Genesis 26:23

KJV

And he went up from thence to Beersheba.

KJV (with Strong's)

And he went up {H5927} from thence to Beersheba {H884}.

Complete Jewish Bible

From there Yitz'chak went up to Be'er-Sheva.

Berean Standard Bible

From there Isaac went up to Beersheba,

American Standard Version

And he went up from thence to Beer-sheba.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 26:23 marks a significant turning point in Isaac's journey, detailing his relocation from the contentious region of Gerar to Beersheba. This strategic move, following a period of persistent conflict over vital water resources, represents Isaac's deliberate pursuit of peace and a return to a site hallowed by ancestral divine encounters. Beersheba, a place deeply embedded in the patriarchal narrative, serves as a backdrop for the reaffirmation of God's covenant promises, underscoring divine guidance and the continuity of God's faithfulness across generations.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within the narrative of Isaac's sojourn in Gerar, following a series of escalating conflicts with the Philistines. Chapters [Genesis 26:1-11](/genesis/26-1-11 "Isaac's sojourn in Gerar") describe Isaac's prosperity and the Philistines' envy, leading to the stopping up of wells dug by Abraham. [Genesis 26:12-22](/genesis/26-12-22 "Isaac's disputes over wells") details Isaac's repeated attempts to find peace by moving further away and digging new wells—Esek ("contention"), Sitnah ("enmity"), and Rehoboth ("broad places")—each met with renewed disputes, until he finally finds space at Rehoboth. His journey to Beersheba in [Genesis 26:23](/genesis/26-23 "Isaac's journey to Beersheba") is thus the culmination of this period of strife, setting the stage for a pivotal divine encounter and covenant reaffirmation in [Genesis 26:24-25](/genesis/26-24-25 "God's appearance to Isaac at Beersheba"), followed by a peace treaty with Abimelech in [Genesis 26:26-33](/genesis/26-26-33 "Abimelech's visit to Isaac").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, particularly in arid regions like Canaan, water was an indispensable and fiercely contested resource. Wells represented life, wealth, and strategic control, making disputes over them common and often violent. The Philistines, a powerful group inhabiting the coastal plain, viewed Isaac's prosperity and his access to water as a threat, demonstrating the cultural dynamics of land and resource ownership. The patriarchal narratives often depict a semi-nomadic lifestyle, where patriarchs moved with their flocks, relying on wells and pastures. Beersheba itself was a significant hub in the Negev, known for its abundant water supply and as a traditional site for covenants and divine encounters, making it a logical and spiritually resonant destination for Isaac.
* **Key Themes:** Isaac's journey to Beersheba contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Genesis. It highlights the theme of **Divine Faithfulness and Provision**, as God continually provides for Isaac despite adversity and guides him to a place of rest and blessing, mirroring the promises made to Abraham throughout [Genesis 12](/genesis/12 "The Call of Abraham"). The narrative also emphasizes the theme of **Conflict and Peacemaking**, showcasing Isaac's patient, non-confrontational approach to resolving disputes over resources, a stark contrast to the aggressive actions of the Philistines. Furthermore, the return to Beersheba underscores the **Continuity of the Abrahamic Covenant**, as Isaac seeks out a place hallowed by his father's encounters with God, thereby ensuring the transmission of divine promises to the next generation, as seen in [Genesis 26:24](/genesis/26-24 "God's reaffirmation of the covenant to Isaac").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **went up (Hebrew, _ʻâlâh'_):** This primitive root signifies an ascent, whether literal (to climb, rise) or figurative (to increase, be exalted). In this context, it denotes a physical movement "up" in elevation, as Beersheba is situated on higher ground than parts of the Gerar region. More profoundly, it can imply a spiritual elevation or progression, as Isaac moves from a place of conflict to one of divine encounter and renewed blessing. The act of "going up" often carried connotations of pilgrimage or approaching a sacred space in biblical thought.
* **Beersheba (Hebrew, _Bᵉʼêr Shebaʻ'_):** Meaning "well of an oath" or "well of seven," this place name is deeply symbolic and historically significant. It was a site where Abraham made a covenant with Abimelech and called upon the name of the Lord ([Genesis 21:31-33](/genesis/21-31-33 "Abraham's covenant at Beersheba")). The "oath" aspect points to covenant and solemn agreement, while "seven" often symbolizes completeness, perfection, or covenant in biblical numerology. For Isaac, returning to Beersheba was not merely a geographical relocation but a re-engagement with a sacred ancestral site, a place of divine encounter and covenant continuity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he went up from thence":** This phrase marks Isaac's departure from the immediate vicinity of Gerar, specifically from the "broad places" (Rehoboth) where he had found temporary relief from contention. The movement "up" suggests a deliberate and purposeful journey, likely involving a change in elevation as he traveled inland to the Negev region. It signifies a strategic withdrawal from ongoing strife, indicating Isaac's desire to find a more permanent and peaceful dwelling, guided by divine providence.
* **"to Beersheba":** The destination is of paramount importance. Beersheba was not just any place; it was a site already sanctified by Abraham's presence and divine encounter. Isaac's choice to go there reflects a conscious return to his ancestral roots and a place associated with the covenant promises. This move anticipates the immediate divine appearance to Isaac in the subsequent verse, confirming that his journey was divinely orchestrated and leading him to a place where God's presence would be explicitly manifested.

#### Literary Devices
The brevity of [Genesis 26:23](/genesis/26-23 "Isaac's journey to Beersheba") belies its rich literary significance. The verse employs **Conciseness** to highlight a pivotal transition, making the shift from conflict to a place of peace abrupt and impactful. The naming of "Beersheba" functions as a powerful **Symbolism**, representing not just a geographical location but a nexus of covenant, divine presence, and ancestral legacy. It is a place of "well of the oath" and "well of seven," imbuing the destination with theological depth. Furthermore, the narrative uses **Repetition** of place names (Gerar, Beersheba) and actions (digging wells, disputes) throughout the preceding verses to underscore the persistent conflict, making Isaac's final move to Beersheba a climactic resolution and a return to a sacred, established site of peace and divine encounter. This move also serves as a **Foreshadowing** of the divine appearance and covenant reaffirmation that immediately follows.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaac's journey to Beersheba encapsulates profound theological truths, demonstrating God's active involvement in the lives of His covenant people. It illustrates how divine guidance often leads believers through periods of adversity to places of spiritual rest and renewed encounter. Isaac's patient and peace-seeking approach, culminating in his relocation, underscores the biblical principle of seeking reconciliation and avoiding unnecessary strife, trusting God to provide a way forward. Beersheba, as a recurring locus of divine revelation and covenant renewal for the patriarchs, emphasizes the enduring significance of sacred spaces in God's redemptive history and the continuity of His promises across generations.

* [Genesis 21:31-33](/genesis/21-31-33 "Abraham's covenant at Beersheba")
* [Genesis 26:24-25](/genesis/26-24-25 "God's appearance to Isaac at Beersheba")
* [Genesis 46:1-5](/genesis/46-1-5 "Jacob's journey from Beersheba to Egypt")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaac's journey to Beersheba offers a timeless lesson for believers navigating life's challenges. After experiencing repeated conflicts and displacements, Isaac chose to move to a place historically marked by God's presence and covenant. This teaches us the importance of seeking spiritual "Beershebas" in our own lives—places or practices where we can intentionally encounter God, find rest from strife, and be reminded of His unchanging promises. It encourages us to trust God's leading, even when it means moving away from familiar but contentious environments. True peace is not merely the absence of conflict, but the presence of God. We are called to cultivate a spirit of peace-making, and when conflict persists, to discern God's guidance towards a place of renewed spiritual vitality and dependence on His provision, knowing that He faithfully leads us to where His blessings can be fully realized.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I experiencing persistent conflict or "stopped-up wells"?**
* **How might God be calling me to "go up" to a new spiritual "Beersheba," a place of deeper encounter and peace?**
* **What ancestral or spiritual truths can I return to or lean on for renewed strength and clarity in times of adversity?**

### FAQ

**Why was Beersheba such an important location for the patriarchs?**

Answer: Beersheba held immense significance for the patriarchs primarily because it was a recurring site of divine encounter and covenant renewal. For Abraham, it was where he made a covenant with Abimelech and called upon the name of the Lord, establishing an altar there ([Genesis 21:31-33](/genesis/21-31-33 "Abraham's covenant at Beersheba")). For Isaac, this very verse details his journey there, followed immediately by God's appearance and reaffirmation of the Abrahamic covenant to him ([Genesis 26:24-25](/genesis/26-24-25 "God's appearance to Isaac at Beersheba")). Later, Jacob offered sacrifices at Beersheba before journeying to Egypt, receiving a divine assurance there as well ([Genesis 46:1-5](/genesis/46-1-5 "Jacob's journey from Beersheba to Egypt")). Its name, meaning "well of the oath" or "well of seven," further solidifies its identity as a sacred place of solemn agreements, divine promises, and the continuity of God's redemptive plan across generations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaac's journey to Beersheba, a place of promised rest, renewed covenant, and divine encounter after a season of conflict, profoundly foreshadows the ultimate peace and fulfillment found in Jesus Christ. Just as Beersheba, with its "well of the oath," represented a source of life and a place where God's promises were reaffirmed for Isaac, so Christ is the living water and the ultimate fulfillment of all God's covenants. He invites all who are weary and burdened by the conflicts of this world to find rest in Him, declaring, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" ([Matthew 11:28](/matthew/11-28 "Jesus' invitation to the weary")). The continuity of God's promises, which were passed down and reaffirmed to Isaac at Beersheba, find their ultimate "Yes" and "Amen" in Christ, through whom all of God's covenant blessings are secured for His people ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "All God's promises are 'Yes' in Christ")). He is our true "Beersheba," the wellspring of eternal life, the locus of God's abiding presence, and the perfect embodiment of the covenant of grace, offering us a peace that transcends all understanding ([Philippians 4:7](/philippians/4-7 "The peace of God")).

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.

Cross-References

Judges 20:1

¶ Then all the children of Israel went out, and the congregation was gathered together as one man, from Dan even to Beersheba, with the land of Gilead, unto the LORD in Mizpeh.

Genesis 21:31

Wherefore he called that place Beersheba; because there they sware both of them.

Genesis 46:1

¶ And Israel took his journey with all that he had, and came to Beersheba, and offered sacrifices unto the God of his father Isaac.