### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Gᵉrâr**, represented by `{{H1642}}`, identifies a Philistine city. Its name is thought to mean "a rolling country". This place name appears **10 times** in **10 unique verses**, establishing its role as a significant location in the patriarchal and early monarchical periods of Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H1642}}` is a key setting for pivotal events. It first appears as a landmark defining the southern **border** `{{H1366}}` of the **Canaanites** `{{H3669}}` [[Genesis 10:19]]. The patriarchs had significant interactions there; **Abraham** `{{H85}}` sojourned in **Gerar**, where its **king** `{{H4428}}`, **Abimelech** `{{H40}}`, took Sarah [[Genesis 20:2]]. Later, his son **Isaac** `{{H3327}}` also went to **Gerar** during a famine, dwelt there, and had conflicts with the local **herdmen** `{{H7462}}` over a **well** `{{H875}}` ([[Genesis 26:1]], [[Genesis 26:20]]). The city is also mentioned in a military context, where King **Asa** `{{H609}}` pursued the **Ethiopians** `{{H3569}}` to **Gerar** and spoiled the surrounding cities [[2 Chronicles 14:13-14]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide context for the events that transpired in **Gerar**:
* `{{H40}}` **ʼĂbîymelek** (father of (the) king): The **king** of **Gerar** who interacts with both Abraham and Isaac. He sent for and took Sarah [[Genesis 20:2]] and later approached Isaac after he had dwelt in **Gerar** [[Genesis 26:26]].
* `{{H3427}}` **yâshab** (to dwell, to remain): This word describes the extended stays of the patriarchs in this region. **Isaac** specifically **dwelt** in **Gerar** [[Genesis 26:6]], and **Abraham** **dwelled** in the area before sojourning in the city [[Genesis 20:1]].
* `{{H7462}}` **râʻâh** (to tend a flock... herdman): The **herdmen** of **Gerar** are key figures in the conflict with Isaac's servants over water rights [[Genesis 26:20]]. The word is also used for a friend or companion.
### Theological Significance
The accounts involving `{{H1642}}` carry several important themes.
* **Patriarchal Sojourning:** **Gerar** is a primary location where both **Abraham** `{{H85}}` and **Isaac** `{{H3327}}` **sojourned** `{{H1481}}` [[Genesis 20:1]] and **dwelt** `{{H3427}}` [[Genesis 26:6]], often during times of hardship like famine [[Genesis 26:1]]. These stays highlight their status as foreigners in the land.
* **Conflict over Resources:** The narrative of Isaac in **Gerar** highlights the theme of conflict, particularly the strife between his **herdmen** `{{H7462}}` and the **herdmen** of **Gerar** over access to **water** `{{H4325}}` [[Genesis 26:20]]. This conflict led to the naming of the **well** **Esek** `{{H6230}}`, because they strove with him `{{H6229}}`.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The events in **Gerar** demonstrate God's protection. Abimelech, the **king** `{{H4428}}` of **Gerar**, went to Isaac from the city, acknowledging God's blessing on him [[Genesis 26:26]]. Later, King Asa's victory was secured at **Gerar** because "the fear of the LORD" `{{H6343}}` came upon the surrounding cities [[2 Chronicles 14:14]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H1642}}` **Gᵉrâr** is more than a geographical reference; it is a significant stage for key moments in Israel's history. It serves as a backdrop for the challenges faced by the patriarchs as sojourners, a place of conflict over essential resources, and a testament to God's intervention. From defining a border to being the site of military victory, **Gerar** is a location where foundational themes of faith, struggle, and divine sovereignty are clearly illustrated.
TRV