Isaac was a peace-keeper.
In Genesis 26, we see him re-digging quite a few wells that his father had dug years ago - but the Philistines had come along and filled them in.
Then, after his men did all the work of re-opening these wells, some of the local herders claimed that the water was theirs. Each time, rather than contest the issue, Isaac simply moved farther south to dig new wells. But each time there was a new breakout of the water wars.
Isaac was apparently a patient man.
Finally he dug a well that was not contested. He named it Rehoboth [which meant 'wide spaces'].
Then King Abimelech of the Philistines approached Isaac along with some of his advisors. They had earlier asked Isaac to leave their area [near Gerar - which would fall in today's Gaza Strip] because his flocks and clan were getting so large. They apparently saw him as a threat. Now, however, they still seem worried because Isaac's wealth and prominence was becoming so significant. They asked Isaac to enter into a binding treaty with them in which they pledged not to do any harm to each other. Isaac signed the treaty and threw a feast in their honor.
About that time his men successfully dug a new well near Shibah, which later became the city of Beershebah.
His son, Esau, was turning forty. He had married two Hittite women who made life miserable for Isaac and Rebekah.
This is the saga of a patient man who tried hard to avoid conflict and maintain peace. He didn't want to be a bother to anyone!
Isaac was the child of the Promise! He was raised by elderly parents. He was pretty much like an only child, although he did have a half-brother, Ishmael. He was raised with great privilege and a deep honor for God!
God was actively working in Isaac's life!
The Eternal One indeed put a blessing on him, and Isaac became very rich. He prospered more and more until he became enormously wealthy. He had so many flocks and herds and servants that the Philistines began to envy him. (For spite, some of the Philistines filled with dirt all of the wells his father’s servants had dug in the days when Abraham was living there.) Even [King] Abimelech was threatened by his prosperity. [vs.12-16]
[All scripture quotes are from The Voice Bible, unless otherwise noted.]
Eternal One (speaking to Isaac): I am the God of your father, Abraham. Don’t be afraid because I am there with you. I will bless you with many descendants according to the promise I made to My servant, Abraham. [v.24]
Isaac seems to have a great desire to live for and please God. As was common in that day, he favored his first-born son, Esau. But two points are relevant here:
- In Genesis 25:29-34, we discover that Esau "treated his valuable birthright contemptuously" [v.34] by impulsively selling it to his brother, Jacob, for a bowl of stew after a long hunting trip! Apparently Isaac never became aware of this transaction.
- Also, a few verses earlier, we find that God made a significant revelation to Rebekah while she was pregnant with her twins.
Eternal One (to Rebekah): Two nations are growing inside of your womb,and the two peoples will be divided in the future.
One will be stronger than the other,and the older will serve the younger. [v.23]
[Rebekah apparently never shared this message with Isaac!]
From what scripture reveals, Isaac was a good man with a great desire to fit into God's plan and live pleasing to Him!
His deficits can be aligned with being an only child of great privilege. There is also evidence that he had not cultivated his relationship with Rebekah as he could have. In chapter 27, we read of Rebekah conspiring with her favorite son, Jacob, to help him to deceive Isaac and gain Esau's blessing by deceit.
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Isaac's lifeline challenges us to:
- Live honorably before God!
- Not allow petty disputes to derail us!
- Love your children as equally as you can - avoiding signaling any one child as your favorite!
- Cultivate a deep, trusting, loving relationship with your spouse that blesses your children and all those who observe your marriage!
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