Genesis 26:20

KJV

And the herdmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac's herdmen, saying, The water [is] ours: and he called the name of the well Esek; because they strove with him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the herdmen {H7462} of Gerar {H1642} did strive {H7378} with Isaac's {H3327} herdmen {H7462}, saying {H559}, The water {H4325} is ours: and he called {H7121} the name {H8034} of the well {H875} Esek {H6230}; because they strove {H6229} with him.

Complete Jewish Bible

But the herdsmen of G'rar quarreled with Yitz'chak's herdsmen, claiming, "That water is ours!" So he called the well 'Esek [quarrel], because they quarreled with him.

Berean Standard Bible

But the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen and said, “The water is ours!” So he named the well Esek, because they contended with him.

American Standard Version

And the herdsmen of Gerar strove with Isaac’s herdsmen, saying, The water is ours: and he called the name of the well Esek, because they contended with him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
[Genesis 26:20](/genesis/26-20 "The naming of the well Esek") recounts a specific instance of conflict between Isaac's herdsmen and the herdsmen of Gerar over a well, which the Philistines claimed as their own. In response to this persistent contention, Isaac named the well Esek, meaning "strife" or "contention," marking the location with the memory of the dispute before moving on.

### CONTEXT
[Genesis 26](/chapter/bible_verses_kjv/genesis/26 "The life of Isaac in Gerar") details a significant period in Isaac's life, marked by famine, relocation, and renewed divine promises. Following in the footsteps of his father, Abraham, Isaac sojourned in Gerar, a land inhabited by the Philistines, after God commanded him not to go down to Egypt but to stay in the land ([Genesis 26:2](/genesis/26-2 "God's instruction to Isaac")). Despite facing challenges, Isaac grew immensely wealthy, possessing large flocks, herds, and many servants, which stirred envy among the Philistines. This prosperity, ironically, became a source of contention, as the Philistines had previously filled in wells dug by Abraham, forcing Isaac to re-dig them and leading to repeated disputes over vital water resources in the arid ancient Near East.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 26:20](/genesis/26-20 "The conflict over Esek") describes a direct and specific confrontation: "And the herdmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac's herdmen, saying, The water [is] ours." This verse highlights the critical importance of water in the ancient Near East, where control over wells was synonymous with survival and prosperity for pastoral communities. The Philistine herdsmen's assertion of ownership, "The water [is] ours," indicates a territorial claim, likely driven by envy of Isaac's increasing wealth and influence, or a desire to impede his settlement.

* **The Nature of the Strife:** The Hebrew word for "strive" is *riv* (רִיב), which implies a legal dispute or contention, not necessarily physical violence, but a strong verbal or legal challenge over rights. This indicates a persistent and irritating opposition rather than a single, isolated incident.
* **Isaac's Response: Naming the Well Esek:** Rather than engaging in prolonged conflict or violence to assert his rights, Isaac chose a different path. He named the well "Esek" (עֵשֶׂק), which literally means "contention," "strife," or "dispute." This naming was a common practice in the ancient world, serving as a mnemonic device to commemorate significant events or experiences associated with a place. By naming the well Esek, Isaac publicly acknowledged the conflict and the injustice he faced, yet his action of moving on to dig another well (implied by the subsequent verses) demonstrates a spirit of patience and a reliance on God's provision rather than human might. This act of yielding, though seemingly a retreat, was a strategic move that preserved peace and allowed Isaac to continue prospering under God's blessing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Divine Provision Amidst Adversity:** Despite repeated opposition and the Philistines' attempts to hinder him, God consistently provided Isaac with water, demonstrating His faithfulness to the covenant promises of blessing and prosperity.
* **Peacemaking and Non-Retaliation:** Isaac's consistent choice to withdraw from conflict and dig new wells, rather than fight for existing ones, exemplifies a spirit of peacemaking and non-retaliation, foreshadowing New Testament principles of turning the other cheek.
* **The Cost of Envy and Greed:** The Philistines' actions are rooted in envy of Isaac's blessing and a desire to control resources, illustrating how human sin can lead to conflict and injustice, even over basic necessities.
* **Covenant Inheritance and Land:** The struggle for wells and land subtly points to the broader theme of the promised land and the covenant God made with Abraham and his descendants, where their right to the land and its resources would eventually be fully established.
* **Patience and Perseverance:** Isaac's repeated efforts to dig new wells despite being driven away highlight the importance of patience and perseverance in pursuing God's will and trusting in His timing and provision.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The account of Isaac and the well of Esek offers timeless lessons for navigating conflict in our own lives. Isaac's example teaches the wisdom of choosing peace over prolonged strife, demonstrating that sometimes withdrawing from contention allows for greater peace, progress, and the manifestation of God's blessing, as he later found with the well Rehoboth ([Genesis 26:22](/genesis/26-22 "Isaac names the well Rehoboth and finds room")). His repeated success in finding water despite opposition encourages believers to trust in God's ability to provide, even when faced with scarcity or unfair treatment, reminding us that God will make a way where there seems to be none. Furthermore, the Philistines' actions serve as a cautionary tale about the destructive nature of envy, which can lead to conflict and injustice.

### FAQ
**Why did Isaac repeatedly yield his claim to the wells instead of fighting for them?**

Answer: Isaac's actions demonstrated a profound trust in God's abundant provision and a commitment to peace over worldly contention. By yielding, he avoided escalating conflict and allowed God to lead him to new, unhindered sources of blessing. This approach aligns with a spiritual perspective that prioritizes divine guidance and the preservation of peace over asserting human rights through force, ultimately leading to greater prosperity and a clear demonstration of God's favor.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaac's peacemaking nature and his willingness to yield his rights rather than engage in strife foreshadow the ultimate Peacemaker, Jesus Christ. While Isaac moved from wells of contention to wells of room, Christ, the living water, did not merely move away from conflict but entered into the ultimate contention on the cross, yielding His divine rights and life to reconcile humanity to God. His sacrifice at Calvary resolved the deepest human strife—that between humanity and God—providing an everlasting wellspring of life and peace that no one can contend for or take away. Isaac's trust in God's provision amidst scarcity points to Christ as the ultimate provider and sustainer, who offers water that quenches spiritual thirst forever.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.