Genesis 26:32

KJV

And it came to pass the same day, that Isaac's servants came, and told him concerning the well which they had digged, and said unto him, We have found water.

KJV (with Strong's)

And it came to pass the same day {H3117}, that Isaac's {H3327} servants {H5650} came {H935}, and told {H5046} him concerning {H182} the well {H875} which they had digged {H2658}, and said {H559} unto him, We have found {H4672} water {H4325}.

Complete Jewish Bible

That very day Yitz'chak's servants came and told him about the well they had dug, "We have found water."

Berean Standard Bible

On that same day, Isaac’s servants came and told him about the well they had dug. “We have found water!” they told him.

American Standard Version

And it came to pass the same day, that Isaac’s servants came, and told him concerning the well which they had digged, and said unto him, We have found water.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 26:32 records the pivotal moment when Isaac's servants announced the discovery of water in a newly dug well, an event that providentially coincided with King Abimelech's visit to establish a peace treaty with Isaac. This timely finding not only underscores God's faithful and comprehensive provision but also marks a significant culmination of Isaac's journey through conflict and migration, powerfully reaffirming the divine covenant promises made to him and his descendants.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as a climactic resolution within the narrative of Isaac's sojourn in Gerar and Beersheba, specifically following a period of intense conflict over wells. Prior to this, Isaac had been forced to relocate from Gerar due to the Philistines' envy over his prosperity, re-digging wells that his father Abraham had previously dug but which the Philistines had maliciously stopped up ([Genesis 26:18](/genesis/26-18 "Isaac re-digging his father's wells")). He faced repeated disputes, naming wells "Esek" (Contention) and "Sitnah" (Enmity), reflecting the ongoing strife. His move to Rehoboth ("room" or "broad places") marked a temporary reprieve, signifying a place where the Lord had "made room" for them ([Genesis 26:22](/genesis/26-22 "Isaac names the well Rehoboth")). The narrative then shifts to Isaac's arrival at Beersheba, where the Lord appeared to him, reiterating the Abrahamic covenant promises of blessing and numerous descendants ([Genesis 26:24](/genesis/26-24 "God's promise to Isaac at Beersheba")). The discovery of water in verse 32, immediately after the peace treaty with Abimelech, powerfully demonstrates God's holistic blessing, providing both relational harmony and essential sustenance.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, particularly in the semi-arid regions of Canaan, water was an absolute necessity for survival, livestock, and agriculture. Control over water sources was paramount, often leading to disputes and conflicts, as seen in Isaac's interactions with the Philistines. Digging a well was a significant undertaking, requiring considerable labor and resources, and its successful completion was a testament to perseverance and, often, divine favor. Beersheba itself was a historically significant site, known for its wells and its association with Abraham, who had made a covenant there with Abimelech previously ([Genesis 21:31](/genesis/21-31 "Abraham's covenant at Beersheba")). The presence of a well not only provided life-sustaining water but also signified the right to settle and claim territory, making the discovery in this verse a tangible sign of God's fulfillment of His promise of land and blessing.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 26:32 encapsulates several major themes woven throughout the book of Genesis and particularly Isaac's narrative. Foremost is the theme of **Divine Provision and Faithfulness**, as God consistently provides for Isaac's needs, often in challenging circumstances, fulfilling the covenant promises made to Abraham and reiterated to Isaac. The discovery of water in an arid land, precisely at a moment of reconciliation, highlights God's ability to provide both material sustenance and peace. Another key theme is **Covenant Continuity**, demonstrating how God's promises are faithfully passed down and affirmed across generations, from Abraham to Isaac and beyond. Isaac's patient **Perseverance in Faith**, despite repeated opposition over water rights, is also a prominent theme, showing that his steadfastness is ultimately rewarded by God's blessing. This verse also contributes to the theme of **Holistic Blessing (Shalom)**, where God's favor extends beyond mere physical needs to encompass relational harmony and security, as evidenced by the concurrent peace treaty with Abimelech ([Genesis 26:28-31](/genesis/26-28-31 "Abimelech's visit and treaty with Isaac")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Genesis 26:32 presents a concise yet profoundly significant event: the announcement by Isaac's servants that they had "found water" in a newly dug well. The phrase "the same day" is crucial, highlighting the divine orchestration that brought together the resolution of relational conflict with Abimelech and the provision of essential resources. This synchronicity underscores God's holistic care for Isaac, providing both peace with his neighbors and sustenance for his household and livestock. The discovery of water in an arid region like Beersheba was not merely fortunate; it was a clear sign of divine favor and blessing.

#### Key Word Analysis
* **day (Hebrew, _yôwm'_):** This word (H3117) refers to a specific period, often the warm hours from sunrise to sunset, but can also denote a defined space of time. In this context, "the same day" emphasizes the precise and immediate timing of the well's discovery in relation to Abimelech's visit and the oath-taking. It highlights the divine synchronicity and the providential nature of the event, suggesting God's deliberate orchestration of circumstances.
* **digged (Hebrew, _châphar'_):** This primitive root (H2658) means "to pry into," "to delve," or "to explore." It signifies the laborious and persistent effort involved in excavating the well. The use of this word underscores Isaac's servants' diligent work and Isaac's perseverance in seeking water sources, despite previous opposition and the filling of wells by the Philistines. It sets the stage for the reward of their persistent labor.
* **found (Hebrew, _mâtsâʼ'_):** This primitive root (H4672) means "to come forth to," "appear," "exist," or transitively, "to attain," "find," or "acquire." In this verse, "We have found water" signifies not merely a fortunate discovery but the successful attainment of a vital resource after diligent search and labor. It implies the successful conclusion of their efforts, culminating in a tangible and life-sustaining result, which is ultimately attributed to divine favor.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it came to pass the same day,"**: This opening clause immediately establishes a precise temporal connection, linking the discovery of water to the very day that King Abimelech and his retinue arrived to make a covenant with Isaac. This synchronicity is not accidental but points to divine orchestration, highlighting God's meticulous timing in providing both relational peace and essential physical sustenance for Isaac.
* **"that Isaac's servants came, and told him concerning the well which they had digged,"**: This part identifies the agents of discovery (Isaac's servants) and the object of their report (the well they had been digging). It emphasizes the human effort involved in the process of seeking water, a task that had been central to Isaac's struggles and perseverance throughout the preceding narrative. The act of "telling" Isaac signifies the importance of the news and its direct relevance to his household's well-being and future settlement.
* **"and said unto him, We have found water."**: This is the climactic declaration, the simple yet profound announcement of success. "Water" (H4325, _mayim_) in an arid land was synonymous with life, blessing, and the ability to thrive. The phrase "We have found water" signifies the culmination of their efforts and, more importantly, a tangible manifestation of God's direct provision and blessing for Isaac, confirming His covenant faithfulness in a practical and vital way.

#### Literary Devices
The narrative of Genesis 26:32 employs several significant literary devices. **Synchronicity** is paramount, as the discovery of water occurs on "the same day" that Abimelech arrives to make a peace treaty. This precise timing highlights divine orchestration, suggesting that God is actively working behind the scenes to bring about comprehensive blessing—both relational harmony and material provision. **Symbolism** is also central, with water serving as a potent symbol of life, blessing, and divine favor in the arid ancient Near East. The finding of water signifies prosperity, security, and the ability to settle and thrive in the land God had promised. Furthermore, there is a subtle **Contrast** between Isaac's previous struggles and conflicts over wells (Esek and Sitnah) and this final, successful discovery, which leads to peace and abundance. This contrast underscores God's ultimate triumph over adversity and His faithful provision despite human opposition.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The discovery of water in Genesis 26:32 is a powerful testament to God's sovereign providence and His unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people. It illustrates that God's blessing is holistic, encompassing not only material provision but also relational peace and security. This event reinforces the enduring nature of God's promises, demonstrating how they are passed down and affirmed across generations, from Abraham to Isaac. Isaac's perseverance in digging wells, despite facing opposition, also highlights the theological principle that faithful endurance, even through trials, ultimately leads to divine breakthrough and tangible blessings.

* [Psalm 107:35](/psalm/107-35 "God turns deserts into pools of water")
* [Isaiah 41:17-18](/isaiah/41-17-18 "God provides water in the wilderness")
* [John 7:37-38](/john/7-37-38 "Jesus offers living water")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 26:32 offers a profound and encouraging message for believers today: God is a faithful, timely, and comprehensive provider. Just as Isaac found essential water after a period of dispute and precisely at the moment of reconciliation with his neighbors, we are reminded that God often reveals His blessings in unexpected ways and at opportune moments, even amidst our own challenges or in seemingly barren seasons of life. This verse encourages us to cultivate patient perseverance in faith, trusting that our diligent efforts, coupled with our reliance on God, will ultimately be met with His abundant provision. It teaches us that God's care extends to every facet of our existence—our physical needs, our relationships, and our overall sense of security and well-being. Therefore, we can rest in the assurance that God's timing is perfect, and His provision is sure, leading to a holistic sense of peace and prosperity that transcends mere material gain.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life are you currently "digging for water" or facing opposition, and how can you persevere in faith?**
* **How does the synchronicity of the well's discovery and the peace treaty in Isaac's story encourage you about God's holistic provision in your own life?**
* **What does this passage teach you about the nature of God's faithfulness, especially when circumstances seem challenging or barren?**

### FAQ
**Why is the discovery of water so significant in this narrative?**

Answer: The discovery of water is profoundly significant because it represents divine provision and blessing in an arid land where water was essential for survival, livestock, and settlement. It confirms God's faithfulness to His covenant promises to Isaac, allowing him to thrive and settle in the land God had promised. Furthermore, its timing, coinciding with the peace treaty with Abimelech, underscores God's holistic care, providing both material sustenance and relational harmony. The well, later named "Shebah" or "oath," also solidifies the identity of Beersheba as a place of covenant and divine blessing, echoing Abraham's earlier covenant there ([Genesis 21:31](/genesis/21-31 "Abraham's covenant at Beersheba")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The timely and life-giving provision of water for Isaac in Genesis 26:32, bringing both sustenance and a solidified place of peace, powerfully foreshadows the ultimate and eternal provision found in Jesus Christ. Just as the well of Shebah was a source of physical life in a barren land, Christ is the "living water" ([John 4:10](/john/4-10 "Jesus offers living water")) who quenches spiritual thirst and offers eternal life to all who believe. His sacrificial death on the cross establishes a new and better covenant ([Hebrews 8:6](/hebrews/8-6 "Christ, the mediator of a better covenant")), bringing true and lasting peace between God and humanity ([Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Christ is our peace")). The well's discovery, marking the culmination of Isaac's trials and the establishment of peace with his neighbors, points to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of God's covenant promises, providing not just temporary relief but eternal reconciliation and abundant life for all who come to Him ([John 10:10](/john/10-10 "Jesus came that they may have life abundantly")).

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

Proverbs 10:4

¶ He becometh poor that dealeth [with] a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich.

Genesis 26:25

And he builded an altar there, and called upon the name of the LORD, and pitched his tent there: and there Isaac's servants digged a well.

Matthew 7:7

¶ Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

Proverbs 13:4

¶ The soul of the sluggard desireth, and [hath] nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.

Proverbs 2:4

If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as [for] hid treasures;

Proverbs 2:5

Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.