Genesis 26:11 - Printer Friendly

ESV: So Abimelech warned all the people, saying, “Whoever touches this man or his wife shall surely be put to death.”

NIV: So Abimelek gave orders to all the people: 'Anyone who harms this man or his wife shall surely be put to death.'

NASB: So Abimelech commanded all the people, saying, 'He who touches this man or his wife will certainly be put to death.'

CSB: So Abimelech warned all the people, "Whoever harms this man or his wife will certainly be put to death."

NLT: Then Abimelech issued a public proclamation: 'Anyone who touches this man or his wife will be put to death!'

KJV: And Abimelech charged all his people, saying, He that toucheth this man or his wife shall surely be put to death.

NKJV: So Abimelech charged all his people, saying, “He who touches this man or his wife shall surely be put to death.”

Isaac's plan to protect himself from harm if someone wanted to take his beautiful wife (Genesis 26:5–9) is shown to have put more than just Rebekah at risk. When Abimelech, the king of the region, becomes aware of the lie, he is justifiably angry. In fact, Abimelech expresses at least a sliver of godly morality, when he stated that the lie could have brought guilt upon him and his kingdom if someone had taken her (Genesis 26:10).

Now, though, Abimelech acts to make sure that such a thing does not happen. If anyone dares to harm either Isaac or Rebekah in any way, he will enact the death penalty.

Through Abimelech's actions, God has shown once again that He is with Isaac and protecting him, even and in spite of Isaac's apparently fearful and faithless actions. This seems to be a part of God teaching the same lesson learned by Abraham—that His love and blessings are personal, and apply to Isaac himself (Genesis 26:1–5).

Genesis 26:6–35 describes Isaac's interactions with the Philistines while living in and around the land of Gerar. After Isaac is caught in a lie about Rebekah being his sister, king Abimelech is angry. However, he protects Isaac and Rebekah. God blesses Isaac abundantly, and his wealth grows to the point where his power provokes the king to send him away. Following a series of disputes over water rights, the king and Isaac eventually make a treaty of peace. God appears to Isaac for a second time, telling him not to fear, and renewing His promises.

Genesis 26 focuses on God's assurances to Isaac to be with him and to bless him, mostly while Isaac and his household are settled in the land of the Philistines. Just as Abraham did, Isaac fearfully lies about his wife being his sister, nearly bringing disaster on Abimelech and his kingdom. Still, God blesses Isaac with greater and greater abundance to the point that Abimelech sends Isaac away because he has become too powerful. After continued disputes over water rights, Abimelech and Isaac eventually make a covenant of peace.

Genesis 26 seems to jump back in time to the season before Jacob and Esau were born, as described in the previous chapter. This is common in ancient literature. The Lord establishes and renews His covenant promises to Isaac, blessing him abundantly in the land of Philistines during a time of famine. Eventually, Abimelech sends Isaac away due to his growing power and disputes over water rights, but they end up forming a peace treaty. Esau's marriage to foreign women creates strife, adding more fuel to the controversy which is soon to occur. In the next chapter, Jacob will steal his older brother's rightful blessing.

The book of Genesis establishes fundamental truths about God. Among these are His role as the Creator, His holiness, His hatred of sin, His love for mankind, and His willingness to provide for our redemption. We learn not only where mankind has come from, but why the world is in its present form. The book also presents the establishment of Israel, God's chosen people. Many of the principles given in other parts of Scripture depend on the basic ideas presented here in the book of Genesis. Within the framework of the Bible, Genesis explains the bare-bones history of the universe leading up to the captivity of Israel in Egypt, setting the stage for the book of Exodus.

Accessed 5/3/2024 9:09:27 PM