The Bible Says
Genesis 26:26-33 Meaning

Tensions between the Philistines and Isaac reach a climax when Abimelech came to him from Gerar with his adviser Ahuzzath and Phicol the commander of his army (v. 26). Genesis 26:26 reveals the significance of Isaac’s growing influence in a region that lay in the southwestern part of Canaan, near the border of ancient Egypt. Abimelech was most likely the Philistine king bearing a dynastic name, living approximately in the early second millennium BC, and his visit reflects an effort at diplomacy. Such an effort had not occurred yet. Isaac responds with caution, asking, Why have you come to me, since you hate me and have sent me away from you (v. 27). This honest recognition of past tension paves the way for reconciliation, and further highlights the humility that would enrich Isaac’s legacy.

Hearing Isaac’s question, Abimelech and his men answer, We see plainly that the LORD has been with you; so we said, ‘Let there now be an oath between us, even between you and us, and let us make a covenant with you, 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. You are now the blessed of the LORD.’ (vv. 28-29). They see plainly the divine favor Isaac has received from the LORD-a testimony to the covenant God promised Abraham and his descendants:"And I will make you a great nation,

And I will bless you,
And make your name great;
And so you shall be a blessing;
And I will bless those who bless you,
And the one who curses you I will curse.
And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed"
(Genesis 12:2-3).

Desiring to build goodwill, Isaac prepares a feast for his guests: Then he made them a feast, and they ate and drank (v. 30). The narrative of Isaac’s peaceful dealings with Abimelech stands as a beautiful foreshadowing of Jesus’ call to be peacemakers (Matthew 5:9). In this story, true harmony is sealed by a shared meal and an oath: In the morning they arose early and exchanged oaths; then Isaac sent them away and they departed from him in peace (v. 31).

Shortly after, blessings continue to overflow for Isaac: 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, ‘We have found water' (v. 32). This discovery would ensure provisions for Isaac’s household and for those around him. As a sign of thanksgiving, he called it Shibah; therefore the name of the city is Beersheba to this day (v. 33). Beersheba, which lies in a southern area of the land promised to Abraham, becomes a symbolic and literal wellspring of life for generations to come, again reaffirming the covenant.