Genesis 26:18

And Isaac digged again the wells of water, which they had digged in the days of Abraham his father; for the Philistines had stopped them after the death of Abraham: and he called their names after the names by which his father had called them.

And Isaac {H3327} digged {H2658} again {H7725} the wells {H875} of water {H4325}, which they had digged {H2658} in the days {H3117} of Abraham {H85} his father {H1}; for the Philistines {H6430} had stopped {H5640} them after {H310} the death {H4194} of Abraham {H85}: and he called {H7121} their names {H8034} after the names {H8034} by which {H834} his father {H1} had called {H7121} them.

Yitz'chak reopened the wells which had been dug during the lifetime of Avraham his father, the ones the P'lishtim had stopped up after Avraham died, and called them by the names his father had used for them.

Isaac reopened the wells that had been dug in the days of his father Abraham, which the Philistines had stopped up after Abraham died. And he gave these wells the same names his father had given them.

And Isaac digged again the wells of water, which they had digged in the days of Abraham his father; for the Philistines had stopped them after the death of Abraham: and he called their names after the names by which his father had called them.

Commentary

Genesis 26:18 KJV describes a significant act of Isaac, the son of Abraham, as he reclaims and re-establishes the water sources vital for life in the arid land of Gerar. This verse highlights Isaac's connection to his father's legacy and his peaceful yet persistent character in the face of adversity.

Context of Genesis 26:18

Following a severe famine in the land, Isaac had relocated to Gerar, a territory of the Philistines, where God reaffirmed the covenant promises made to his father Abraham (Genesis 26:3-5). God greatly blessed Isaac, causing him to prosper immensely, which aroused the envy of the Philistines (Genesis 26:14). Out of this jealousy, the Philistines deliberately stopped up the wells that Abraham had dug during his time there (Genesis 26:15). King Abimelech eventually asked Isaac to depart, leading Isaac to move to the Valley of Gerar, where he began the work of redigging these crucial wells.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Reclaiming Heritage and Legacy: Isaac's act of redigging the wells is a powerful symbol of reclaiming his inheritance and honoring the legacy of his father, Abraham. These wells were not just sources of water; they represented Abraham's presence, his claim to the land, and God's provision for his family. By calling them by their original names, Isaac emphasized continuity and respect for the past.
  • Perseverance and Resilience: Despite the hostility and deliberate obstruction by the Philistines, Isaac did not retaliate or fight. Instead, he patiently and persistently redigged the wells. This demonstrates a spirit of resilience and a commitment to peaceful resolution, even when facing opposition. This theme of patience and perseverance in the face of conflict is further seen in his interactions over other wells like Esek and Sitnah.
  • God's Provision and Blessing: The ability to find and secure water in an arid region, especially after wells had been intentionally blocked, speaks to God's continued blessing and provision for Isaac. Even when human adversaries tried to hinder him, God ensured his prosperity and access to life-sustaining resources.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "digged" is ḥāphar (חָפַר), meaning to dig, search, or explore. The repetition of Isaac "digging again" emphasizes the effort and determination required to restore these vital water sources. The term "stopped them" comes from the Hebrew sāṯam (סָתַם), which means to stop up, block, or plug, clearly indicating a hostile and deliberate act by the Philistines to deny Isaac access to water.

Practical Application

Genesis 26:18 offers valuable lessons for believers today. Just as Isaac redigged the wells of his father, we are called to reclaim and uphold the spiritual truths and heritage passed down through generations of faith. This might involve returning to foundational biblical principles that have been neglected or "stopped up" by worldly influences. Isaac's perseverance teaches us to not give up in the face of opposition or envy, but to continue seeking God's provision and pursuing peace. Our "wells"—sources of spiritual refreshment, truth, and community—are vital for our spiritual life, and we must be diligent in maintaining them, even when faced with challenges.

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Cross-References

  • Zechariah 13:2 (4 votes)

    And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD of hosts, [that] I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no more be remembered: and also I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land.

  • Psalms 16:4 (3 votes)

    Their sorrows shall be multiplied [that] hasten [after] another [god]: their drink offerings of blood will I not offer, nor take up their names into my lips.

  • Numbers 32:38 (3 votes)

    And Nebo, and Baalmeon, (their names being changed,) and Shibmah: and gave other names unto the cities which they builded.

  • Hosea 2:17 (3 votes)

    For I will take away the names of Baalim out of her mouth, and they shall no more be remembered by their name.

  • Genesis 21:31 (3 votes)

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