Genesis 26:24

KJV

And the LORD appeared unto him the same night, and said, I [am] the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I [am] with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham's sake.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the LORD {H3068} appeared {H7200} unto him the same night {H3915}, and said {H559}, I am the God {H430} of Abraham {H85} thy father {H1}: fear {H3372} not, for I am with {H854} thee, and will bless {H1288} thee, and multiply {H7235} thy seed {H2233} for my servant {H5650} Abraham's {H85} sake.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI appeared to him that same night and said, "I am the God of Avraham your father. Don't be afraid, because I am with you; I will bless you and increase your descendants for the sake of my servant Avraham."

Berean Standard Bible

and that night the LORD appeared to him and said, “I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you. I will bless you and multiply your descendants for the sake of My servant Abraham.”

American Standard Version

And Jehovah appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father: fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham’s sake.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 26:24 records a profound divine encounter where the LORD appeared to Isaac at Beersheba, offering direct reassurance and reaffirmation of His covenant promises. Amidst Isaac's trials and recent displacements, God identified Himself as the God of Abraham, commanding Isaac not to fear, promising His unfailing presence, and reiterating the blessings of multiplication and prosperity, all for the sake of His servant Abraham. This pivotal moment underscored the continuity of God's redemptive plan through Isaac, providing essential comfort and divine direction in a period of significant uncertainty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This divine appearance to Isaac occurs at a critical juncture in the Genesis narrative, immediately following a period of intense conflict and displacement for Isaac. Having previously sojourned in Gerar due to famine, Isaac faced repeated hostility from the Philistines, who maliciously stopped up the wells dug by his father Abraham and disputed Isaac's own efforts to dig new ones, forcing him to move from Esek to Sitnah and then to Rehoboth ([Genesis 26:1-22](/genesis/26-1-22 "Isaac's Sojourn in Gerar and Conflicts over Wells")). His journey culminates in Beersheba, where he built an altar and pitched his tent, signifying a moment of seeking rest and divine confirmation after prolonged strife ([Genesis 26:23](/genesis/26-23 "Isaac's Arrival at Beersheba")). The LORD's appearance "the same night" is thus a direct, timely, and personal response to Isaac's vulnerable circumstances, providing much-needed assurance and reaffirmation of God's unwavering commitment to him and the continuation of the covenant.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Isaac lived in the patriarchal period, an era characterized by semi-nomadic pastoralism where access to water (wells) was paramount for survival and prosperity. Control over wells often signified land rights and economic power, making the Philistines' actions of stopping wells a direct act of aggression and an attempt to displace Isaac. The cultural significance of the "God of Abraham" was immense; it invoked a rich history of divine promises, miraculous provision, and covenant faithfulness. For God to appear and identify Himself in this way would have carried profound weight, linking Isaac directly to the foundational promises and divine protection experienced by his revered father. Beersheba itself was a significant site, associated with Abraham's covenant with Abimelech ([Genesis 21:22-34](/genesis/21-22-34 "Abraham's Covenant at Beersheba")) and later becoming a prominent southern boundary marker for Israel.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 26:24 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader Pentateuch. It highlights the **continuity of the Abrahamic Covenant**, demonstrating God's faithfulness in extending His promises of land, descendants, and blessing through the chosen line, even when the patriarchs face adversity. The theme of **divine presence and protection** is central, as God's declaration "I am with thee" provides comfort and strength amidst fear and opposition, a motif echoed throughout the biblical narrative for God's chosen ones. Furthermore, the verse underscores **God's sovereign grace**, as the blessings are explicitly granted "for my servant Abraham's sake," emphasizing that God's faithfulness to His prior commitments is the ultimate basis for the blessings received by subsequent generations, rather than solely on individual merit. This encounter also reinforces the **importance of divine revelation** in guiding the patriarchs and affirming their role in God's redemptive plan, a pattern seen consistently from [Genesis 12](/genesis/12 "The Call of Abram") onward.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
The divine encounter in [Genesis 26:24](/genesis/26-24 "The LORD appears to Isaac at Beersheba") is a profound moment of covenant reaffirmation, directly addressing Isaac's immediate circumstances while extending the foundational promises made to his father.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, "the self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God." This is God's personal, covenantal name, emphasizing His eternal, unchanging nature and His fidelity to His promises. His appearance as "YHWH" underscores the solemnity and certainty of the message to Isaac, confirming His active involvement in the lives of His covenant people.
* **fear (Hebrew, _yârêʼ'_):** From H3372, "to fear; morally, to revere; caus. to frighten." In this context, the imperative "fear not" directly addresses Isaac's anxieties stemming from his recent trials and displacements. It is not merely an absence of dread but an invitation to trust and revere God, knowing His protective presence negates the need for worldly fear.
* **bless (Hebrew, _bârak'_):** From H1288, "to kneel; by implication to bless God (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit)." This word signifies God's bestowal of favor, prosperity, and spiritual well-being. The promise to "bless thee" reiterates a core component of the Abrahamic covenant, assuring Isaac of divine favor and the continuation of the covenantal lineage and its associated benefits.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the LORD appeared unto him the same night":** This opening clause highlights a direct and personal **theophany**, a visible manifestation of God. The timing, "the same night" Isaac arrived and settled in Beersheba, underscores God's immediate attentiveness to Isaac's vulnerable state and his need for divine confirmation after a period of significant unrest and conflict.
* **"and said, I [am] the God of Abraham thy father":** God's self-identification is crucial. By declaring Himself as "the God of Abraham thy father," the LORD explicitly links His relationship with Isaac to the foundational covenant established with Abraham. This declaration serves to confirm Isaac's rightful place as the heir to the covenant promises, establishing continuity and dispelling any doubt about his chosen status.
* **"fear not":** This is a direct divine imperative, a command to abandon anxiety and apprehension. It speaks to the emotional and spiritual state of Isaac, who had faced hostility and uncertainty. This command is often paired with a promise of divine presence, as seen in the subsequent clause.
* **"for I [am] with thee":** This powerful declaration provides the basis for the command "fear not." It signifies God's active, unwavering, and personal presence with Isaac. The emphasis on "I *am*" (echoing the essence of YHWH) assures Isaac of God's constant availability, active support, and protective care, a foundational truth for believers facing any form of uncertainty or opposition.
* **"and will bless thee":** This clause reiterates a core element of the Abrahamic covenant: the promise of divine favor and prosperity. It assures Isaac that he is indeed the chosen vessel through whom these promises will continue to unfold, encompassing both material and spiritual well-being.
* **"and multiply thy seed":** This promise directly addresses the demographic aspect of the covenant, ensuring the continuation and expansion of the covenant people. It is crucial for the lineage through which the Messiah would eventually come, emphasizing the physical and numerical growth of Abraham's descendants.
* **"for my servant Abraham's sake":** This concluding phrase underscores that God's blessings upon Isaac are not solely dependent on Isaac's own merit or actions, but are a direct fulfillment of God's steadfast and immutable promises to Abraham. It highlights God's unwavering commitment to His word and His covenant, demonstrating His faithfulness to His chosen "servant" and the enduring nature of His divine oath, emphasizing the principle of sovereign grace.

#### Literary Devices
Genesis 26:24 is rich in literary devices that enhance its theological impact. The most prominent is **Theophany**, the direct appearance of the LORD to Isaac, signifying immediate divine intervention and personal engagement. This is immediately followed by a **Covenant Formula**, "I am the God of Abraham thy father," which serves to establish continuity and legitimacy, linking Isaac directly to the foundational promises made to his progenitor. The divine utterance includes a clear **Exhortation** ("fear not") paired with a **Promise of Presence** ("for I am with thee"), a common biblical pattern designed to instill courage and trust in the recipient. The subsequent promises to "bless thee, and multiply thy seed" constitute **Reiteration** of the Abrahamic covenant's core elements, reinforcing their certainty and immutability. Finally, the phrase "for my servant Abraham's sake" functions as a **Statement of Divine Motivation**, highlighting God's faithfulness to His prior commitments as the basis for His current actions, underscoring the enduring nature of His covenantal grace.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 26:24 provides a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness and the enduring nature of His covenant promises. This divine encounter not only reassures Isaac personally but also solidifies the continuity of God's redemptive plan through the chosen lineage of Abraham. It establishes that God's commitment to His people is not contingent on their perfect performance but on His own immutable character and His prior, unchangeable word. The declaration "I am with thee" is a foundational theological truth, emphasizing God's active involvement and comforting presence in the lives of His people, particularly during times of fear, uncertainty, or opposition. Furthermore, the phrase "for my servant Abraham's sake" highlights the concept of blessings flowing from God's prior commitments and unmerited favor, illustrating a profound principle of divine grace where blessings can be received not purely on individual merit but through covenantal relationship and God's sovereign choice.

* [Genesis 12:1-3](/genesis/12-1-3 "God's Call and Promise to Abram")
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "God's Promise to Help and Uphold His Servant")
* [Hebrews 13:5](/hebrews/13-5 "God's Promise to Never Leave or Forsake")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 26:24 offers profound encouragement for believers today, reminding us that the God of Abraham and Isaac is the same faithful God who watches over us. In moments of fear, uncertainty, or opposition, we are called to remember that His presence is an inexhaustible source of strength, and His promises are immutable. Just as Isaac's blessings were intricately tied to God's covenant with Abraham, our blessings are rooted in God's covenant with us through Christ. This verse calls us to cultivate a deep trust in God's unwavering presence and His unfailing commitment to His word, even when circumstances seem bleak or overwhelming. It reminds us that God is actively involved in our lives, guiding our steps, providing for our needs, and faithfully working to fulfill His ultimate purposes, not only for us individually but also for the advancement of His kingdom. Our response should be one of reverent trust, knowing that the "fear not" is grounded in the "I am with thee."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently experiencing fear or uncertainty, and how can the promise "I am with thee" provide comfort and strength?**
* **How does God's faithfulness to Abraham and Isaac encourage you to trust in His promises for your own life, even when circumstances are challenging?**
* **What does it mean for your blessings to be "for my servant Abraham's sake," and how does this concept of inherited grace shape your understanding of God's character?**

### FAQ
**Why does God reiterate promises to Isaac that were already made to Abraham?**

Answer: God reiterates His promises to Isaac for several crucial reasons, demonstrating His multifaceted faithfulness. Firstly, it serves as a **personal confirmation** to Isaac, affirming his unique role as the chosen heir through whom the Abrahamic covenant would continue. This dispelled any potential doubt or insecurity Isaac might have felt, especially given his recent trials and the challenges of living up to his father's legacy. Secondly, this reiteration provides **direct reassurance and comfort** to Isaac during a period of significant trial and uncertainty, highlighting God's intimate care for him. It transforms a general promise into a personal, present reality. Thirdly, it underscores the **immutability and faithfulness of God's promises** themselves; they are not fleeting or dependent on a single individual, but are actively maintained and reaffirmed across generations, ensuring the continuity of His redemptive plan. This reiteration solidifies the covenant's progression and its personal application to Isaac, ensuring the divine lineage would continue towards its ultimate fulfillment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Genesis 26:24, with its profound emphasis on God's covenant faithfulness, the promise of a multiplied "seed," and blessings bestowed "for my servant Abraham's sake," finds its ultimate and most glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The promise to "multiply thy seed" transcends mere physical descendants, pointing directly to the spiritual offspring of Abraham, which is realized through faith in Christ ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "Christ as the Seed of Abraham") clarifies that the "seed" refers to Christ, and [Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Believers as Abraham's Offspring") declares that believers in Christ are Abraham's true spiritual offspring). Christ is the singular "seed" through whom all the nations of the earth are blessed, fulfilling the broader, universal scope of the Abrahamic covenant ([Genesis 12:3](/genesis/12-3 "God's Promise to Bless All Nations Through Abraham")). God's unwavering commitment to Abraham's legacy, demonstrated by His blessing of Isaac despite the patriarch's flaws, prefigures His ultimate faithfulness in sending Christ to secure the eternal blessings of salvation, reconciliation, and adoption into God's family for all who believe ([Ephesians 1:3-6](/ephesians/1-3-6 "Spiritual Blessings in Christ")). Thus, the covenant promises to Abraham and Isaac are not merely continued but are brought to their fullest spiritual and redemptive fruition in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the ultimate "servant" of God ([Isaiah 53:11](/isaiah/53-11 "The Suffering Servant of the LORD")).

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

Exodus 3:6

Moreover he said, I [am] the God of thy father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. And Moses hid his face; for he was afraid to look upon God.

Genesis 15:1

¶ After these things the word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I [am] thy shield, [and] thy exceeding great reward.

Genesis 17:7

¶ And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.

Acts 7:32

[Saying], I [am] the God of thy fathers, the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. Then Moses trembled, and durst not behold.

Isaiah 43:1

¶ But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called [thee] by thy name; thou [art] mine.

Isaiah 43:2

When thou passest through the waters, I [will be] with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

Genesis 24:12

And he said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham.