Keraia
Genesis 26

Genesis 26:17

Isaac’s Prosperity · Genesis 26:12–25
Read Genesis 26

Translations

Modern
So Isaac left that place and encamped in the Valley of Gerar and settled there.
Traditional
And Isaac departed thence, and pitched his tent in the valley of Gerar, and dwelt there.
Literal
And Isaac departed from there and camped in the Valley of Gerar, and he dwelt there.
Latin
Et ille discedens, ut veniret ad torrentem Geraræ, habitaretque ibi,

Original

Hebrew
English
So Isaac left that place and encamped in the Valley of Gerar and settled there.

Notes

Genesis 26:17–22

Isaac left … in the Valley of Gerar: This was away from the city of Gerar itself, but probably still within 16 kilometers (10 miles).

When he got there, Isaac reopened the wells of his father. Although people opposed him there, Isaac chose not to fight back. He gave up one well after another until God's blessing overcame the opposition. Whenever Isaac reopened a well, even if enemies filled it in, he found water. God blessed Isaac, and nothing could stop it. Finally, the Philistines left Isaac alone.

Genesis 26:1–35

This section pauses Jacob’s story to focus on Isaac. Isaac’s success and wealth in chapter 26 show that God’s blessing had passed to him (compare 25:11), even though he sometimes failed to trust God.

People

Isaac: Son of Abraham; father of Jacob and Esau

Places

Gerar: Philistine city; Abraham and Isaac's encounters with Abimelech

Glossary

Abimelech Bible, Manuscripts and Text of the (New Testament) Ebla Tablets Genesis, Book of Gerar Nathanael Patriarchs, Period of the Philistia, Philistines Rebecca, Rebekah

Topics

Afflictions and Adversities: Consolation In Blessing: Temporal, from God: To Isaac Dishonesty: Abimelech's Servants Confiscate a Well Gerar: A Valley Isaac: The Miraculous Son of Abraham: His Peaceableness Patience: Isaac Toward the People of Gerar Tents were Pitched in the Neighbourhood of Wells Valleys: Gerar Wells: The Occasion of Feuds: Between Isaac and Abimelech