Genesis 26 Commentary
The blessing repeats and so does iniquity.
The first 5 verses repeat the blessing of Abraham on Isaac, in equal measure. The next 5 verses repeat Abraham’s failures, nearly word for word!
The blessing of land ownership is still a future event. The blessing of the nations through Abraham’s offspring (now through Isaac’s offspring) is also a future event.
The LORD God now turns His attention to Isaac’s personal journey. There is a drought, but he shouldn’t go to Egypt; the LORD God would bless him locally.
Isaac reaches new heights. Of course, he inherits Abraham’s everything, but the addition makes him very wealthy – like he wasn’t born rich and became one by inheritance!
The LORD continues to speak to Isaac. The LORD continues to bless Isaac. The LORD continues to protect Isaac. Isaac is a huge situation in the community. Kings are his peers. They seek his favor. Like his father, Isaac continues to worship the one Creator God. He continues to build altars to the God of his father Abraham.
Water wells are important in this chapter! Eden was watered by 4 rivers. The LORD God also sent rain and life flourished. Out of Eden and out of God’s presence, water is scarce. Water wells are everything! Rebekah was met at the water point. Jacob would meet Rachel at the water point. The Samaritan woman would be saved at the water well. Joseph and Jeremiah would be thrown into one! Water wells were always important points!
The blessing of the LORD on your life won’t prevent opposition parties from your business! They will quarrel over your business interests from time to time. Move on from one point of quarrel to the next. It is no sign of defeat! The LORD preserves a Rehoboth for His own! Know when a transaction is an Esek, and when a transaction is a Rehoboth. Both will happen to you!
Isaac’s blessing is visible! Others admire it! Others seek the same blessing. If only they can connect to God through Isaac! The picture is clear even at this stage. Riches beyond measure lie in waiting for those who can connect to the LORD God through Isaac’s offspring!
Isaac should never marry from among the Hittites! This was Abraham’s point! Rebekah was a product of a serious resolve and prayer. But there is a new generation that knows better. Old systems won’t work for them. The world is one. They will marry as they deem fit. So Esau marries and trouble begins.
Jacob will also marry but without the old system of prayer! Beauty will count for everything. But that is for another day. For now, we know Esau’s marriage has caused grief to both Isaac and Rebekah. Verse 35.
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