Genesis 26:31 - Printer Friendly

ESV: In the morning they rose early and exchanged oaths. And Isaac sent them on their way, and they departed from him in peace.

NIV: Early the next morning the men swore an oath to each other. Then Isaac sent them on their way, and they went away peacefully.

NASB: In the morning they got up early and exchanged oaths; then Isaac sent them away, and they left him in peace.

CSB: They got up early in the morning and swore an oath to each other. Isaac sent them on their way, and they left him in peace.

NLT: Early the next morning, they each took a solemn oath not to interfere with each other. Then Isaac sent them home again, and they left him in peace.

KJV: And they rose up betimes in the morning, and sware one to another: and Isaac sent them away, and they departed from him in peace.

NKJV: Then they arose early in the morning and swore an oath with one another; and Isaac sent them away, and they departed from him in peace.

Early in his stay in Gerar, Isaac did poorly at developing his relationship with the people. His lie about his wife, Rebekah, brought the anger of the king (Genesis 26:6–11). This same king later asked Isaac to leave the area out of jealousy and fear over his prosperity (Genesis 26:14–16). Even then, locals disputed with Isaac about rights to water (Genesis 26:18–22). For these reasons, when the king and his advisors arrive to see Isaac in Beersheba (Genesis 26:23–26), Isaac is understandably skeptical (Genesis 26:27).

After their reassurances and explanation, Isaac has agreed to make a covenant of peace with King Abimelech and the Philistines (Genesis 26:28–30). After a night of feasting and drinking, both now take their oaths to do the other no harm. They will co-exist, with Isaac and his large company living near Beersheba. Isaac then sends them away, back to Gerar, in peace and with no further animosity between them.

Abraham made a similar peace treaty, also with the king of Gerar, in Genesis 21.

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 4/29/2024 2:26:06 PM