Keraia
Genesis 26

Genesis 26:19

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

Translations

Modern
Then Isaac’s servants dug in the valley and found a well of fresh water there.
Traditional
And Isaac’s servants digged in the valley, and found there a well of springing water.
Literal
And Isaac’s servants dug in the valley, and they found there a well of living water.
Latin
Foderuntque in torrente, et repererunt aquam vivam.

Original

Hebrew
English
Then Isaac’s servants dug in the valley and found a well of fresh water 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

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 Well

Topics

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 Property in Real Estate: Rights In, Violated Wells: The Occasion of Feuds: Between Isaac and Abimelech