mishmeret; next use is in connection with the requirement to observe Passover; Ex. 12:6)."
53. "My commandments" (mitswah cognate of vb. tswah to command/order) stresses the authority aspect of the divine directives.
54. "My statutes" (choq) emphasizes the parameters within a specific regulation.
55. Number five is "My laws" emphasizing the legal aspect (torah).
56. V. 6 records Isaac’s obedience under stressful circumstances as he was living within the area specified by the covenant obligations.

 

VERSE 7 When the men of the place asked about his wife, he said, "She is my sister (awhi ytixoa] rm,aYOw: ATv.ail. ~AqM'h; yven>a; Wla]v.YIw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.p. sha-al ask + noun m.p.constr. ish man + def.art.w/noun m.s.abs. maqom place + prep lamedh w/noun f.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. ishshah wife + waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. amar say + noun f.s.constr.w/1s.suff. achot sister + pro.3m.s. hi she]," for he was afraid to say, "my wife," thinking, "the men of the place might kill me on account of Rebekah, for she is beautiful [ayhi ha,r>m; tb;Aj-yKi hq'b.rI-l[; ~AqM'h; yven>a; ynIgUr>h;y:-!P, yTiv.ai rmoale arey" yKi [part ki for + Qal perf.3m.s.s yara fear + prep lamedh w/Qal infin.constr. amar say + noun f.s.constr.w1s.suff. ishshah wife + part peh lest + Qal impf.3m.p.w/1s.suff. harag kill + noun m.p.constr. ish man + def.art.w/noun m.s.abs. makom place + prep al w/proper noun Rebekah + part ki for + adj.f.s.constr. tob good + noun m.s.abs. mare-eh appearance + pro.3f.s. hi she])."

VERSE 8 It came about, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out through a window, and saw, and behold, Isaac was caressing his wife Rebekah (ATv.ai hq'b.rI tae qxec;m. qx'c.yI hNEhiw> ar>Y:w: !ALx;h; d[;B. ~yTiv.liP. %l,m, %l,m,ybia] @qev.Y:w: ~ymiY"h; ~v' Al-Wkr>a' yKi yhiy>w: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. hayah + part ki "when" + Qal perf.3p. arak to be long + prep lamedh w/3m.s.suff. + adv sham there + def.art.w/noun m.p.abs. yom day + waw w/Hiphil impf.3m.s. shaqaph overlook, look down + proper noun Abimelech + noun m.s.abs. melek king +proper noun Philistine + part ba-adh behind, through + def.art.w/noun both s.abs. hallon window + waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. ra-ah see + waw w/interj hinneh behold + proper noun Isaac + Piel part.m.s.abs. tsachaq laugh; play; "caressing" + d.o. marker + proper noun Rebekah + noun f.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. ishshah wife]).

VERSE 9 Then Abimelech called Isaac and said, "Behold, certainly she is your wife (awhi ^T.v.ai hNEhi %a; rm,aYOw: qx'c.yIl. %l,m,ybia] ar'q.YIw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. qara call + proper noun Abimelech + prep lamedh w/proper noun Isaac + waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. amar say + adv surely + interj. hinneh + noun f.s.constr.w/2m.s.suff. ishshah wife + pro.3f.s. hi she])!

How then did you say, 'She is my sister' (awhi ytixoa] T'r>m;a' %yaew> [waw w/interj. ek how? + Qal perf.2m.s. amar say + noun f.s.constr.w/1s.suff. achot sister + pro.3f.s. hi she])?"

And Isaac said to him, "Because I said, 'I might die on account of her (h'yl,[' tWma'-!P, yTir>m;a' yKi qx'c.yI wyl'ae rm,aYOw: [waw/wQal impf.3m.s.s amar say + prep el w/3m.s.suff. + proper noun Isaac + part ki because + Qal perf.1s. amar say + part peh lest + Qal impf.1s. muth die + prep al w/3f.s.suff. "on account of her"]).'"

VERSE 10 Abimelech said, "What is this you have done to us (WnL' t'yfi[' taZO-hm; %l,m,ybia] rm,aYOw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. amar say + proper noun Abimelech + interrog mah what? + adj.f.s.abs. zoth this + Qal perf.2m.s. ashah do + prep lamedh w/1p.suff. "to us"])?

One of the people might easily have lain with your wife, and you would have brought guilt upon us (~v'a' Wnyle[' t'abehew> ^T,v.ai-ta, ~['h' dx;a; bk;v' j[;m.Ki [prep kaph w/adj.m.s.abs. me-at little "might easily" + Qal perf.3m.s. shakab lie down + adj.m.s.abs. eched one + def.art.w/noun m.s.abs. am people + d.o. marker + noun f.s.constr.w/2m.s.suff. ishshah wife + waw w/Hiphil perf.2m.s. bo go, bring + prep al w/1p.suff. + noun m.s.abs. ssham guilt])."

VERSE 11 So Abimelech charged all the people, saying, "He who touches this man or his wife shall surely be put to death (tm'Wy tAm ATv.aib.W hZ<h; vyaiB' [;gENOh; rmoale ~['h'-lK'-ta, %l,m,ybia] wc;y>w: [waw w/Piel impf.3m.s. tsawah command + proper noun Abimelech + d.o. marker + noun m.s.constr. kol all + def.art.w/noun m.s.abs. am people + prep lamedh w/Qal infin.constr. amar say + def.art.w/Qal part.m.s.abs. naga touch + def.art.w/prep beth w/noun m.s.abs. ish + def.art.w/adj.m.s.abs. zeh this + waw w/prep beth w/noun f.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. ishshah wife + Qal infin.abs. muth die + Hophal impf.3m.s. muth to execute])."

ANALYSIS: VERSES 7-11

1. Isaac actually takes up residency in the Philistine city of Gerar (v.6).
2. There he lives for an unspecified period of time (e.g., resident alien).
3. His residency there provides the occasion for his misleading of his hosts.
4. The incident recalls two previous episodes in which his father mislead those he dwelt among (cf. 12:10-20; 20:1-18).
5. In all three incidences the foreign hosts were told that the attractive wife was their sister.
6. In all three cases the ruse was exposed.
7. In the first two the exposure was dramatic and in this one the exposure was low key.
8. Upon entering the city Isaac’s fear-grid kicks in (cf. v. 7).
9. He feared for his very life even though God had just told him that he would be with him and bless him (etc.).
10. So, like his father before him, he resorts to a survival mode not placing his trust in God to protect him and his wife from harm.
11. Rebekah, like Sarah before her, still retained her feminine beauty (she was the mother of two sons who were young adults; see pervious analysis).
12. Isaac’s lie about the true identity of Rebekah was maintained for "a long time" (cf. v.8) before the ruse was exposed.
13. That they could have resided in a place for so long a time and not revealed that they were man and wife is truly amazing.
14. The secret of their identity was safe-guarded by those who knew the truth over an extended period of time.
15. Isaac, like his father, was suspicious of the morals of the men of the place.
16. During this time of deceit Rebekah was exposed to male interest, yet nothing ever happened untoward with regard to her chastity.
17. It became apparent that his fears were without any basis.
18. The Philistines of his day were peaceable types and for the most part adhered to strict moral values.
19. One day Isaac and Rebekah were positioned outside the palace window of king Abimelech and he just happened to observe Isaac "caressing" or literally, "playing" with Rebekah in such a fashion as to indicate sexual interest (v. 8).
20. They may have been in the palace garden or he saw them in an exposed window.
21. Abimelech summons Isaac into his presence and angrily interrogates him (cp. 12:8; 20:9; v. 9).
22. Isaac confesses his sin and explains the rationale for it.
23. The king explains the jeopardy that Isaac has put his people in by his lie (v. 10).
24. This demonstrates this man was a righteous and God-fearing ruler.
25. Otherwise there is no rationale explanation for his fear of retribution upon his kingdom.
26. If sexual molestation had occurred in regards to Rebekah then who is it that Abimelech would have considered has having held the kingdom accountable?
27. The only answer is divine retribution.
28. He wasn’t so concerned about sexual misconduct with a single woman but he was in regards to a married woman.
29. The upshot of this incident was a royal decree that had the effect of securing special protection for Isaac and Rebekah during their residency in Gerar (v. 11).
30. He made it a capital offense for anyone to harm/molest in any fashion Isaac and his wife during their stay there.
31. As God had promised, He was protecting and blessing them even though Isaac had sinned against his gracious host.

Isaac Prospers Greatly in Gerar (vv. 12-16)

VERSE 12 Now Isaac sowed in that land and reaped in the same year a hundredfold (~yrI['v. ha'me awhih; hn"V'B; ac'm.YIw: awhih; #r,a'B' qx'c.yI [r;z>YIw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. zara sow + proper noun Isaac + def.art.w/prep beth w/noun both s.abs eretz land + def.art.w/pro.3m.s. hi that + waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. matsa find, receive; "reaped" + def.art.w/noun f.s.abs. shanah year + def.art.w/pro.3f.s. hi that + adj.f.s.abs. me-ah hundred + noun m.p.abs. sha-ar measure]).

And the LORD blessed him (hw"hy> Whker]b'y>w: [waw w/Piel impf.3m.s.w/3m.s.suff. barak bless + proper noun Yahweh]),

VERSE 13 and the man became rich, and continued to grow richer until he became very wealthy (daom. ld;g"-yKi d[; ldeg"w> %Alh' %l,YEw: vyaih' lD;g>YIw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. gadal become great/rich + def.art.w/noun m.s.abs. ish man + waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. halak walk; "continued" + Qal infin.constr. halak walk "to grow" + waw w/adj.m.s.abs. gadel becoming great; "richer" + part adh until + part ki + Qal perf.3m.s. gadal become great/wealthy + adv me-odh very]);

VERSE 14 for he had possessions of flocks and herds and a great household, so that the Philistines envied him (~yTiv.liP. Atao Wan>q;y>w: hB'r; hD'bu[]w: rq'b' hnEq.miW !aco-hnEq.mi Al-yhiy>w: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. hayah + prep lamedh w/3m.s.suff. + noun m.s.constr. miqeneh cattle, herd + noun both s.abs. ts-on flock + waw w/noun m.s.constr. miqeneh cattle, herd + noun m.s.abs. baqar cattle, ox + waw w/noun f.s.abs. abudah household servants + adj.f.s.abs. rab great + waw w/Piel impf.3m.p. qana be jealous + d.o. marker w/3m.s.suff. + proper noun Philistine]).

VERSE 15 Now all the wells which his father's servants had dug in the days of Abraham his father, the Philistines stopped up by filling them with earth (rp'[' ~Wal.m;y>w: ~yTiv.liP. ~WmT.si wybia' ~h'r'b.a; ymeyBi wybia' ydeb.[; Wrp.x' rv,a] troaeB.h;-lk'w> [waw w/noun m.s.constr. kol + def.art.w/noun f.p.abs. be-er well + rel asher + Qal perf.3p. chaphar dig + noun m.p.constr. ebedh servant + noun m.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. abh father + prep beth w/noun m.p.constr. yom day + proper noun Abraham + noun m.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. abh father + Piel perf.3p.w/3m.p.suff. satham stop up + proper noun Philistine + waw w/Piel impf.3m.p.w/3m.p.suff. male fill + noun m.s.abs. aphar dust, dirt]).

VERSE 16 Then Abimelech said to Isaac, "Go away from us, for you are too powerful for us (daom. WNM,mi-T'm.c;['-yKi WnM'[ime %le qx'c.yI-la, %l,m,ybia] rm,aYOw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. amar say + proper noun Abimelech + prep el + proper noun Isaac + Qal imper.m.s. halak walk, go + prep min w/prep im w/1p.suff. "from us" + part ki + Qal perf.2m.s. atsam be strong + prep min w/1p.suff. + adv me-odh])."

VERSE 17 And Isaac departed from there and camped in the valley of Gerar, and settled there (~v' bv,YEw: rr'G>-lx;n:B. !x;YIw: qx'c.yI ~V'mi %l,YEw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. halak go + prep min w/adv sham there + proper noun Isaac + waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. hanah camp + prep beth w/noun m.s.abs. nachal valley + proper noun Gerar + waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. yashab dwell + adv sham there]).

ANALYSIS: VERSES 12-17

1. Isaac resided in the royal city of Gerar for an extended period of time (cf. v. 8).
2. It was during those days when he lived in Gerar that the famine subsided.
3. Gerar was his refuge during the famine years.
4. His failure in regards to his wife resulted in special protection from potential adversaries.
5. Following the episode with his wife, he expanded his business interest by engaging in farming (v. 12a).
6. It was uncommon for a person in his set of circumstances to engage in the cultivation of commercial grains.
7. He is the only one of the patriarchs who it is said that he planted and harvested crops.
8. In his very first year of this endeavor he harvested a bonanza.
9. "A hundredfold" indicates maximum crop yield (cf. Matt. 13:8).
10. A characteristic of an fully adjusted believer is that whatever he sets his hand to God prospers (Psa. 1:3 "He is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither; and in whatever he does, he prospers."; Prov. 28:25b "But he who trusts in the LORD will prosper."; Prov. 13:21b "But the righteous will be rewarded with prosperity.").
11. "And the LORD blessed him" fulfills the promise of verse 3.
12. Sanctuary in Gerar fulfills the promise: "I will be with you."
13. In addition to great success as a farmer, God blessed his livestock operations (v. 14).
14. In v. 13 is a statement describing the degree to which Isaac prospered monetarily.
15. The Hebrew of this verse literally says: "and the man became great (rich), and he continued to grow rich until he became exceedingly wealthy."
16. But in this Isaac was tested as the Philistines grew envious of his phenomenal success (v. 14b).
17. Jesus said that when believers prosper they can expect persecution (cf. Matt. 10:30).
18. The Philistines expressed their animosity by trashing the water wells that had been dug in the days of Abraham (v. 15).
19. Isaac, the passive type, does not contest this crime even though his father had entered into a goodwill treaty with the king of the Philistines (Gen. 21:22-32).
20. Abimelech comes under pressure from his people and finally ask Isaac to leave the city.
21. The reason the king gives for the eviction from Gerar is "for you have become to powerful for us" implying that Isaac may use his strength adversely and seek political dominance.
22. There of course was no danger here and Abimelech missed a chance to bless the current representative of the covenant, and be blessed.
23. The expression used by the king is found one other time and that is in connection with the Israelite presence in Egypt (Ex. 1:7, 20).
24. So Isaac without protest leaves where he is no longer welcome and reestablishes his operations "in the valley of Gerar" (v. 17).
25. Like his father in Egypt, Isaac is evicted from a place.
26. But Isaac’s expulsion was unjust
27. He leaves his domicile in Gerar and moves back into his tent (v. 17).
28. Like his father before him and like the Israelites of the Exodus Generation the chosen race lives in tents during the formative years of the Israelite experience.
29. Living in tents is commemorated in the Feast of Tabernacles which the Jews observe to this very day.

"Water-Wars" (vv. 18-22)

VERSE 18 Then Isaac dug again the wells of water which had been dug in the days of his father Abraham (wybia' ~h'r'b.a; ymeyBi Wrp.x' rv,a] ~yIM;h; troaeB.-ta, rPox.Y:w: qx'c.yI bv'Y"w: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. shub return + proper noun Isaac + waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. chaphar dig + d.o. marker + noun f.p.abs. be-er well + def.art.w/noun m.p.abs. mayim water + rel asher + Qal perf.3p. chapar dig + prep beth w/noun m.p.constr. yom day + proper noun Abraham + noun m.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. abh father], for the Philistines had stopped them up after the death of Abraham [~h'r'b.a; tAm yrex]a; ~yTiv.liP. ~WmT.s;y>w: [waw w/Piel impf.3m.p.w/3m.p.suff. satham stop up + proper noun Philistine + adv achare after + noun m.s.const. muth death + proper noun Abraham]; and he gave them the same names which his father had given them [wybia' !h,l' ar'q'-rv,a] tmoVeK; tAmve !h,l' ar'q.YIw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. qara call, name + prep lamedh 3f.p.suff. + noun m.p.abs. shem name + prep kaph w/noun m.p.abs. shem name + rel.pro. asher + Qal perf.3m.s. qara call + prep lamedh w/3f.p.suff. + noun m.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. abh father]).

VERSE 19 But when Isaac's servants dug in the valley and found there a well of flowing water (~yYIx; ~yIm; raeB. ~v'-Wac.m.YIw: lx;N"B; qx'c.yI-ydeb.[; WrP.x.Y:w: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.p. chaphar dig + noun m.p.constr. ebedh servant + proper noun Isaac + def.art.w/prep beth w/noun m.s.abs. nachal valley + waw w/Qal impf.3m.p. matsa find + adv sham there + noun f.s.abs. be-er well + noun m.p.abs. mayim water + adj.m.p.abs. chay living; springing; "flowing"]),

VERSE 20 the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with the herdsmen of Isaac, saying, "The water is ours (~yIM'h; Wnl' rmoale qx'c.yI y[ero-~[i rr'g> y[ero WbyrIY"w: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.p. ribh strive + Qal part.m.p.constr. ra-ah pasture; "herdsmen" + proper noun Gerar + prep im with + Qal part.m.p.constr. ra-ah herdsman + proper noun Isaac + prep lamedh w/Qal infin.constr. amar say + prep lamedh w/1p.suff. "ours" + def.art.w/noun m.p.abs. mayim water]) !"

So he named the well Esek, because they contended with him (AM[i WqF.[;t.hi yKi qf,[e raeB.h;-~ve ar'q.YIw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. qara call + noun m.s.constr. shem name + def.art.w/noun f.s.abs. be-er well + proper noun Esek contention + part ki + Hithpael perf.3p. ashaq contend + prep im with w/3m.s.suff.]).

VERSE 21 Then they dug another well, and they quarreled over it too, so he named it Sitnah (hn"j.fi Hm'v. ar'q.YIw: h'yl,['-~G: WbyrIY"w: tr,x,a; raeB. WrP.x.Y:w: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.p. chapar dig + noun f.s.abs. be-er well + adj.f.s.abs. acher another + waw w/Qal impf.3m.p. ribh strive, contend + part gam also + prep al w/3f.s.suff. "over it" + waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. qara call + noun m.s.constr.w/3f.s.suff. shem name + proper noun Sitnah adversary; compare satan for the archenemy]).

VERSE 22 He moved away from there and dug another well, and they did not quarrel over it (h'yl,[' Wbr' al{w> tr,x,a; raeB. rPox.Y:w: ~V'mi qTe[.Y:w: [waw w/Hiphil impf.3m.s. athaq move + prep min w/adv sham there + waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. chapar dig + noun f.s.abs. be-er well + adj.f.s.abs. acher another + waw w/neg lo + Qal perf.3p. ribh strive, quarrel + prep al w/3f.s.suff.]; so he named it Rehoboth, for he said, "At last the LORD has made room for us, and we will be fruitful in the land [#r,a'b' WnyrIp'W Wnl' hw"hy> byxir>hi hT'[;-yKi rm,aYOw: tAbxor> Hm'v. ar'q.YIw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. qara call + noun m.s.constr.w/3f.s.suff. shem name + proper noun Rehoboth broad/roomy + waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. amar say + part ki + adv attah now + Hiphil perf.3m.s. rachab be wide; "has made room" + proper noun Yahweh + prep lamedh w/1p.suff. + waw w/Qal perf.1p. parah bear fruit + prep beth w/noun both s.abs. eretz land])."

ANALYSIS: VERSES 18-22

1. Upon his expulsion from Gerar, Isaac vigorously engages in well digging in the Negev.
2. He starts the endeavor by restoring the wells his father had dug and had been "stopped up after the death of Abraham."
3. He brings these wells back to life and assigns them the same names "which his father had given them."
4. Perhaps the retaining of the original names highlights the injustice of his explusion.
5. This fact is supported by the fact that one of the wells was name in commemoration of the treaty with Abimelech according to 21:23-33.
6. Abimelech in the negotiations with Abraham recognized the right of Abraham and his descendants to the well named Beersheba (cf. 21:30-32).
7. Isaac’s harassment did not end with his exit from Gerar.
8. Beginning with verse 19 through verse 22 there are three scenes (vv. 19-20, 21, 22), each has to do with conflict between the herdsmen of Abimelech and the herdsmen of Isaac.
9. In the first two instances Isaac is forced to give him the wells his servants had dug.
10. The third he retains.
11. In the first instance his servants dug a well in the valley of Gerar and struck "flowing water." (v. 19).
12. The water rights were hotly contested by the herdsmen of Gerar (v. 20), declaring "The water is ours!"
13. Isaac named the well "Esek" which means "Quarrel."
14. Naming the well after an unpleasant experience was a regular feature of the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites.
15. Three watering sites between the Red Sea and Sinai are named in Exodus (15:22-27; 17:1-7).
16. This first well was so valuable because it was an actual spring that provided a continual supply of water in contrast to simple surface water wells that would soon run dry (e.g., "a well of flowing water").
17. Yet a second well was successful dug and the same results followed (v. 21).
18. This second well he named Sitnah, which means "Oppositon" or "Adversary."
19. It comes from the same root as the Hebrew, "Satan."
20. Isaac moves ever further to the edge of the Philistine territory and digs yet a third successful well which he gives a positive name as this well was not contested.
21. The name Rehoboth means "Open Spaces."
22. "Open Spaces" lies somewhere southwest of Beersheba somewhere around the border of the Philistine lands.
23. What are we to make of these withdrawals in light of the fact that there was still a viable treaty between the two peoples?
24. The ever passive Isaac did not stand up for his rights and allowed the unjust actions of others to deny him critical water for his herds.
25. There is a time to contest things and there is a time to suffer loss and move on placing one’s trust in God.
26. The third well was for Isaac a commemoration of divine providence.
27. He maintains the proper perspective in his setbacks as noted in v. 22 where he declared, "For now Yahweh has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land."
28. He recognizes that it is God who under whatever circumstances, good or ill, is the source of his prospering.
29. Isaac now enjoys peace in the land after the difficulties with the Philistines.
30. V. 22 is an expression of faith in the aftermath of undeserved suffering.
31. His deference is a evidence of strength.
32. He went the extra mile to maintain peace and God blessed him.
33. Even though the first two wells were his by treaty and even though they were wrongfully expropriated by others he moved on trusting in God.

Renewal of the Promises at Beersheba (vv. 23-25)

VERSE 23 Then he went up from there to Beersheba ([b;v'ƒraeB. ~V'mi l[;Y:w: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. alah go up + prep min w/adv sham there + proper noun Beersheba]).

VERSE 24 The LORD appeared to him the same night and said, "I am the God of your father Abraham (^ybia' ~h'r'b.a; yhel{a/ ykinOa' rm,aYOw: aWhh; hl'y>L;B; hw"hy> wyl'ae ar'YEw: [waw w/Niphal impf.3m.s. ra-ah see + prep el w/3m.s.suff. + proper noun Yahweh + def.art.w/prep beth w/noun m.s.abs. layelah night + def.art.w/pro.3m.s. "the same" + waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. amar say + pro.1s. anoki I + noun m.p.constr. eloah God + proper noun Abraham + noun m.s.constr.w/2m.s.suff. abh father]);

Do not fear, for I am with you (ykinOa' ^T.ai-yKi ar'yTi-la; [neg al not + Qal impf.2m.s. yare fear + part ki for + prep eth w/2m.s.suff. + pro.1s. anoki I]).

I will bless you, and multiply your descendants, For the sake of My servant Abraham (yDIb.[; ~h'r'b.a; rWb[]B; ^[]r>z:-ta, ytiyBer>hiw> ^yTik.r;beW [waw w/Piel perf.1s.w/2m.s.suff. barak bless + waw w/Hiphil perf.1s. rabah be great; "multiply" + d.o. marker + noun m.s.constr.w/2m.s.suff. zera seed + prep ba-abur on account of + proper noun Abraham + noun m.s.constr.w/1s.suff. ebedh servant])."

VERSE 25 So he built an altar there and called upon the name of the LORD, and pitched his tent there; and there Isaac's servants dug a well (raeB. qx'c.yI-ydeb.[; ~v'-Wrk.YIw: Alh\a' ~v'-jY<w: hw"hy> ~veB. ar'q.YIw: x;Bez>mi ~v' !b,YIw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. banah build + adv sham there + noun m.s.abs. mizbeach altar + waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. qara call + prep beth w/noun m.s.const. shem name + proper noun Yahweh + waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. natah bend low; "pitched" + adv sham there + noun m.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. ohel tent + waw w/Qal impf.3m.p. karah dig + adv sham there + noun m.p.constr. ebedh servant + proper noun Isaac + noun f.s.abs. be-er well]).

ANALYSIS: VERSES 23-25

1. The place in the land that Isaac called home was Beersheba (cf. 25:11b).
2. After the extended stay in Gerar and environs, Isaac is finally able to return to his familiar surroundings.
3. The drought had ended and so he "went up from there to Beersheba."
4. Upon returning to the place he was compelled to leave he received a nocturnal theophany (v. 24).
5. Yahweh introduces Himself as "the God of your father Abraham."
6. This chapter places great emphasis on the common experiences of father and son.
7. The same God who blessed and protected Abraham is still there for the son.
8. The preface to this renewal of the covenant includes a command to literally, "Stop being afraid."
9. Like his father after the raid on the kings of the east, Isaac is fearful.
10. Yahweh reassures him with the promise "for I am with you."
11. If God is "with" you then you have no cause for fear.
12. Being with Isaac means divine protection.
13. Isaac further reassured in the promise "I will bless you."
14. He was promised protection and blessing at the outset of the famine (v. 3), and at its conclusion.
15. God is telling him that he has no cause for fear and that He will advance the promise of descendants to the third generation and beyond.
16. Even though he allowed himself to be pushed around by Philistine herdsmen, the promises made to his father are still intact.
17. Whatever his doubts and fears were that evening, God reassures him that all is well and that the promise of descendants still hold true.
18. In each of the appearances to Isaac (beginning & ending of this chap), his blessing is tied to his father ("for My servant Abraham’s sake"; v. 5, 24b).
19. Even after Abraham’s passing, Isaac was blessed by association.
20. Whatever his failings he would be protected and blessed.
21. Nothing new was initiated with Isaac, he merely was the recipient of what God started with Abraham.
22. With Abraham a new and dynamic period of salvation history began.
23. Isaac’s response to Yahweh’s words was to build and altar.
24. In so doing he emulates his father’s example (12:7, 8; 13:18; 22:9).
25. His actions were spontaneous not mandated.
26. Implied but not stated is the fact that he offered sacrifice and worshiped his God.
27. Any qualms he may have had at residing so close to the antagonistic Philistines were lifted off him and there "he pitched his tent."
28. Even though his well digging has been met with trouble from the Philistines Isaac has his men exploring for water.
29. The business of life goes on and the need for water was always a challenge.
30. In fellowship he doesn’t let the recent setbacks keep him from doing what it is that he must do to survive in a foreign land.
31. Beersheba is not far from Gerar by Isaac after this encounter conducts himself as a man of faith not worrying that he may be forced to retreat ignominiously.

Non-Aggression Pact with Abimelech (vv. 26-31)

VERSE 26 Then Abimelech came to him from Gerar with his adviser Ahuzzath and Phicol the commander of his army (Aab'c.-rf; lkoypiW Wh[ereme tZ:xua]w: rr'G>mi wyl'ae %l;h' %l,m,ybia]w: [waw w/proper noun Abimelech + Qal perf.3m.s. halak go + prep el w/3m.s.suff. + prep min w/proper noun Gerar + waw w/proper noun Ahuzzath + noun m.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. mere-a confidential friend; "his adviser" + waw w/proper noun Phicol + noun m.s.abs. shar prince; "commander" + noun both s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. tsaba army]).

VERSE 27 Isaac said to them, "Why have you come to me, since you hate me and have sent me away from you (~k,T.aime ynIWxL.v;T.w: ytiao ~t,anEf. ~T,a;w> yl'ae ~t,aB' [;WDm; qx'c.yI ~h,lea] rm,aYOw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. amar say + prep el w/3m.p.suff. + proper noun Isaac + adv maddua why? + Qal perf.2m.p. bo go, come + prep el w/1s.suff. + waw w/pro.2m.s. attah you + Qal perf.2m.p. shane hate + d.o. marker w/1s.suff. + waw w/Piel impf.2m.p.w/1s.suff. shalacha send away + prep min w/prep eth w/2m.p.suff. "from you"])?"

VERSE 28 They said, "We see plainly that the LORD has been with you; so we said (rm,aNOw: %M'[i hw"hy> hy"h'-yKi Wnyair' Aar' Wrm.aYOw [waw w/Qal impf.3m.p. amar say + Qal infin.constr. ra-ah see; "plainly" + Qal perf.1p. ra-ah see + part ki + Qal perf.3m.s. hayah be + proper noun Yahweh + prep im w/2f.s.suff. + waw w/Qal impf.1p. amar say], 'Let there now be an oath between us, even between you and us, and let us make a covenant with you [%M'[i tyrIb. ht'r>k.nIw> ^n<ybeW WnynEyBe WnyteAnyBe hl'a' an" yhiT. [Qal impf.3f.s. hayah + inter na please; "now" + noun f.s.abs. alah oath + prep bayin w/1p.suff. "between us" + prep bayin w/1p.suff. + waw w/prep bayin w/2m.s.suff. + waw w/Qal impf.1s. karath cut + noun f.s.abs. berith covenant + prep im w/2f.s.suff.]),

VERSE 29 that you will do us no harm, just as we have not touched you and have done to you nothing but good and have sent you away in peace (~Alv'B. ^x]Lev;N>w: bAj-qr; ^M.[i Wnyfi[' rv,a]k;w> ^Wn[]g:n> al{ rv,a]K; h['r' WnM'[i hfe[]T;-~ai [adv im if + Qal impf.2m.s. ashah do + prep im w/1p.suff. + adj.f.s.abs. ra-ah evil; "harm" + prep kaph w/rel.pro. asher + neg lo + Qal perf.1p.w/2m.s.suff. naga touch, strike + waw w/prep kaph w/rel.pro. asher + Qal perf.1p. ashah do + prep im w/2m.s.suff. + adv raq "nothing" + noun m.s.abs. tobh good + waw w/Piel impf.1p.w/2m.s.suff. shalach send awy + prep beth w/noun m.s.abs. shalom peace]).

You are now the blessed of the LORD (hw"hy> %WrB. hT'[; hT'a; [pro.2m.s. attah you + adv attah now + Qal pass.part.m.s.constr. barak bless + proper noun Yahweh]).'"

VERSE 30 Then he made them a feast, and they ate and drank (WTv.YIw: Wlk.aYOw: hT,v.mi ~h,l' f[;Y:w: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. ashah do + prep lamedh w/3m.p.suff. + noun m.s.abs. misheteh feast + waw w/Qal impf.3m.p. akal eat + waw w/Qal impf.3m.p. shathah drink]).

VERSE 31 In the morning they arose early and exchanged oaths; then Isaac sent them away and they departed from him in peace (~Alv'B. ATaime Wkl.YEw: qx'c.yI ~xeL.v;y>w: wyxia'l. vyai W[b.V'YIw: rq,Bob; WmyKiv.Y:w: [waw w/Hiphil impf.3m.p. shakam rise early + def.art.w/prep beth w/noun m.s.abs. boker morning + waw w/Niphal impf.3m.p. shba swear an oath + noun m.s.abs. ish man + prep lamedh w/noun m.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. ach brother; not translated + waw w/Piel impf.3m.s.qw/3m.p.suff. shalach send away + proper noun Isaac + waw w/Qal impf.3p. halak go + prep beth w/noun m.s.abs. shalom peace]).

ANALYSIS: VERSES 26-31

1. The treaty that forms the subject of these verses is identical in all its main aspects with the one struck between Abraham and Abimelech in chap. 21.
2. Here we have the same negotiators and the same setting (Beersheba).
3. As with the previous treaty, Abimelech approaches Isaac seeking peace and friendship.
4. Unannounced Abimelech appears at Isaac’s tent with two high ranking officals (witnesses).
5. One Ahuzzath a very close friend and adviser (civilian officer) accompanies him along with his top military commander Phicol traveling from Gerar to Beersheba a relatively short distance.
6. Three men by themselves indicate a peaceful mission.
7. Against this modest but understated show of political strength Isaac’s confidence has been greatly bolstered and he is not intimidated as his words in v. 27 make apparent.
8. Like his father before him, Isaac comes across as unfriendly, even hostile (cp. 21:24-26).
9. We see in v. 27 a change in tone on the part of Isaac.
10. Whereas he had previously taken their abuse lying down he asserts himself questioning their motives.
11. Isaac is hard on his guests accusing them of hating him and sending him away without cause.
12. Abimelech sidesteps Isaac’s complaint not wanting to open old wounds.
13. He deals with the past obliquely and proceeds forward with a peace proposal.
14. "We see plainly that the LORD is with you" is as close to an admission of wrongdoing as the king is willing to admit.
15. The reasoning for Isaac’s expulsion was that while living in Gerar Isaac had been too powerful.
16. His words are sincere and he proposes a treaty of mutual respect and friendship (v. 28).
17. Perhaps the leadership of the Philistines saw a decline in national fortunes after the departure of Isaac and decided that it was in the best interests of the kingdom to reestablish good relations with Isaac.
18. The gist of covenant/oath is that both sides will conduct themselves henceforth as friends who will do nothing to harm the other.
19. Abimelech’s words in v. 29 are intended to smooth over the past altercations.
20. His words are diplomatic in tenor first making mention of Isaac’s blessing under Yahweh.
21. He greatly depreciates the injustice done to Isaac when he was expelled from Gerar in his words: "we have done nothing to you but good and have sent you away in peace."
22. Isaac did Abimelech wrong when he deceived the king in regards Rebekah, but that was forgiven.
23. Abimelech did Isaac wrong when he asked him to exit Gerar based on unfounded suspicions.
24. Abimelech ends his proposal where he started referring to Isaac as a man "blessed of the LORD."
25. The king is no doubt sincere in this observation as that is the primary motivation for the proposed treaty.
26. He wisely desires that his people be blessed by association with Isaac.
27. He came to observe the positives of having Isaac as a friend during the time of their estrangement.
28. Abimelech demonstrates as a leader that he was willing to overrule his pride and do what was best for his people, even if he downplayed his unjust treatment of Isaac.
29. Abimelech approaches Isaac, not from a position of strength, but rather he makes a plea rather than a ultimatum.
30. It may very well have been the singular bumper crop that most impressed the kingdom.
31. With Isaac gone that was not repeated and his people had benefited from Isaac’s good fortune.
32. Abimelech in this endeavor placed his kingdom on the right side of the promise, "I will bless those who bless you."
33. While not positive, and maybe not even a believer, Abimelech was a man who could see a good thing for his people and proceeded to put his kingdom in the best possible position to be blessed by association.
34. If things had not deteriorated noticeably during the time of Isaac’s departure, Abimelech would have had no reason to approach Isaac on this occasion.
35. Isaac drops his rancor and signals his servants to prepare a festive feast for his guests (v. 30).
36. The meal was the prelude to the oath-taking a common occurrence in the ancient Near East.
37. Isaac hosted the event and the debris of alienation between the two men was swept aside in favor of a positive future.
38. Men of peace make peace.
39. Eating and drinking together points to reconciliation.
40. Parallels between his father’s involvement with Abimelech include: (a) a sister-wife deception (20:2-18 cp. 26:1-16) ; (b) disputation over water wells (21:25-26 cp. 26:15-22), and (c) a non-aggression or friendship treaty (21:27-34 cp. 26:28-31).
41. The chapter constitutes a renewal of the treaty made with Abraham in the days of Isaac.
42. Early the next day the covenant of friendship was formalized when the two men exchanged oaths.
43. The past was buried and the two men parted company "in peace" (v. 31).
44. Again, God was good to His promise to be with and bless Isaac.
45. Isaac does for Abimelech what Abimelech falsely claimed he had done when Isaac departed Gerar (cf. v. 29).
46. Isaac accompanied his guests a short distance on their way back to Gerar (cf. 18:16).

Isaac’s Actions Vindicated (vv. 32-33)

VERSE 32 Now it came about on the same day, that Isaac's servants came in and told him about the well which they had dug, and said to him, "We have found water (~yIm' Wnac'm' Al Wrm.aYOw: Wrp'x' rv,a] raeB.h; tAdao-l[; Al WdGIY:w: qx'c.yI ydeb.[; WaboY"w: aWhh; ~AYB; yhiy>w: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. hayah + def.art.w/prep beth w/noun m.s.abs. yom day + def.art.w/pro.3m.s. "the same" + waw w/Qal impf.3m.p. bo go + noun m.p.constr. ebedh servant + proper noun Isaac + prep lamedh w/3m.s.suff. + prep al + noun f.p.abs. odoth "about" + def.art.w/noun f.s.abs. be-er well + rel.pro. asher + Qal perf.3p. chaphar dig + waw w/Qal impf.3m.p. amar say + prep lamedh w/3m.s.suff. + Qal perf.1p. matsa find + noun m.p.abs. mayim water])."

VERSE 33 So he called it Shibah; therefore the name of the city is Beersheba to this day (hZ<h; ~AYh; d[; [b;v,ƒraeB. ry[ih'-~ve !Ke-l[; h['b.vi Ht'ao ar'q.YIw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. qara call + d.o. marker w/3f.s.suff. "it" + proper noun Sheba seven + prep al w/part ken "therefore" + noun m.s.constr. shem name + def.art.w/noun f.s.abs. ir city + proper noun Beersheba + part adh until + def.art.w/noun m.s.abs. yom day + def.art.w/adj.m.s.abs. zeh this]).

ANALYSIS: VERSES 32-33

1. The reversal of roles is attested to here in this final incident of the chapter.
2. Whereas Isaac had only met with frustration in the wells his workers had dug and were compelled to abandon, a new successful well was completed and on the same day that his guests left his camp word came to him that their latest attempt was a resounding success.
3. He names it appropriately "Oath" (which is based on the numeral 7).
4. The town that arose on this spot, the narrator informs us, is Beersheba (the Well of the Oath).

Esau’s Wives (vv. 34-35)

VERSE 34 When Esau was forty years old he married Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Basemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite (yTixih; !l{yae-tB; tm;f.B'-ta,w> yTixih; yrIaeB.-tB; tydIWhy>-ta, hV'ai xQ;YIw: hn"v' ~y[iB'r>a;-!B, wf'[e yhiy>w: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. hayah + proper noun Esau + noun m.s. ben + adj.p.abs. araba-im forty + noun f.s.abs. shanah year + waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. laqach take; "married" + noun f.s.abs. ishshah wife + d.o. marker + proper noun Judith; cp. Jew, Jewish, Judah + noun f.s.abs. bath daughter + proper noun Beeri + def.art.w/proper noun Hittite + waw w/d.o. marker + proper noun Basemath + noun f.s.abs. bath daughter + proper noun Elon + def.art.w/proper noun Hittite]);

VERSE 35 and they brought grief to Isaac and Rebekah (hq'b.rIl.W qx'c.yIl. x;Wr tr;mo !"yy<h.Tiw: [waw w/Qal impf.3f.p. hayah + noun f.s.constr. morah grief + noun both s.abs. ruach spirit + prep lamedh w/proper noun Isaac + waw w/proper noun Rebekah]).

ANALYSIS: VERSES 34-35

1. The mention of Esau’s marriages is placed at the end of a chapter dealing with a political alliance.
2. Political alliances done in accord with proper regard for righteous principles was condoned in the OT.
3. But marriage alliances with non-believers were condemned by the righteous.
4. Esau takes two wives at age forty in total disregard of his family’s traditions and sensiblilities.
5. He was the same age as Isaac when he married.
6. Isaac was 100 years of age when this took place (1746 BC).
7. Esau did what he did totally apart from his parent’s knowledge and blessing.
8. He married outside his spiritually based culture opting for foreign pagan wives.
9. He married two women and did so just because he could.
10. Once again, he demonstrates his unworthiness to hold the birthright blessings.
11. Like the birthright, the values taught him by example and deed was cast aside.
12. Esau’s complete disdain for the laws held dear by Abraham is exemplified in his willful disregard of the marriage norms of his family.
13. Judith, his first wife, as a name, only occurs here in the OT.
14. In later texts her name means a female Judean ("Jewess").
15. "Basemat" means balsam.
16. "Grief (or bitterness) of spirit" occurs only here and is akin to "bitterness of soul (cf. Job 7:11; 10:1; 1Sam. 1:10)."
17. The narrator reports that it was the two wives of Esau that brought vexation to Isaac and Rebekah.
18. What the two women did to bring soulish consternation to Isaac and Rebekah is not stated.
19. But the anguish that these two daughter-in-laws brought to the household was not insignificant.
20. The fallout from Esau’s rebellion and indifference brought intense anguish to his parents.
21. Later, Esau marries more women according to 28:9 (one Mahalat daughter of Ishmael) and 36:2-3 (Adah, Oholibamah, and Basemat daughter of Ishamael).
22. Again, this reference serves to prepare the reader for the climatic scene recorded in the next chapter.

Summary Observations

1. After chapter 27 Isaac is not hardly mentioned except in the mention of his death (35:27-28).
2. His sons and their actions dominate the text.
3. Isaac lived somewhat in the shadow of his father and his sons.
4. He appears as a man who is passive and easily pushed about.
5. His considerable monetary blessing comes as a result of his association with his father and not so much on his own merit.
6. Abraham is frequently mentioned in this chapter to illustrate the point.
7. With the appearance of the man Isaac on the scene the promises made to his father are now guarantees.
8. Like his father before him he lied about his wife because "he was afraid."
9. And this in the face of the divine pledge to be with him and bless him when he was in a state of mental attitude fear.
10. Despite his failures, he continues to flourish in the land, even in the face of harassment from the servants of Abimelech.
11. This was particularly evident in his temporary endeavor at farming.
12. His flocks and herds flourished as well.
13. Due to jealousy wealthy Isaac is finally expelled from Gerar, and then finally he is bullied into leaving the territory of Gerar altogether.
14. All the wells of his father that had been restored by Isaac’s servants were seized by the Philistines and Isaac retreats.
15. In the face of all his setbacks, his conditions improve, and God appears to him a final time while he resides at Beersheba (v. 24).
16. This divine appearance strengthened him for the unexpected appearance at his encampment.
17. This time he stands his ground not fearing the king (v. 27).
18. Abimelech, seeing his great blessing, sues for peace.
19. The episode ends with Isaac securely situated in Beersheba and having a treaty with the Philistines in which they acknowledge his special status before God.
20. If one thing stands out it is this: despite his failings he is blessed and the LORD is with him as He was with his father.
21. The outcome of his failings was ever more prosperity!
22. God’s grace is realized and that often in spite of the frailties of his children.