Genesis 26:32

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.

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}.

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

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

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

Genesis 26:32 narrates a significant moment in the life of Isaac, highlighting divine provision and the resolution of conflict. On the very day that King Abimelech of Gerar and his chief captain came to Beersheba to make a covenant of peace with Isaac, his servants delivered the joyful news: they had found water in a newly dug well.

Context

This verse is the culmination of Isaac's journey through a period of contention and migration. After leaving Gerar due to envy over his prosperity, Isaac settled in the valley of Gerar where he re-dug wells his father Abraham had dug, which the Philistines had stopped up (Genesis 26:18). He faced disputes over these wells, naming them Esek ("contention") and Sitnah ("enmity"). Moving further, he dug another well, Rehoboth ("room"), signaling a period of peace and expansion (Genesis 26:22). Finally, he arrived at Beersheba, where the Lord appeared to him, reaffirming the covenant promises made to Abraham (Genesis 26:24). The discovery of water in verse 32, immediately after Abimelech's visit and treaty, underscores God's blessing and faithfulness.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision and Blessing: The finding of water in the arid land of Beersheba is a clear sign of God's direct blessing and provision for Isaac and his household. Water was essential for life, livestock, and agriculture in the ancient Near East, symbolizing prosperity and security.
  • Coincidence of Peace and Prosperity: The simultaneous occurrence of a peace treaty with Abimelech (Genesis 26:28-31) and the discovery of water suggests that God's favor brings holistic well-being—both relational harmony and material sustenance.
  • Covenant Faithfulness: This event reinforces God's faithfulness to His covenant with Isaac, echoing the promises of land, descendants, and blessing first given to Abraham (Genesis 12:2-3).
  • Perseverance Rewarded: Isaac's consistent effort to dig wells despite opposition ultimately leads to a significant discovery, illustrating the reward for patient and persistent faith.

Linguistic Insights

The well discovered in this verse is later named Shebah by Isaac (Genesis 26:33). This name, Shebah (שֶׁבַע), is closely related to the Hebrew word for "oath" (שְׁבוּעָה - shevu'ah) and "seven" (שֶׁבַע - sheva'). This dual meaning is significant for the place name Beersheba (בְּאֵר שֶׁבַע - Be'er Sheva'), meaning "well of the oath" or "well of seven," commemorating both the treaty made and the abundance found. The discovery of water solidifies the identity of this important patriarchal site.

Practical Application

Genesis 26:32 reminds us that God is a faithful provider, often revealing His blessings in unexpected ways and at opportune times. Just as Isaac found water after a period of dispute and at the moment of reconciliation, believers can trust that God provides for their needs, even in challenging circumstances. This verse encourages perseverance in faith, knowing that God's timing is perfect and His provision is sure, leading to peace and prosperity in various aspects of life.

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Cross-References

  • Proverbs 10:4 (4 votes)

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

  • Genesis 26:25 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 13:4 (3 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 2:4 (3 votes)

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

  • Proverbs 2:5 (3 votes)

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