What does Genesis 26:28 mean?
In response to a surprise visit from King Abimelech, Isaac reacts with defensiveness and suspicion. After all, the king had sent Isaac away due to his growing wealth and power (Genesis 26:12–16). Isaac concluded that the king hated him. This probably also stems from the king's anger at catching Isaac in a dangerous lie (Genesis 26:6–11). The people of the region, despite Isaac's willingness to move, had also given him much grief over wells in the Valley of Gerar (Genesis 26:18–22).Now the king reveals he has come to Isaac to make peace, not war. He wants to make a treaty with Isaac, much as a prior king, also named Abimelech, had made a treaty with Abraham at Beersheba. Why this sworn pact or covenant? The king says they have seen plainly that the Lord has been with Isaac. The king understands that Isaac's God is powerful and that He has used that power to bless Isaac. Abimelech believed in God and hoped to benefit by being allied with God's man Isaac.