Genesis 26:31

KJV

And they rose up betimes in the morning, and sware one to another: and Isaac sent them away, and they departed from him in peace.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they rose up betimes {H7925} in the morning {H1242}, and sware {H7650} one {H376} to another {H251}: and Isaac {H3327} sent them away {H7971}, and they departed {H3212} from him in peace {H7965}.

Complete Jewish Bible

The next morning, they got up early and swore to each other. Then Yitz'chak sent them on their way, and they left him peacefully.

Berean Standard Bible

And they got up early the next morning and swore an oath to each other. Then Isaac sent them on their way, and they left him in peace.

American Standard Version

And they rose up betimes in the morning, and sware one to another: and Isaac sent them away, and they departed from him in peace.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 26:31 marks the climactic resolution of a period of tension between Isaac and Abimelech, the Philistine king of Gerar, culminating in a solemn covenant of peace. Following a night of feasting and negotiation, both parties rose with earnest intent to formalize their agreement through a sacred oath, ensuring a secure and harmonious departure for Abimelech and his entourage. This pivotal moment underscores the power of divine blessing in fostering reconciliation and demonstrates the integrity required to maintain peaceful coexistence, solidifying a relationship previously marked by dispute and envy.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 26:31 serves as the concluding act of a significant narrative arc within the life of Isaac, specifically detailing his interactions with the Philistines in Gerar. The preceding verses establish a pattern of conflict and divine intervention: Isaac's prosperity, attributed to God's blessing, incites envy among the Philistines, leading them to stop up the wells dug by Abraham ([Genesis 26:15](/genesis/26-15 "Philistines stop Abraham's wells")). Despite being forced to move and facing repeated disputes over water rights, Isaac consistently demonstrates a peaceable spirit, continuing to dig new wells and prosper. This narrative culminates in Abimelech, recognizing God's evident favor upon Isaac, initiating a visit to formalize a treaty. The feast in [Genesis 26:30](/genesis/26-30 "Isaac makes a feast for Abimelech") sets the stage for the oath-taking described in this verse, bringing the long-standing tensions to a definitive, peaceful close.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, water sources were vital for survival, making disputes over wells common and often violent. The stopping of wells, as seen in [Genesis 26:15](/genesis/26-15 "Philistines stop Abraham's wells"), was an act of economic warfare. Treaties and covenants were fundamental to inter-group relations, often involving solemn oaths, shared meals, and divine invocation to bind the parties. Rising "betimes in the morning" for such an important act would signify seriousness and commitment, reflecting the cultural importance of promptly fulfilling agreements, especially those involving oaths. The concept of "peace" (Hebrew: *shalom*) extended beyond the mere absence of conflict, encompassing holistic well-being, prosperity, and relational harmony, all highly valued in a volatile environment.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes of Genesis and the Abrahamic narrative. Firstly, it highlights the **unwavering faithfulness of God** to His covenant promises, as Isaac's prosperity and protection, despite adversity, are clearly recognized by Abimelech as divine blessing ([Genesis 26:28](/genesis/26-28 "Abimelech acknowledges the LORD's presence with Isaac")). Secondly, it underscores the theme of **peacemaking and reconciliation**, demonstrating that even deep-seated conflicts can be resolved through integrity, hospitality, and a mutual recognition of divine influence. Isaac's patient and non-retaliatory approach to conflict, even when wronged, serves as a model. Lastly, the narrative reinforces the **importance of covenants and oaths** as binding agreements, reflecting a divine expectation for human integrity in upholding one's word, a principle foundational to God's own covenantal relationship with humanity, as seen in His promises to Abraham and his descendants throughout [Genesis 12](/genesis/12 "The Call of Abram") and beyond.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 26:31 meticulously records the solemn culmination of the peace process between Isaac and Abimelech, emphasizing the deliberate and binding nature of their agreement.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Betimes (Hebrew, _shâkam'_):** From H7925, meaning "to incline (the shoulder to a burden); but used only as denominative from שְׁכֶם; literally, to load up (on the back of man or beast), i.e. to start early in the morning." This word emphasizes the intentionality and promptness of their actions. Rising "betimes in the morning" signifies that both parties were eager and serious about formalizing the covenant, indicating a desire to swiftly and decisively conclude the agreement. It underscores the urgency and importance they placed on establishing peace.
* **Sware (Hebrew, _shâbaʻ'_):** From H7650, meaning "properly to be complete, but used only as a denominative from שֶׁבַע; to seven oneself, i.e. swear (as if by repeating a declaration seven times)." This term denotes a solemn oath, often involving an appeal to a divine witness to guarantee the agreement. The act of swearing bound both parties to their commitments under divine sanction, making the covenant inviolable in their cultural context. It signifies the gravity and binding nature of the agreement.
* **Peace (Hebrew, _shâlôwm'_):** From H7965, meaning "safe, i.e. (figuratively) well, happy, friendly; also (abstractly) welfare, i.e. health, prosperity, peace." This word denotes more than just the absence of conflict; it encompasses wholeness, well-being, security, prosperity, and harmony. Their departure "in peace" signifies a complete, secure, and holistic resolution to their previous disputes, indicating a restoration of right relationship and a state of mutual welfare.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they rose up betimes in the morning,"**: This clause highlights the promptness and earnestness with which both Isaac and Abimelech's party approached the formalization of their peace treaty. It signifies their eagerness to conclude the agreement without delay, indicating the high value they placed on establishing a secure and lasting peace.
* **"and sware one to another:"**: This phrase describes the central act of covenant-making. The taking of an oath was a profoundly serious and binding commitment in the ancient world, often invoking divine witness. This act solidified their agreement, transforming a verbal understanding into a sacred, unbreakable bond, ensuring mutual trust and commitment.
* **"and Isaac sent them away,"**: This indicates Isaac's role as the host and the one who formally concludes the visit. Having successfully negotiated and solemnized the treaty, Isaac grants Abimelech and his men a peaceful departure, signifying the successful resolution of their past conflicts.
* **"and they departed from him in peace."**: This final clause confirms the successful outcome of the negotiations. The use of "peace" (*shalom*) signifies not merely the absence of hostility but a state of holistic well-being, security, and restored harmony between the parties. It implies that the Philistines left feeling secure and satisfied with the terms of the treaty, and Isaac was free from further harassment.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several significant literary devices. **Emphasis** is achieved through the phrase "betimes in the morning," highlighting the urgency and importance of the covenant. The act of "swearing one to another" serves as a powerful instance of **Covenant Language**, a recurring motif in Genesis that underscores the binding nature of agreements, whether between God and humanity or among humans. The use of **Repetition of Theme** (peace/shalom) throughout Isaac's narrative, culminating in this verse, reinforces the idea that despite provocation, God's blessing enables His people to live in harmony. Finally, the narrative structure itself acts as a form of **Resolution**, providing a satisfying conclusion to the conflict that has defined much of Isaac's interaction with Abimelech in this chapter.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 26:31 resonates deeply with enduring theological truths, primarily showcasing God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises and the transformative power of *shalom*. Even amidst human conflict and envy, God's promise to bless Isaac and make him great ([Genesis 26:3-4](/genesis/26-3-4 "God's promise to Isaac")) is visibly fulfilled, compelling even his adversaries to acknowledge divine favor and seek peaceful coexistence. This demonstrates that God's blessing is not merely for personal prosperity but also serves as a powerful testimony to the world, drawing others to recognize His presence. The pursuit and establishment of *shalom*—a comprehensive well-being and relational harmony—is presented as a divine ideal, achievable through integrity, hospitality, and a commitment to solemn agreements. Isaac's conduct, marked by patience and a refusal to retaliate, exemplifies how God's people are called to be agents of peace, even when wronged.

* [Psalm 34:14](/psalms/34-14 "Seek peace and pursue it")
* [Romans 12:18](/romans/12-18 "Live peaceably with all men")
* [Hebrews 6:13-18](/hebrews/6-13-18 "God's unchangeable promise")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 26:31 offers profound lessons for contemporary believers regarding conflict resolution, relational integrity, and the impact of a life lived under divine blessing. Isaac's willingness to pursue peace, even with those who had acted hostilely and unjustly, serves as a powerful model for Christians to actively seek reconciliation and live peaceably with all, as far as it depends on them. This requires humility, patience, and a commitment to dialogue rather than retaliation. When God's hand is evidently upon our lives, our conduct, especially in the face of adversity, can soften hearts and create opportunities for peace and understanding, even with adversaries. Furthermore, the promptness and solemnity with which the oath was taken underscore the enduring importance of keeping one's word and fulfilling commitments. In a world where trust is often eroded, our integrity in upholding agreements, whether in personal, professional, or spiritual relationships, reflects a character that honors God and bears witness to His faithfulness.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does Isaac's approach to conflict resolution challenge my own natural reactions to perceived injustices or hostilities?**
* **In what areas of my life might God be calling me to actively pursue *shalom* (wholeness, peace, well-being) with others, even those who have caused me difficulty?**
* **What does "rising betimes in the morning" to fulfill a commitment look like in my daily life, and how can I cultivate greater integrity in keeping my word?**
* **How can my life, blessed by God, serve as a testimony to others, prompting them to acknowledge God's presence and seek reconciliation?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of "betimes in the morning" in the context of this verse?**

Answer: The phrase "betimes in the morning" (Hebrew: *shâkam*) signifies the eagerness, seriousness, and intentionality of both Isaac and Abimelech to finalize their peace agreement. In ancient Near Eastern culture, rising early for an important task demonstrated commitment and a desire to act decisively. It indicates that they wasted no time in fulfilling their commitment, rising at dawn to solemnize the oath. This promptness underscores the importance they placed on the covenant and their desire for a swift and secure resolution to their previous disputes, demonstrating integrity and a strong commitment to their word and the newly formed relationship. It highlights that the peace established was not a casual agreement but a deliberate and binding one.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 26:31 describes a human covenant of peace, it powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and eternal peacemaking established through Jesus Christ. Isaac, as a son of promise and a recipient of God's abundant blessing, embodies the lineage through whom God's redemptive plan unfolds, a blessing ultimately intended to extend to all nations through the promised Seed of Abraham ([Galatians 3:16](/galatians/3-16 "The Seed is Christ")). Christ is the true "Prince of Peace," as prophesied in [Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "The Prince of Peace"), who not only makes peace between individuals but fundamentally reconciles humanity to God through His atoning sacrifice on the cross ([Colossians 1:20](/colossians/1-20 "Reconciliation through Christ's blood")). The *shalom* achieved between Isaac and Abimelech, though significant in its historical context, is but a shadow of the comprehensive and eternal peace that believers receive in Christ. He is the one who breaks down the dividing wall of hostility between God and humanity, and between different peoples, establishing a new covenant of grace and creating one new humanity in Himself ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Christ is our peace")). Through Him, we are not merely at peace with our neighbors, but fundamentally and eternally at peace with God, receiving a peace that surpasses 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

Genesis 31:44

Now therefore come thou, let us make a covenant, I and thou; and let it be for a witness between me and thee.

1 Samuel 20:16

So Jonathan made [a covenant] with the house of David, [saying], Let the LORD even require [it] at the hand of David's enemies.

1 Samuel 20:17

And Jonathan caused David to swear again, because he loved him: for he loved him as he loved his own soul.

1 Samuel 30:15

And David said to him, Canst thou bring me down to this company? And he said, Swear unto me by God, that thou wilt neither kill me, nor deliver me into the hands of my master, and I will bring thee down to this company.

Genesis 25:33

And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob.

Hebrews 6:16

For men verily swear by the greater: and an oath for confirmation [is] to them an end of all strife.

Genesis 21:31

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