Genesis 26:21 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Then they dug another well, and they quarreled over that also, so he called its name Sitnah.

NIV: Then they dug another well, but they quarreled over that one also; so he named it Sitnah.

NASB: Then they dug another well, and they quarreled over it too, so he named it Sitnah.

CSB: Then they dug another well and quarreled over that one also, so he named it Sitnah.

NLT: Isaac’s men then dug another well, but again there was a dispute over it. So Isaac named it Sitnah (which means 'hostility').

KJV: And they digged another well, and strove for that also: and he called the name of it Sitnah.

NKJV: Then they dug another well, and they quarreled over that one also. So he called its name Sitnah.

Isaac has moved his large entourage away from the main population of Philistines in order to assuage their concerns (Genesis 26:14–16). Having moved to a new location (Genesis 26:17), Isaac and his people try to establish a reliable source of water (Genesis 26:18). That resulted in an immediate conflict (Genesis 26:19–20). Isaac, following his reputation for being passive, chooses not to fight for this resource and instead moves on. Isaac called that first well Esek, which means "quarrel" or "contention."

Unfortunately, for a second time, Isaac's servants dig a new well and are once again challenged by the local herdsmen over the water rights. He names this one Sitnah, which means "enmity." We're not told that Isaac went to battle over these wells, simply that he named them to represent the dispute they caused. Given the fear expressed by the local king (Genesis 26:14–16), it seems that if Isaac had chosen to fight for these resources, he probably could have kept them.

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 4:52:45 AM