Genesis 26:26

King James Version:

(The Lord speaking is red text)

¶ Then Abimelech went to him from Gerar, and Ahuzzath one of his friends, and Phichol the chief captain of his army.

Complete Jewish Bible:

Then Avimelekh went to him from G'rar with his friend Achuzat and Pikhol the commander of his army.

Berean Standard Bible:

Later, Abimelech came to Isaac from Gerar, with Ahuzzath his adviser and Phicol the commander of his army.

American Standard Version:

Then Abimelech went to him from Gerar, and Ahuzzath his friend, and Phicol the captain of his host.

KJV with Strong’s Numbers:

Then Abimelech^{H40} went^{H1980} to him from Gerar^{H1642}, and Ahuzzath^{H276} one of his friends^{H4828}, and Phichol^{H6369} the chief captain^{H8269} of his army^{H6635}.

Cross-References (KJV):

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Commentary for Genesis 26:26

**Genesis 26:26**

**Themes:**
- Diplomacy and Alliance: The verse reflects the theme of establishing peaceful relationships and alliances, as Abimelech, king of Gerar, approaches Isaac with the intention of forming a treaty.
- Divine Providence: Isaac's prosperity and his ability to navigate potentially hostile relationships with neighboring rulers can be seen as a result of God's continued blessings and protection.
- Integrity and Trust: Despite previous tensions and deceptions, Isaac demonstrates a willingness to engage in dialogue, showing his integrity and trust in God's guidance.

**Historical Context:**
- The setting is the ancient Near East, where city-states and their kings often had complex relationships with nomadic groups like Isaac's family.
- Isaac, the son of Abraham, is living in the region of Gerar. His presence there is part of the larger narrative of the patriarchs' sojourns, which include interactions with local rulers.
- Abimelech is likely a title rather than a personal name, as it was used for several kings in the region. The Abimelech in this verse is different from the one who interacted with Abraham (Genesis 20).
- The mention of Ahuzzath and Phichol indicates that Abimelech is accompanied by close advisors and military protection, underscoring the importance of the meeting with Isaac.
- The context suggests a time when water rights and oaths of non-aggression were crucial for the survival and prosperity of both settled and nomadic communities.

In summary, Genesis 26:26 captures a moment of diplomatic engagement in the patriarchal narratives, highlighting themes of alliance-building, divine favor, and the importance of maintaining peaceful relations in the face of potential conflict.

*This commentary is produced by Microsoft/WizardLM-2-8x22B AI model

Strong's Numbers and Definitions:

Note: H = Hebrew (OT), G = Greek (NT)

1. Strong's Number: H40
   There are 1102 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֲבִימֶלֶךְ
   Transliteration: ʼĂbîymelek
   Pronunciation: ab-ee-mel'-ek
   Description: from אָב and מֶלֶךְ; father of (the) king; Abimelek, the name of two Philistine kings and of two Israelites; Abimelech.
   
2. Strong's Number: H1980
   There are 468 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: הָלַךְ
   Transliteration: hâlak
   Pronunciation: haw-lak'
   Description: akin to יָלַךְ; a primitive root; to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively); (all) along, apace, behave (self), come, (on) continually, be conversant, depart, [phrase] be eased, enter, exercise (self), [phrase] follow, forth, forward, get, go (about, abroad, along, away, forward, on, out, up and down), [phrase] greater, grow, be wont to haunt, lead, march, [idiom] more and more, move (self), needs, on, pass (away), be at the point, quite, run (along), [phrase] send, speedily, spread, still, surely, [phrase] tale-bearer, [phrase] travel(-ler), walk (abroad, on, to and fro, up and down, to places), wander, wax, (way-) faring man, [idiom] be weak, whirl.
   
3. Strong's Number: H1642
   There are 10 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: גְּרָר
   Transliteration: Gᵉrâr
   Pronunciation: gher-awr'
   Description: probably from גָּרַר; a rolling country; Gerar, a Philistine city; Gerar.
   
4. Strong's Number: H276
   There are 113 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: אֲחֻזַּת
   Transliteration: ʼĂchuzzath
   Pronunciation: akh-ooz-zath'
   Description: a variation of אֲחֻזָּה; possession; Achuzzath, a Philistine; Ahuzzath.
   
5. Strong's Number: H4828
   There are 7 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: מֵרֵעַ
   Transliteration: mêrêaʻ
   Pronunciation: may-ray'-ah
   Description: from רָעָה in the sense of companionship; a friend; companion, friend.
   
6. Strong's Number: H6369
   There are 3 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: פִּיכֹל
   Transliteration: Pîykôl
   Pronunciation: pee-kole'
   Description: apparently from פֶּה and כֹּל; mouth of all; Picol, a Philistine; Phichol.
   
7. Strong's Number: H8269
   There are 368 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: שַׂר
   Transliteration: sar
   Pronunciation: sar
   Description: from שָׂרַר; a head person (of any rank or class); captain (that had rule), chief (captain), general, governor, keeper, lord,(-task-)master, prince(-ipal), ruler, steward.
   
8. Strong's Number: H6635
   There are 463 instances of this translation in the Bible
   Lemma: צָבָא
   Transliteration: tsâbâʼ
   Pronunciation: tsaw-baw'
   Description: or (feminine) צְבָאָה; from צָבָא; a mass of persons (or figuratively, things), especially reg. organized forwar (an army); by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively (specifically, hardship, worship); appointed time, ([phrase]) army, ([phrase]) battle, company, host, service, soldiers, waiting upon, war(-fare).