Genesis 26:28

And they said, We saw certainly that the LORD was with thee: and we said, Let there be now an oath betwixt us, [even] betwixt us and thee, and let us make a covenant with thee;

And they said {H559}, We saw {H7200} certainly {H7200} that the LORD {H3068} was with thee: and we said {H559}, Let there be now an oath {H423} betwixt {H996} us, even betwixt {H996} us and thee, and let us make {H3772} a covenant {H1285} with thee;

They answered, "We saw very clearly that ADONAI has been with you; so we said, 'Let there be an oath between us: let's make a pact between ourselves and you

“We can plainly see that the LORD has been with you,” they replied. “We recommend that there should now be an oath between us and you. Let us make a covenant with you

And they said, We saw plainly that Jehovah was with thee: and we said, Let there now be an oath betwixt us, even betwixt us and thee, and let us make a covenant with thee,

Commentary

Context

Genesis 26:28 occurs during a significant period in Isaac's life in Gerar and Beersheba. Isaac had experienced conflict with the Philistines, led by Abimelech, over wells that Isaac's servants dug, which the Philistines repeatedly claimed or filled in (Genesis 26:15-22). After being told to leave Gerar, Isaac moved to Beersheba, where the Lord appeared to him, reiterating the covenant promises made to his father, Abraham, and assuring Isaac of His presence and blessing (Genesis 26:24). Surprisingly, Abimelech, along with his chief captain Phichol and his friend Ahuzzath, then came to Isaac in Beersheba, initiating the conversation recorded in this verse.

Key Themes

  • Divine Presence and Favor: The core statement, "We saw certainly that the LORD was with thee," is a profound admission from a foreign king and his officials. It signifies that God's blessing and favor on Isaac were so evident and undeniable that even those who had previously shown hostility recognized it. This visible favor was a testament to the Lord's earlier reaffirmation of the covenant with Isaac in Beersheba, proving God's faithfulness to His promises.
  • Covenant and Peace: Abimelech's proposal to "make a covenant with thee" indicates a desire to move from conflict and suspicion to a formal, binding agreement of peace and mutual respect. This reflects a biblical pattern where solemn oaths and covenants are used to establish lasting relationships and resolve disputes, often with God as the ultimate witness.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "the LORD" translates the Hebrew personal name of God, YHWH (often pronounced Yahweh), emphasizing His covenant faithfulness and personal relationship with His people. It's not merely a generic deity but the specific God of Israel who was actively at work in Isaac's life.
  • The Hebrew word for "covenant" is berith, which denotes a solemn, binding agreement between two parties, often involving promises, obligations, and sometimes curses for breaking it. It signifies a much deeper and more enduring bond than a simple treaty.
  • "Oath" (Hebrew: shebu'ah) highlights the gravity of the agreement, implying a sworn promise that invokes divine witness or judgment if violated.

Significance and Application

This verse offers powerful insights for believers today:

  • God's Visible Blessing: It demonstrates that God's favor on His people can be so apparent that even those outside the faith or those who have been adversarial cannot deny it. Our lives, when lived in alignment with God, can be a powerful testimony to His presence and goodness.
  • Turning Adversity into Opportunity: Isaac's consistent conduct and God's evident blessing turned a situation of conflict into an opportunity for peace and recognition. God's presence can transform challenging circumstances and incline the hearts of others towards reconciliation.
  • The Power of Peace: Abimelech's initiative for a covenant underscores the biblical principle of seeking peace (e.g., Psalm 34:14). Even when wronged, a willingness to establish fair and lasting agreements can lead to unexpected harmony.

Ultimately, Genesis 26:28 reminds us that God's unwavering presence and blessing are the ultimate source of security and favor, even in the midst of human conflict and uncertainty.

Note: If the commentary doesn’t appear instantly, please allow 2–5 seconds for it to load. It is generated by Gemini 2.5 Flash using a prompt focused on Biblical fidelity over bias. While the insights have been consistently reliable, we encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit.

Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Genesis 21:22 (6 votes)

    ¶ And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God [is] with thee in all that thou doest:

  • Genesis 21:23 (6 votes)

    Now therefore swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son's son: [but] according to the kindness that I have done unto thee, thou shalt do unto me, and to the land wherein thou hast sojourned.

  • Isaiah 61:9 (4 votes)

    And their seed shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people: all that see them shall acknowledge them, that they [are] the seed [which] the LORD hath blessed.

  • Isaiah 45:14 (4 votes)

    Thus saith the LORD, The labour of Egypt, and merchandise of Ethiopia and of the Sabeans, men of stature, shall come over unto thee, and they shall be thine: they shall come after thee; in chains they shall come over, and they shall fall down unto thee, they shall make supplication unto thee, [saying], Surely God [is] in thee; and [there is] none else, [there is] no God.

  • Joshua 3:7 (4 votes)

    ¶ And the LORD said unto Joshua, This day will I begin to magnify thee in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that, as I was with Moses, [so] I will be with thee.

  • Genesis 21:31 (4 votes)

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

  • Genesis 21:32 (4 votes)

    Thus they made a covenant at Beersheba: then Abimelech rose up, and Phichol the chief captain of his host, and they returned into the land of the Philistines.