Genesis 26:14 - Printer Friendly

ESV: He had possessions of flocks and herds and many servants, so that the Philistines envied him.

NIV: He had so many flocks and herds and servants that the Philistines envied him.

NASB: for he had possessions of flocks and herds, and a great household, so that the Philistines envied him.

CSB: He had flocks of sheep, herds of cattle, and many slaves, and the Philistines were envious of him.

NLT: He acquired so many flocks of sheep and goats, herds of cattle, and servants that the Philistines became jealous of him.

KJV: For he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him.

NKJV: for he had possessions of flocks and possessions of herds and a great number of servants. So the Philistines envied him.

God has directed Isaac to settle with his wife and his large household in Gerar, a region occupied by the Philistines. This instruction came during a time of famine (Genesis 26:1–3). Once established there, Isaac's wealth only continued to multiply under God's blessing (Genesis 26:12–13). His neighbors would have noticed his growing flocks, herds, and many servants. Anyone who becomes successful will attract attention. Isaac's prosperity, however, is happening during a time when many others would be struggling just to survive. Isaac's enormous prosperity was apparent to all, and the Philistines didn't like it. More specifically, they were jealous. They envied Isaac.

As the following verses reveal, they may also have been concerned. With his outrageous wealth and growing entourage, they will start to fear that Isaac could conceivably take over the kingdom, if he chose to do so (Genesis 26:16).

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 4:37:50 PM