Esek
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Esek is a term found in the Old Testament, specifically in the Book of Genesis, and it refers to a well that was dug by the servants of Isaac. The name "Esek" means "contention" or "dispute," which reflects the circumstances surrounding its naming. This entry explores the biblical context and significance of Esek, as well as its implications in the narrative of Isaac.

Biblical Context

The account of Esek is located in Genesis 26, during a period when Isaac, the son of Abraham, was dwelling in the land of Gerar. A famine had struck the land, prompting Isaac to move to Gerar, where he encountered Abimelech, the king of the Philistines. God appeared to Isaac, reaffirming the covenant He had made with Abraham and promising blessings upon Isaac and his descendants.

As Isaac prospered in the land, his wealth and influence grew, leading to envy among the Philistines. In response, the Philistines stopped up all the wells that Abraham's servants had dug during his lifetime, filling them with earth. This act of hostility forced Isaac to move away from the main settlement.

The Well of Esek

Genesis 26:19-20 records the incident of Esek: "Then Isaac’s servants dug in the valley and found a well of fresh water there. But the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen and said, 'The water is ours!' So he named the well Esek, because they contended with him."

The naming of the well as "Esek" highlights the conflict between Isaac's servants and the herdsmen of Gerar. This contention over water rights was significant in the arid region, where access to water was crucial for survival and prosperity. The dispute over Esek reflects the broader theme of conflict and resolution that runs through the patriarchal narratives.

Significance in Isaac's Narrative

The incident at Esek is part of a series of events that demonstrate Isaac's character and God's faithfulness. Despite the contention, Isaac chose not to engage in prolonged conflict. Instead, he moved on to dig another well, which also led to dispute, and then another, which was not contested. This final well he named Rehoboth, meaning "room," signifying that the Lord had made room for him to flourish without strife.

Isaac's response to the disputes over the wells illustrates a commitment to peace and trust in God's provision. His actions serve as an example of patience and reliance on divine promises, even in the face of opposition. The narrative of Esek and the subsequent wells underscores the theme of God's continued blessing and the fulfillment of His covenant promises to the patriarchs.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the account of Esek and the other wells can be seen as a testament to God's providence and the importance of maintaining faith amidst trials. Isaac's experience with Esek teaches that while conflicts may arise, God's purposes will ultimately prevail, and His promises will be fulfilled. The account encourages believers to seek peace and trust in God's timing and provision, even when faced with contention and adversity.
Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary
Esek

contention

Smith's Bible Dictionary
Esek

(contention), a well which the herdsmen of Isaac dug in the valley of Gerar. (Genesis 26:20)

Easton's Bible Dictionary
Quarrel, a well which Isaac's herdsmen dug in the valley of Gerar, and so called because the herdsmen of Gerar quarrelled with them for its possession (Genesis 26:20).
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
ESEK

e'-sek (eseq; Septuagint Adikia):

The name given by Isaac to a well dug by his servants, for the use of which the herdsmen of Gerar strove with them-"contention" (Genesis 26:20). It lay in the neighborhood of Rehoboth and Gerar: but the site is not identified.

Strong's Hebrew
6230. Eseq -- "contention," a well in Gerar
... Eseq. 6231 . "contention," a well in Gerar. Transliteration: Eseq Phonetic Spelling:
(ay'sek) Short Definition: Esek. ... Esek. From asaq; strife -- Esek. ...
/hebrew/6230.htm - 6k
Library

The First Apostle of Peace at any Price
... And the herdmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac's herdmen, saying, The water is ours:
and he called the name of the well Esek; because they strove with him. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the first apostle of peace.htm

Chapter xxvi
... saying: Ours is this water. So he called the name of the well Esek (Contention),
because they contended with him. It may seem like ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxvi.htm

Thesaurus
Esek (1 Occurrence)
... 26:20). Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ESEK. e'-sek (eseq ... not identified.
Multi-Version Concordance Esek (1 Occurrence). Genesis 26:20 ...
/e/esek.htm - 7k

Quarrelled (2 Occurrences)
... Isaac's shepherds, saying, The water is ours. And he called the name of
the well Esek, because they had quarrelled with him. (DBY). ...
/q/quarrelled.htm - 7k

Quarreled (8 Occurrences)
... Genesis 26:20 The herdsmen of Gerar argued with Isaac's herdsmen, saying, "The water
is ours." He called the name of the well Esek, because they contended with ...
/q/quarreled.htm - 8k

Isaac's (8 Occurrences)
... Genesis 26:20 The herdsmen of Gerar argued with Isaac's herdsmen, saying, "The water
is ours." He called the name of the well Esek, because they contended with ...
/i/isaac's.htm - 8k

Esebrias

/e/esebrias.htm - 6k

Eserebias

/e/eserebias.htm - 6k

Disputed (10 Occurrences)
... Genesis 26:20 The herdsmen of Gerar argued with Isaac's herdsmen, saying, "The water
is ours." He called the name of the well Esek, because they contended with ...
/d/disputed.htm - 9k

Contended (24 Occurrences)
... Genesis 26:20 The herdsmen of Gerar argued with Isaac's herdsmen, saying, "The water
is ours." He called the name of the well Esek, because they contended with ...
/c/contended.htm - 13k

Argued (20 Occurrences)
... Genesis 26:20 The herdsmen of Gerar argued with Isaac's herdsmen, saying, "The water
is ours." He called the name of the well Esek, because they contended with ...
/a/argued.htm - 12k

Shepherds (55 Occurrences)
... saying, The water is ours. And he called the name of the well Esek, because
they had quarrelled with him. (DBY YLT). Genesis 29:3 And ...
/s/shepherds.htm - 24k

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