Topical Bible: Malice: Philistines Toward Isaac

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The narrative of the Philistines' malice toward Isaac is found in the book of Genesis, specifically in Genesis 26. This account provides insight into the hostility and envy that the Philistines harbored against Isaac, the son of Abraham, as he prospered in the land of Gerar.

Background and Context

Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah, was a patriarch of the Israelite people. After the death of his father, Isaac settled in the region of Gerar, which was under the control of the Philistines. The Philistines were a group of people who lived in the coastal regions of Canaan and were often in conflict with the Israelites throughout biblical history.

Prosperity and Envy

Genesis 26:12-14 describes how Isaac sowed crops in the land and reaped a hundredfold because the LORD blessed him. "He became richer and richer, until he was exceedingly wealthy. He owned so many flocks and herds and servants that the Philistines envied him." The Philistines' envy was sparked by Isaac's prosperity, which was a direct result of God's blessing upon him.

Acts of Malice

In response to their envy, the Philistines acted with malice toward Isaac. Genesis 26:15 states, "So the Philistines took dirt and stopped up all the wells that his father’s servants had dug in the days of his father Abraham." These wells were essential for Isaac's livestock and household, and by filling them with dirt, the Philistines sought to undermine his success and drive him away.

Conflict and Resolution

The tension escalated when Abimelech, the king of the Philistines, asked Isaac to leave the region because he had become too powerful (Genesis 26:16). Isaac moved to the Valley of Gerar, where he reopened the wells that had been stopped up and dug new ones. However, the Philistines continued to dispute over the water rights, leading to further conflict (Genesis 26:19-21).

Despite the ongoing hostility, Isaac demonstrated patience and perseverance. He eventually moved to Beersheba, where the LORD appeared to him and reaffirmed the covenant made with Abraham, promising blessings and protection (Genesis 26:23-24).

Covenant of Peace

The narrative concludes with a surprising turn of events. Abimelech, along with his advisor Ahuzzath and the commander of his army, Phicol, visited Isaac to seek a covenant of peace. Recognizing that the LORD was with Isaac, they desired to make an oath that there would be no harm between them (Genesis 26:26-29). Isaac agreed, and they made a feast and swore an oath, resulting in a peaceful resolution (Genesis 26:30-31).

Significance

The account of the Philistines' malice toward Isaac highlights themes of envy, conflict, and divine blessing. It underscores the challenges faced by the patriarchs in maintaining their livelihood and the fulfillment of God's promises amidst opposition. Isaac's response to the Philistines' hostility—marked by patience, faith, and ultimately reconciliation—serves as an example of how to navigate adversity while trusting in God's providence.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 26:1
And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went to Abimelech king of the Philistines to Gerar.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Letter cviii. To Eustochium.
... and on earth peace, goodwill toward men." [2809 ... free from the serpent through whose
malice death came ... second surrendered himself to the Philistines, [2896] and ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cviii to eustochium.htm

The Barren Fig-Tree;
... A heathenish and prodigious act; for therein he showed, not only his malice against
the ... and Samuel stood before me, yet my mind could not be toward this people ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the barren fig-tree.htm

Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ...
... in the multitude of thy mercy, and in thy fear will I worship toward thy holy ... O God,
that I may be at once avenged of the Philistines for my ... de Isaac et Anima ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 20 of prayera perpetual.htm

The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment:
... a conscience void of offence toward God and toward men" (verse ... for his sake underwent
the reproach and malice of the ... of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the resurrection of the dead.htm

Solomon's Temple Spiritualized
... 5. The temple was so built that the worshippers looked to the west toward the holy ...
the two churches, the true and the false, and their seed Isaac and Ishmael ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/solomons temple spiritualized.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... Only I cannot but observe how prettily it is done of some, who urge this text to
colour their malice, ignorance and revenge withal, while they cry, The law of ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners:
... see them, we shall find a nest of honey within them.) The Philistines understand
me ... treasure of your first and second experience of the grace of God toward you ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/grace abounding to the chief.htm