Genesis 26:1
Genesis 26:1 in Multiple Translations
Now there was another famine in the land, subsequent to the one that had occurred in Abraham’s time. And Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines at Gerar.
And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar.
And there was a famine in the land, besides the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines, unto Gerar.
Then came a time of great need in the land, like that which had been before in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went to Abimelech, king of the Philistines, at Gerar.
There was a famine in the country—not the one that happened before in Abraham's time, but a later one. So Isaac moved to Gerar in the territory of Abimelech, king of the Philistines.
And there was a famine in the lande besides the first famine that was in the dayes of Abraham. Wherefore Izhak went to Abimelech King of the Philistims vnto Gerar.
And there is a famine in the land, besides the first famine which was in the days of Abraham, and Isaac goeth unto Abimelech king of the Philistines, to Gerar.
There was a famine in the land, in addition to the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines, to Gerar.
And there was a famine in the land, besides the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines to Gerar.
And when a famine came in the land, after that barrenness which had happened in the days of Abraham, Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Palestines to Gerara.
Some time later there was a severe ◄famine/scarcity of food► there. That was different from the famine that occurred when Abraham was alive. So Isaac went southeast to Gerar town, to talk to Abimelech, the king of the Philistine people-group. What happened was this: Isaac considered going to Egypt,
At another time, there was no rain and no food plants growing in the country where Isaac and Rebekah lived. It was like the time when there was no rain a long time before, while Abraham was still alive. So Isaac and his family left that country, and they went to the town called Gerar, in Philistia country. The big boss of the Philistia people was called Abimelek, and he lived in that town.
Berean Amplified Bible — Genesis 26:1
BAB
Word Study
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Genesis 26:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
וַ/יְהִ֤י
רָעָב֙
בָּ/אָ֔רֶץ
מִ/לְּ/בַד֙
הָ/רָעָ֣ב
הָ/רִאשׁ֔וֹן
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
הָיָ֖ה
בִּ/ימֵ֣י
אַבְרָהָ֑ם
וַ/יֵּ֧לֶךְ
יִצְחָ֛ק
אֶל
אֲבִימֶּ֥לֶךְ
מֶֽלֶךְ
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֖ים
גְּרָֽרָ/ה
וַ/יְהִ֤י
hâyâh
H1961
to be
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
רָעָב֙
râʻâb
H7458
famine
N-ms
בָּ/אָ֔רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
Prep | N-cs
מִ/לְּ/בַד֙
bad
H905
alone
Prep | Prep | N-ms
הָ/רָעָ֣ב
râʻâb
H7458
famine
Art | N-ms
הָ/רִאשׁ֔וֹן
riʼshôwn
H7223
first
Art | Adj
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
which
Rel
הָיָ֖ה
hâyâh
H1961
to be
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
בִּ/ימֵ֣י
yôwm
H3117
day
Prep | N-mp
אַבְרָהָ֑ם
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
Abraham
N-proper
וַ/יֵּ֧לֶךְ
yâlak
H3212
to walk
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
יִצְחָ֛ק
Yitschâq
H3327
Isaac
N-proper
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
to(wards)
Prep
אֲבִימֶּ֥לֶךְ
ʼĂbîymelek
H40
Ahimelech
N-proper
מֶֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
King's
N-ms
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֖ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
Philistines
Ngmpa
גְּרָֽרָ/ה
Gᵉrâr
H1642
Gerar
N-proper | Suff
Hebrew Word Study
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Hebrew Word Reference — Genesis 26:1
וַ/יְהִ֤י
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
רָעָב֙
râʻâb
H7458
"famine"
N-ms
Famine or hunger is what this Hebrew word represents, often referring to a lack of food or spiritual nourishment. It appears in books like Genesis and Jeremiah, highlighting the importance of trust in God during difficult times.
Definition: 1) famine, hunger 1a) famine (in land, nation) 1a1) of Jehovah's word (fig) 1b) hunger (of individuals)
Usage: Occurs in 88 OT verses. KJV: dearth, famine, [phrase] famished, hunger. See also: Genesis 12:10; Jeremiah 14:12; Psalms 33:19.
בָּ/אָ֔רֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
Prep | N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
מִ/לְּ/בַד֙
bad
H905
"alone"
Prep | Prep | N-ms
The Hebrew word 'bad' can mean alone, apart, or a separate part of something, like a branch or a bar. It's used to describe something that's only or except for something else.
Definition: : pole 1) alone, by itself, besides, a part, separation, being alone 1a) separation, alone, by itself 1a1) only (adv) 1a2) apart from, besides (prep) 1b) part 1c) parts (eg limbs, shoots), bars
Usage: Occurs in 179 OT verses. KJV: alone, apart, bar, besides, branch, by self, of each alike, except, only, part, staff, strength. See also: Genesis 2:18; Judges 20:15; Psalms 51:6.
הָ/רָעָ֣ב
râʻâb
H7458
"famine"
Art | N-ms
Famine or hunger is what this Hebrew word represents, often referring to a lack of food or spiritual nourishment. It appears in books like Genesis and Jeremiah, highlighting the importance of trust in God during difficult times.
Definition: 1) famine, hunger 1a) famine (in land, nation) 1a1) of Jehovah's word (fig) 1b) hunger (of individuals)
Usage: Occurs in 88 OT verses. KJV: dearth, famine, [phrase] famished, hunger. See also: Genesis 12:10; Jeremiah 14:12; Psalms 33:19.
הָ/רִאשׁ֔וֹן
riʼshôwn
H7223
"first"
Art | Adj
This word means 'first' or 'primary', referring to something that comes before others in time, place, or rank. It is used to describe the first or most important thing in a series or list.
Definition: : first adj 1) first, primary, former 1a) former (of time) 1a1) ancestors 1a2) former things 1b) foremost (of location) 1c) first (in time) 1d) first, chief (in degree) adv 2) first, before, formerly, at first
Usage: Occurs in 174 OT verses. KJV: ancestor, (that were) before(-time), beginning, eldest, first, fore(-father) (-most), former (thing), of old time, past. See also: Genesis 8:13; 1 Chronicles 27:3; Psalms 79:8.
אֲשֶׁ֥ר
ʼăsher
H834
"which"
Rel
This Hebrew word is a conjunction that connects ideas and events in the Bible, like in the book of Genesis, where it's used to describe the relationship between God and His creation.
Definition: A: 1) (relative part.) 1a) which, who 1b) that which 2) (conj) 2a) that (in obj clause) 2b) when 2c) since 2d) as 2e) conditional if B: Beth+ 1) in (that) which 2) (adv) 2a) where 3) (conj) 3a) in that, inasmuch as 3b) on account of C: Mem+ 1) from (or than) that which 2) from (the place) where 3) from (the fact) that, since D: Kaph+ 1) (conj.), according as, as, when 1a) according to that which, according as, as 1b) with a causal force: in so far as, since 1c) with a temporal force: when
Usage: Occurs in 4440 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] after, [idiom] alike, as (soon as), because, [idiom] every, for, [phrase] forasmuch, [phrase] from whence, [phrase] how(-soever), [idiom] if, (so) that ((thing) which, wherein), [idiom] though, [phrase] until, [phrase] whatsoever, when, where ([phrase] -as, -in, -of, -on, -soever, -with), which, whilst, [phrase] whither(-soever), who(-m, -soever, -se). As it is indeclinable, it is often accompanied by the personal pronoun expletively, used to show the connection. See also: Genesis 1:7; Genesis 20:9; Genesis 31:16.
הָיָ֖ה
hâyâh
H1961
"to be"
V-Qal-Perf-3ms
The Hebrew word for to be means to exist or come into being. It is used to describe something that happens or comes to pass, like in Genesis where God creates the world.
Definition: 1) to be, become, come to pass, exist, happen, fall out 1a) (Qal) 1a1) --- 1a1a) to happen, fall out, occur, take place, come about, come to pass 1a1b) to come about, come to pass 1a2) to come into being, become 1a2a) to arise, appear, come 1a2b) to become 1a2b1) to become 1a2b2) to become like 1a2b3) to be instituted, be established 1a3) to be 1a3a) to exist, be in existence 1a3b) to abide, remain, continue (with word of place or time) 1a3c) to stand, lie, be in, be at, be situated (with word of locality) 1a3d) to accompany, be with 1b) (Niphal) 1b1) to occur, come to pass, be done, be brought about 1b2) to be done, be finished, be gone
Usage: Occurs in 3131 OT verses. KJV: beacon, [idiom] altogether, be(-come), accomplished, committed, like), break, cause, come (to pass), do, faint, fall, [phrase] follow, happen, [idiom] have, last, pertain, quit (one-) self, require, [idiom] use. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 17:4; Genesis 36:11.
בִּ/ימֵ֣י
yôwm
H3117
"day"
Prep | N-mp
The Hebrew word 'yom' refers to a day, which can be a literal 24-hour period or a figurative space of time. It is used in the Bible to describe a wide range of time periods, from a single day to a year or a lifetime. The word 'yom' is used in many different contexts throughout the Bible.
Definition: : day/when/time/period 1) day, time, year 1a) day (as opposed to night) 1b) day (24 hour period) 1b1) as defined by evening and morning in Genesis 1 1b2) as a division of time 1b2a) a working day, a day's journey 1c) days, lifetime (pl.) 1d) time, period (general) 1e) year 1f) temporal references 1f1) today 1f2) yesterday 1f3) tomorrow
Usage: Occurs in 1930 OT verses. KJV: age, [phrase] always, [phrase] chronicals, continually(-ance), daily, ((birth-), each, to) day, (now a, two) days (agone), [phrase] elder, [idiom] end, [phrase] evening, [phrase] (for) ever(-lasting, -more), [idiom] full, life, as (so) long as (... live), (even) now, [phrase] old, [phrase] outlived, [phrase] perpetually, presently, [phrase] remaineth, [idiom] required, season, [idiom] since, space, then, (process of) time, [phrase] as at other times, [phrase] in trouble, weather, (as) when, (a, the, within a) while (that), [idiom] whole ([phrase] age), (full) year(-ly), [phrase] younger. See also: Genesis 1:5; Genesis 33:13; Exodus 23:15.
אַבְרָהָ֑ם
ʼAbrâhâm
H85
"Abraham"
N-proper
Abraham was a key figure in the Bible, the later name of Abram, and father of many children, including Ishmael and Isaac. He is first mentioned in Genesis 11:26 and his story is told throughout the book of Genesis. Abraham's life and faith are still studied today.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.11.26; son of: Terah (H8646); brother of: Nahor (H5152H), Haran (H2039) and Sarah (H8283); married to Sarah (H8283), Hagar (H1904) and Keturah (H6989); father of: Ishmael (H3458), Isaac (H3327), Zimran (H2175), Jokshan (H3370), Medan (H4091), Midian (H4080), Ishbak (H3435) and Shuah (H7744); also called Abram at Gen.11.26--17.5; 2x § Abraham = "father of a multitude" or "chief of multitude" friend of God and founder of Hebrew nation via God's elective covenant
Usage: Occurs in 159 OT verses. KJV: Abraham. See also: Genesis 17:5; Genesis 24:9; Psalms 47:10.
וַ/יֵּ֧לֶךְ
yâlak
H3212
"to walk"
Conj | V-Qal-ConsecImperf-3ms
To walk or go, this verb means to move from one place to another, used literally or figuratively, as in to live or die, or to lead someone.
Definition: 1) to go, walk, come 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go, walk, come, depart, proceed, move, go away 1a2) to die, live, manner of life (fig.) 1b) (Hiphil) to lead, bring, lead away, carry, cause to walk
Usage: Occurs in 936 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] again, away, bear, bring, carry (away), come (away), depart, flow, [phrase] follow(-ing), get (away, hence, him), (cause to, made) go (away, -ing, -ne, one's way, out), grow, lead (forth), let down, march, prosper, [phrase] pursue, cause to run, spread, take away (-journey), vanish, (cause to) walk(-ing), wax, [idiom] be weak. See also: Genesis 3:14; Exodus 5:8; Deuteronomy 28:14.
יִצְחָ֛ק
Yitschâq
H3327
"Isaac"
N-proper
Isaac, son of Abraham and Sarah, means 'he laughs' and is the father of Esau and Israel. He is first mentioned in Genesis 17:19. Isaac is a key figure in the Bible, playing a role in the patriarchal stories.
Definition: A man living at the time of the Patriarchs, first mentioned at Gen.17.19; son of: Abraham (H0085) and Sarah (H8283); half-brother of: Ishmael (H3458), Zimran (H2175), Jokshan (H3370), Medan (H4091), Midian (H4080), Ishbak (H3435) and Shuah (H7744); married to Rebekah (H7259); father of: Esau (H6215) and Israel (H3478) § Isaac = "he laughs" son of Abraham by Sarah his wife and father of Jacob and Esau
Usage: Occurs in 101 OT verses. KJV: Isaac. Compare H3446 (יִשְׂחָק). See also: Genesis 17:19; Genesis 27:30; 2 Chronicles 30:6.
אֶל
ʼêl
H413
"to(wards)"
Prep
This Hebrew word means 'to' or 'toward', showing direction or movement. It appears in many books, including Genesis and Exodus, to indicate where someone is going. The KJV translates it in various ways, like 'about', 'according to', or 'against'.
Definition: 1) to, toward, unto (of motion) 2) into (limit is actually entered) 2a) in among 3) toward (of direction, not necessarily physical motion) 4) against (motion or direction of a hostile character) 5) in addition to, to 6) concerning, in regard to, in reference to, on account of 7) according to (rule or standard) 8) at, by, against (of one's presence) 9) in between, in within, to within, unto (idea of motion to)
Usage: Occurs in 4205 OT verses. KJV: about, according to, after, against, among, as for, at, because(-fore, -side), both...and, by, concerning, for, from, [idiom] hath, in(-to), near, (out) of, over, through, to(-ward), under, unto, upon, whether, with(-in). See also: Genesis 1:9; Genesis 21:14; Genesis 31:13.
אֲבִימֶּ֥לֶךְ
ʼĂbîymelek
H40
"Ahimelech"
N-proper
Abimelech was the name of two Philistine kings and two Israelites in the Bible, including a king who met Abraham and a priest who helped David. The name means 'my father is king'.
Definition: A man living at the time of United Monarchy, first mentioned at 2Sa.8.17; son of: Abiathar (H0054); brother of: Jonathan (H3083I) Another spelling of a.chi.me.lekh (אֲחִימֶ֫לֶךְ "Ahimelech" H0288I) § Abimelech = "Melek is father" or "my father is king" 1) king of Gerar in Abraham's time 2) king of Gath in David's time; maybe title of Philistine kings 3) son of Gideon by a concubine 4) priest, son of Abiathar
Usage: Occurs in 62 OT verses. KJV: Abimelech. See also: Genesis 20:2; Judges 9:20; Psalms 34:1.
מֶֽלֶךְ
melek
H4428
"King's"
N-ms
This word refers to a king or royal person, like King David or King Saul. It can also describe something related to a king, like the King's Valley in Genesis. The Bible often uses this word to talk about the rulers of Israel.
Definition: King's (Valley) (Gen.14.17)
Usage: Occurs in 1919 OT verses. KJV: king, royal. See also: Genesis 14:1; Joshua 10:39; 1 Samuel 16:1.
פְּלִשְׁתִּ֖ים
Pᵉlishtîy
H6430
"Philistines"
Ngmpa
A Philistine is a person from the region of Philistia, which was inhabited by immigrants from other places. The Philistines were known for their conflicts with the Israelites, as recorded in the Bible. They were a distinct ethnic group.
Definition: Philistine = "immigrants" an inhabitant of Philistia; descendants of Mizraim who immigrated from Caphtor (Crete?) to the western seacoast of Canaan Another name of ga.dol (גָּדוֹל "Great( Sea)" H1419J)
Usage: Occurs in 244 OT verses. KJV: Philistine. See also: Genesis 10:14; 1 Samuel 17:8; 1 Chronicles 10:1.
גְּרָֽרָ/ה
Gᵉrâr
H1642
"Gerar"
N-proper | Suff
Gerar was a city in the land of the Philistines, south of Gaza, where Abraham and Isaac both had encounters with King Abimelech, as told in Genesis.
Definition: § Gerar = "a lodging place" a Philistine town south of Gaza, modern 'Umm'
Usage: Occurs in 10 OT verses. KJV: Gerar. See also: Genesis 10:19; Genesis 26:17; 2 Chronicles 14:13.
Study Notes — Genesis 26:1
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Genesis 26:1 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Genesis 26:1
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 26:1
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 26:1
- Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 26:1
- Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 26:1
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 26:1
- Cambridge Bible on Genesis 26:1
- Barnes' Notes on Genesis 26:1
- Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 26:1
- Sermons on Genesis 26:1
Context — God’s Promise to Isaac
1Now there was another famine in the land, subsequent to the one that had occurred in Abraham’s time. And Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines at Gerar.
2The LORD appeared to Isaac and said, “Do not go down to Egypt. Settle in the land where I tell you. 3Stay in this land as a foreigner, and I will be with you and bless you. For I will give all these lands to you and your offspring, and I will confirm the oath that I swore to your father Abraham.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Genesis 12:10 | Now there was a famine in the land. So Abram went down to Egypt to live there for a while because the famine was severe. |
| 2 | Genesis 25:11 | After Abraham’s death, God blessed his son Isaac, who lived near Beer-lahai-roi. |
| 3 | Genesis 21:22–32 | At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army said to Abraham, “God is with you in all that you do. Now, therefore, swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or descendants. Show to me and to the country in which you reside the same kindness that I have shown to you.” And Abraham replied, “I swear it.” But when Abraham complained to Abimelech about a well that Abimelech’s servants had seized, Abimelech replied, “I do not know who has done this. You did not tell me, so I have not heard about it until today.” So Abraham brought sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelech, and the two men made a covenant. Abraham separated seven ewe lambs from the flock, and Abimelech asked him, “Why have you set apart these seven ewe lambs?” He replied, “You are to accept the seven ewe lambs from my hand as my witness that I dug this well.” So that place was called Beersheba, because it was there that the two of them swore an oath. After they had made the covenant at Beersheba, Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army got up and returned to the land of the Philistines. |
| 4 | Genesis 20:1–2 | Now Abraham journeyed from there to the region of the Negev and settled between Kadesh and Shur. While he was staying in Gerar, Abraham said of his wife Sarah, “She is my sister.” So Abimelech king of Gerar had Sarah brought to him. |
Genesis 26:1 Summary
This verse tells us that there was another famine in the land, just like the one that happened during Abraham's time, and Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines at Gerar to find food. This shows us that Isaac was trying to take care of himself and his family, but it also sets the stage for God to speak to Isaac and give him instructions, as seen in Genesis 26:2-3. We can learn from Isaac's example by trusting in God's provision, even when things seem difficult, and by seeking to follow God's guidance, as seen in Proverbs 3:5-6. By doing so, we can experience God's faithfulness and provision in our own lives, just like Isaac did.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Isaac go to Abimelech king of the Philistines at Gerar during the famine?
Isaac likely went to Abimelech king of the Philistines at Gerar because it was a place where he could find food and sustenance during the famine, as seen in Genesis 26:1. This decision would be tested by God, as seen in the following verses, Genesis 26:2-3.
What can we learn from Isaac's decision to go to Gerar during the famine?
Isaac's decision to go to Gerar during the famine can teach us about the importance of trusting in God's provision, even in difficult times, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7 and Matthew 6:25-34.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the story of Isaac's life?
This verse sets the stage for the rest of the story of Isaac's life, as seen in Genesis 26:2-33, and shows how God is faithful to His promises, as seen in Genesis 26:3-5 and Genesis 28:15.
What does this verse reveal about God's character?
This verse reveals that God is a God who cares about the daily needs of His people, as seen in Genesis 26:1, and is faithful to provide for them, as seen in Genesis 26:2-3 and Exodus 16:4.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I can trust in God's provision during difficult times, just like Isaac was called to do?
- How can I apply the principle of trusting in God's provision to my own life, especially when faced with uncertainty or hardship?
- What are some ways that God has provided for me in the past, and how can I reflect on those experiences to build my faith?
- In what ways can I seek to trust in God's promises, just like Isaac was called to do, and how can I apply those promises to my own life?
Gill's Exposition on Genesis 26:1
And there was a famine in the land,.... In the land of Canaan, as the Targum of Jonathan expresses it; besides the first famine that was in the days of Abraham; of which see Genesis 12:10; which was
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 26:1
And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Genesis 26:1
GENESIS CHAPTER 26 A famine in the land; Isaac goes to Gerar, . God directs him to abide there, and promises to be with him: the covenant with Abraham also made with Isaac, . Through fear he denies Rebekah, . Abimelech, seeing Isaac and Rebekah together, concludes her to be his wife; charges him with it; he confesses it, ,9. Abimelech reproves him, charging his people not to touch them on pain of death, ,11. Isaac blessed with great plenty, . The Philistines envy him; stop his wells, ; desire him to depart, . He removes to the valley of Gerar, . There he digs wells, but the herdsmen strive with him about them, . He hath rest, ; removes to Beer-sheba, .
The Lord renews his covenant, . He calls on the name of the Lord, . Abimelech, convinced that the Lord was with Isaac, desires to make a covenant with him, . They make a feast, and swear to one another, ,31. Esau being forty years old, taketh to him wives of the Canaanites, . Isaac and Rebekah grieved hereat, . cir 1804 Abimelech is not he mentioned , but most probably his son and successor, called by his father’ s name.
Trapp's Commentary on Genesis 26:1
Genesis 26:1 And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar.Ver. 1. Beside the first famine.] New sins bring new plagues Flagitium et flagellura, ut acus et filum. Where iniquity breakfasts, calamity will be sure to dine - to sup where it dines, and to lodge where it sups. If the Canaanites had amended by the former famine, this later had been prevented; for "God afflicts not willingly, nor grieves the children of men". Polybius wonders why man should be held the wisest of creatures, when to him he seemeth the foolishest. For other things, saith he, where they have smarted once will beware for the future. The fox will not rashly return to the snare; the wolf to the pitfall, the dog to the club, &c. Solus homo, ab aevo ad aevum peccat fere in iisdem, et in iisdem plectitur. Only man is neither weary of sinning, nor wary of smarting for it.
And Isaac went to Abimelech.] As Abraham had done before to Pharaoh. The trials of God’ s servants, in several ages, are much alike: we suffer the same things that our betters have done afore us: which both Paul and Peter press as a lenitive to our miseries, and a motive to patience. The same fable is acted over again in the world, as of old; the persons only changed. "That which hath been, is now; and that which is to be, hath already been": "and there is no new thing under the sun," saith Solomon.
Ellicott's Commentary on Genesis 26:1
XXVI. OF ISAAC AT GERAR.(1) Isaac went . . . unto Gerar.—Following the stream of Semitic migration (Genesis 12:15), Isaac had originally purposed going to Egypt, but is commanded by God to abide in the land, and upon so doing he receives the assurance that he will be confirmed in the inheritance of the promises made to his father. Isaac was now dwelling at the well Lahai-Roi, and though the exact site of this place is unknown, yet it lay too far to the south for Isaac to have gone to Gerar on his direct way to Egypt.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Genesis 26:1
CHAPTER XXVI A famine in the land obliges Isaac to leave Beer-sheba and go to Gerar, 1. God appears to him, and warns him not to go to Egypt, 2. Renews the promises to him which he had made to his father Abraham, 3-5. Isaac dwells at Gerar, 6. Being questioned concerning Rebekah, and fearing to lose his life on her account, he calls her his sister, 7. Abimelech the king discovers, by certain familiarities which he had noticed between Isaac and Rebekah, that she was his wife, 8. Calls Isaac and reproaches him for his insincerity, 9, 10. He gives a strict command to all his people not to molest either Isaac or his wife, 11. Isaac applies himself to husbandry and breeding of cattle, and has a great increase, 12-14. Is envied by the Philistines, who stop up the wells he had digged, 15.
Is desired by Abimelech to remove, 16. He obeys, and fixes his tent in the valley of Gerar, 17. Opens the wells dug in the days of Abraham, which the Philistines had stopped up, 18. Digs the well, Ezek. 19, 20; and the well Sitnah, 21; and the well Rehoboth, 22. Returns to Beer-sheba, 23. God appears to him, and renews his promises, 24. He builds an altar there, pitches his tent, and digs a well, 25. Abimelech, Ahuzzath, and Phichol, visit him, 26. Isaac accuses them of unkindness, 27. They beg him to make a covenant with them, 28, 29.
He makes them a feast, and they bind themselves to each other by an oath, 30, 31. The well dug by Isaac's servants (ver. 25) called Shebah, 33. Esau, at forty years of age, marries two wives of the Hittites, 34, at which Isaac and Rebekah are grieved, 35. NOTES ON CHAP. XXVI Verse 1. There was a famine] When this happened we cannot tell; it appears to have been after the death of Abraham. Concerning the first famine, see Genesis 12:10. Abimelech] As we know not the time when the famine happened, so we cannot tell whether this was the same Abimelech, Phichol, c., which are mentioned Genesis 20:1-2, &c., or the sons or other descendants of these persons.
Cambridge Bible on Genesis 26:1
1. beside the first famine] Referring to the famine mentioned in Genesis 12:10. This clause is probably added by the Compiler (R). Abimelech king of the Philistines] This can hardly be the Abimelech mentioned in Genesis 20:2. Possibly we ought to regard Abimelech as the dynastic name of the Philistine rulers. Strictly speaking, this portion of Palestine having not yet been occupied by the Philistines, their name is here used by a not unnatural anachronism on the part of the Hebrew writer, to whom the Philistines were well known on the S.W. of the Israelite territory1[23]. See notes on Genesis 10:14, Genesis 21:32. [23] See The Philistines, Their History and Civilization, The Schweich Lectures, 1911, p, 39, by Professor R. A. S. Macalister. (1913.)Gerar] On the road from Palestine into Egypt: evidently a town of some importance; see Genesis 10:19, Genesis 21:1.
Barnes' Notes on Genesis 26:1
- The Events of Isaac’s Life 5. משׁמרת mı̂shmeret, “charge, ordinance.” מציה mı̂tsvâh, “command,” special order. חק choq, “decree, statute,” engraven on stone or metal. תירה tôrâh, “law,” doctrine, system of moral truth. 10.
Whedon's Commentary on Genesis 26:1
1. A famine — Abraham’s, Isaac’s, and Jacob’s history are each distinguished by a famine, that frequent plague of the East.
Sermons on Genesis 26:1
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(Genesis) Genesis 26:1-5 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of faith and obedience in the life of Abraham. Despite not being under the Mosaic system, Abraham believed God and acted upon |
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(Genesis) 42 - Isaac - the Passive and Patient Patriarch by S. Lewis Johnson | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Isaac and how believers face difficulties in their daily lives. Despite Isaac's lies about his wife, God blesses him abundantly |
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Genesis 26:1-35 by John Calvin | John Calvin preaches about the trials and blessings experienced by Isaac, highlighting how God's faithfulness sustains His servants through famine, divine guidance, and conflicts w |
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Help Wanted: A Potter by Warren Wiersbe | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Jacob and his encounter with God at Bethel. Jacob had run away from his family and was sleeping with a stone as a pillow when he |
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(Genesis) Genesis 17 Intro by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the seven tests that God gave to Abraham. The first test was when God called Abraham out of his home in Ur of the Chaldees, and although Abrah |
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(Genesis) Genesis 46:4-7 by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the three spiritual periods in the life of Jacob, which can be applicable to many believers today. The first period is when Jacob lived somewh |
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Abraham: A False Step by J. Glyn Owen | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that all genuine saints are flawed individuals who rely on the grace of God. He uses the example of Abram, who, like everyone else, had a fa |