Genesis 26:27

KJV

And Isaac said unto them, Wherefore come ye to me, seeing ye hate me, and have sent me away from you?

KJV (with Strong's)

And Isaac {H3327} said {H559} unto them, Wherefore {H4069} come {H935} ye to me, seeing ye hate {H8130} me, and have sent me away {H7971} from you?

Complete Jewish Bible

Yitz'chak said to them, "Why have you come to me, even though you were unfriendly to me and sent me away?"

Berean Standard Bible

“Why have you come to me?” Isaac asked them. “You hated me and sent me away.”

American Standard Version

And Isaac said unto them, Wherefore are ye come unto me, seeing ye hate me, and have sent me away from you?

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 26:27 captures Isaac's direct and discerning challenge to King Abimelech and his officials, questioning their sudden visit after they had previously expelled him from Gerar. This poignant inquiry exposes the Philistines' hypocrisy and highlights Isaac's astute awareness of their past hostility, implicitly underscoring God's vindication and evident blessing upon His servant despite their earlier enmity and envy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is situated within a significant narrative arc detailing Isaac's experiences during a famine and his interactions with the Philistines. Following God's instruction to remain in Gerar rather than go to Egypt, Isaac sows crops and reaps a hundredfold, leading to immense wealth and a large retinue, as described in [Genesis 26:12-14](/genesis/26-12-14 "Isaac's Prosperity and Growing Wealth"). This prosperity, however, provokes intense envy among the Philistines, culminating in King Abimelech's command for Isaac to depart, stating, "Go from us; for thou art much mightier than we" ([Genesis/26-16](/genesis/26-16 "Abimelech Commands Isaac to Leave Gerar")). Isaac complies, moving from place to place, re-digging wells that his father Abraham had dug, and enduring further contention over water rights. He eventually settles in Beer-sheba, where the Lord graciously appears to him, reaffirming His covenant promises and assuring His presence and blessing ([Genesis/26-24](/genesis/26-24 "God Reaffirms His Covenant with Isaac in Beer-sheba")). It is after Isaac has established himself in Beer-sheba, a place of divine reassurance and peace, that Abimelech, Phichol (his chief captain), and Ahuzzath (his friend) unexpectedly seek him out, prompting Isaac's pointed question in this verse.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, water was an indispensable resource, particularly in semi-arid regions like Canaan. Control over wells and springs was crucial for survival, livestock, and agricultural prosperity, often leading to disputes and conflicts, as seen in the repeated contentions over wells in [Genesis 26](/genesis/26 "Genesis 26 - Isaac's Sojourn in Gerar"). The Philistines were a settled people with established cities, while Isaac represented a powerful, divinely blessed nomadic group. The concept of a peace treaty or covenant (Hebrew: *berith*) was common among ancient peoples to secure alliances, resolve disputes, or acknowledge a superior power. Abimelech's visit, accompanied by his chief military commander and a trusted advisor, signifies a formal diplomatic overture, indicating the gravity of their purpose. Their earlier expulsion of Isaac was likely driven by a combination of fear regarding his growing power and envy of his prosperity, reflecting the volatile nature of inter-group relations in that era.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It powerfully illustrates the theme of **Divine Blessing and Prosperity**, showing how God's favor can lead to extraordinary fruitfulness even in challenging circumstances, as seen in Isaac's hundredfold harvest ([Genesis/26-12](/genesis/26-12 "Isaac's Hundredfold Harvest")). It also highlights **Human Envy and Hostility**, as the Philistines' reaction to Isaac's success demonstrates the destructive nature of jealousy. Conversely, the narrative underscores **God's Faithfulness and Protection** of His covenant people, as He guides Isaac, provides for him, and reaffirms His promises even when Isaac is driven from place to place ([Genesis/26-24](/genesis/26-24 "God's Reaffirmation to Isaac")). Finally, the confrontation reveals the **Importance of Discernment and Truthful Confrontation** in relationships, as Isaac directly addresses the Philistines' inconsistent behavior.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Wherefore (Hebrew, _maddûwaʻ'_):** This interrogative adverb, derived from "what is known," functions here as "why" or "for what reason." Isaac's use of "wherefore" is not a simple request for information but a pointed challenge to their motives, demanding an explanation for their contradictory actions. It highlights the perceived absurdity of their visit given their prior hostility.
* **hate (Hebrew, _sânêʼ'_):** This primitive root signifies a deep-seated animosity, aversion, or enmity, not merely a casual dislike. Isaac's choice of this strong verb indicates his understanding that the Philistines' actions—their envy, their disputes over wells, and their ultimate expulsion order—stemmed from a profound ill will rather than just a pragmatic concern about his power. It conveys the severity of their past treatment.
* **sent me away (Hebrew, _shâlach'_):** This primitive root means "to send away, for, or out." In this context, it refers to Abimelech's direct command for Isaac to depart from Gerar ([Genesis/26-16](/genesis/26-16 "Abimelech Commands Isaac to Leave")). Isaac's precise recollection of this active expulsion underscores the Philistines' responsibility for his forced departure and contrasts sharply with their current approach.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Isaac said unto them":** This phrase establishes Isaac's direct and authoritative stance. He does not send a messenger or delegate, but personally confronts the delegation, signaling the gravity of the encounter and his intent to address their past behavior head-on.
* **"Wherefore come ye to me":** Isaac's initial question immediately challenges the very premise of their visit. He is not welcoming them but demanding an explanation for their presence, given their previous actions. This rhetorical question sets the stage for exposing their hypocrisy.
* **"seeing ye hate me":** This clause directly accuses the Philistines of animosity. Isaac articulates his perception of their underlying disposition towards him, rooted in their envy and the subsequent conflicts over resources. He is not afraid to name their past ill will.
* **"and have sent me away from you?":** This final clause specifies the concrete action that demonstrated their "hate." Isaac reminds them of their explicit command to expel him, highlighting the blatant inconsistency between their past rejection and their present desire to engage with him.

#### Literary Devices
Isaac's confrontation in this verse employs several powerful **Literary Devices**. The most prominent is the **Rhetorical Question**, "Wherefore come ye to me, seeing ye hate me, and have sent me away from you?" Isaac is not genuinely seeking information but rather making a forceful point, exposing the blatant **Juxtaposition** between their past hostility and their present overture of peace. This creates a strong sense of **Irony**, as the very people who expelled Isaac due to fear of his power are now compelled to seek him out because of that same power, which they now recognize as divinely ordained. Isaac's **Direct Address** to Abimelech and his retinue, rather than sending a subordinate, underscores the personal nature of the grievance and his courage in speaking truth to power. The verse also implicitly uses **Contrast**, highlighting the difference between the Philistines' fickle, self-serving motives and Isaac's consistent walk with God, which resulted in his undeniable prosperity.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse powerfully illustrates God's sovereign hand in vindicating His people and turning the tables on their adversaries. Isaac's question forces Abimelech and his company to confront their own hypocrisy and acknowledge the undeniable evidence of God's blessing upon Isaac, even after they sought to diminish him. This scenario demonstrates that God's faithfulness to His covenant promises ensures the prosperity and protection of His chosen ones, compelling even their enemies to recognize His presence among them.

* [Genesis 26:3-4](/genesis/26-3-4 "God's Covenant Promise to Isaac")
* [Proverbs 16:7](/proverbs/16-7 "When a Man's Ways Please the Lord")
* [Psalm 23:5](/psalms/23-5 "You Prepare a Table Before Me in the Presence of My Enemies")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 26:27 offers profound insights for believers today, particularly concerning discernment, trust in divine vindication, and the courage to speak truth. Isaac's direct and discerning question to Abimelech reminds us that while forgiveness is a cornerstone of Christian faith, it does not necessitate naiveté. We are called to exercise wisdom in our relationships, especially when those who have previously shown animosity or caused harm suddenly seek reconciliation. It is prudent to discern their true motives and acknowledge past wrongs, not to harbor bitterness, but to ensure that any reconciliation is built on genuine repentance and understanding rather than self-serving convenience. Furthermore, Isaac's story powerfully reassures us that God protects and prospers His people, even in the face of opposition, envy, and unfair treatment. Our ultimate security and vindication rest in His unwavering faithfulness, not in human approval or the absence of conflict. Finally, Isaac's candid confrontation exemplifies the importance of speaking truth with courage and clarity. There are moments when directly addressing past grievances is necessary for authentic healing and understanding, paving the way for true restoration rather than superficial peace.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Isaac's directness challenge us to confront hypocrisy or injustice in our own lives, rather than ignoring it?**
* **In what ways does this narrative encourage us to trust in God's protection and provision, even when facing opposition from others?**
* **How can we balance the Christian call to forgiveness with the wisdom to discern motives and protect ourselves from repeated harm?**

### FAQ
**Why did Abimelech and his company come to Isaac after sending him away?**

Answer: Abimelech and his company came to Isaac because they had observed God's evident blessing and presence with him. Despite having expelled Isaac due to envy and fear of his growing power, they recognized that God was undeniably with him, stating, "We saw certainly that the Lord was with thee" ([Genesis/26-28](/genesis/26-28 "Abimelech Acknowledges God's Presence with Isaac")). Their visit was likely motivated by a desire to secure a peace treaty, fearing Isaac's continued prosperity and God's favor might eventually turn against them, or perhaps hoping to benefit from his presence or prevent future conflict. They sought to formalize a non-aggression pact, acknowledging Isaac's divine backing.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaac's experience in [Genesis 26:27](/genesis/26-27 "Isaac's Confrontation with Abimelech") profoundly foreshadows the person and work of Jesus Christ. Just as Isaac, a son of promise and heir to the covenant, was rejected and driven out by those who envied his prosperity and God's evident blessing upon him, so too was Jesus, the ultimate Son of God and the embodiment of God's covenant, rejected and cast out by His own people. The religious leaders of His day, driven by envy and fear of His growing influence and divine authority, conspired to have Him crucified, effectively "sending Him away" from their midst ([John/11-47-48](/john/11-47-48 "The Council Plots Against Jesus")). Yet, ultimately, just as Abimelech's company was compelled to acknowledge God's presence with Isaac and seek peace, so too will every knee bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord ([Philippians/2-10-11](/philippians/2-10-11 "Every Knee Shall Bow to Jesus")), acknowledging His divine authority and the ultimate triumph of God's plan through Him. Christ's rejection led to His crucifixion, but also to His glorious resurrection and exaltation, making Him the source of true peace and reconciliation for all who come to Him, even those who were once His enemies. He is the rejected cornerstone who became the capstone ([1 Peter/2-7](/1-peter/2-7 "1 Peter 2:7 - The Cornerstone")), establishing a kingdom that cannot be shaken, a peace far surpassing any earthly treaty.

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

Genesis 26:16

And Abimelech said unto Isaac, Go from us; for thou art much mightier than we.

Judges 11:7

And Jephthah said unto the elders of Gilead, Did not ye hate me, and expel me out of my father's house? and why are ye come unto me now when ye are in distress?

Acts 7:9

And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt: but God was with him,

Acts 7:27

But he that did his neighbour wrong thrust him away, saying, Who made thee a ruler and a judge over us?

Acts 7:14

Then sent Joseph, and called his father Jacob to [him], and all his kindred, threescore and fifteen souls.

Revelation 3:9

Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

Genesis 26:14

For he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him.