Strife: Herdmen of Gerar and of Isaac
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The account of the strife between the herdsmen of Gerar and those of Isaac is found in the Book of Genesis, specifically in Genesis 26:12-33. This narrative highlights the recurring theme of conflict over resources, a common issue in the ancient Near East, and provides insight into the character and faith of Isaac, the son of Abraham.

Background and Context

Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah, is a patriarch in the lineage of the Israelites. After a famine in the land, Isaac settled in Gerar, the territory of the Philistines, under the rule of King Abimelech. God blessed Isaac abundantly, and he became exceedingly prosperous, which led to envy among the Philistines.

The Strife Over Wells

As Isaac's wealth and influence grew, the Philistines became increasingly hostile. 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." This act of filling the wells was a significant provocation, as water was a precious and essential resource for survival and prosperity in the arid region.

In response to Isaac's prosperity, Abimelech said to Isaac, "Go away from us, for you are much too powerful for us" (Genesis 26:16). Isaac moved away and settled in the Valley of Gerar, where he reopened the wells that had been dug in the days of his father Abraham, which the Philistines had stopped up after Abraham's death.

The herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac's herdsmen over the newly reopened wells. Genesis 26:20 records, "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 name "Esek" means "contention," reflecting the strife over the well.

Isaac's response to the conflict was marked by patience and a desire for peace. He moved on and dug another well, which also became a source of contention. He named this well "Sitnah," meaning "opposition" (Genesis 26:21).

Resolution and Covenant

Isaac's perseverance and commitment to peace eventually led to a resolution. He moved yet again and dug another well, which was not contested. He named it "Rehoboth," saying, "Now the LORD has given us room, and we will flourish in the land" (Genesis 26:22). The name "Rehoboth" means "broad places" or "room," signifying the end of strife and the beginning of prosperity.

The narrative concludes with a covenant of peace between Isaac and Abimelech. Recognizing that the LORD was with Isaac, Abimelech sought a treaty to ensure peaceful coexistence. Genesis 26:28-29 records Abimelech's words: "We can plainly see that the LORD has been with you. So we said, 'There should be an oath between us—between us and you. Let us make a covenant with you, that you will do us no harm, just as we have not harmed you, but have always done you good and sent you away in peace.'"

Isaac agreed to the covenant, and they held a feast to celebrate the agreement. The next morning, they swore an oath to each other, and Isaac sent them on their way in peace. On that same day, Isaac's servants came and told him about a new well they had dug, saying, "We have found water!" (Genesis 26:32). He named it "Shibah," and the town of Beersheba, meaning "well of the oath," was established there.

Significance

The strife between the herdsmen of Gerar and Isaac illustrates the challenges of living in a land where resources are scarce and competition is fierce. Isaac's response to the conflict—marked by patience, faith, and a commitment to peace—serves as a model of godly conduct. His actions demonstrate trust in God's provision and the importance of maintaining harmonious relationships, even in the face of adversity.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Genesis 26:20
And the herdsmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac's herdsmen, saying, The water is ours: and he called the name of the well Esek; because they strove with him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The First Apostle of Peace at any Price
... the herdmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac's herdmen, saying, The ... The Gerar shepherds
were sharp lawyers. ... charmed wave' of a heart stilled from strife and wrath ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/the first apostle of peace.htm

Here Followeth the Life of Abraham
... And let no strife be between me and thee, ne between my herdmen ne thy herdmen.
Lo! ... and dwelled between Kadesh and Shur, and went a pilgrimage to Gerar. ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here followeth the life of.htm

Resources
What does the Bible say about strife? | GotQuestions.org

What does it mean to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit (Philippians 2:3)? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Jacob in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Strife: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Strife

Strife: A Work of the Flesh

Strife: Abimelech's

Strife: An Evidence of a Carnal Spirit

Strife: Appeased by Slowness to Anger

Strife: Between Abraham and Lot's Herdsmen

Strife: Christ, an Example of Avoiding

Strife: Christians at Antioch (In Syria), About Circumcision

Strife: Corinthians

Strife: Danger of Joining In--Illustrated

Strife: Difficulty of Stopping, a Reason for Avoiding It

Strife: Disciples

Strife: Disciples, Over Who Could be the Greatest

Strife: Evidences a Love of Transgression

Strife: Excited by a Contentious Disposition

Strife: Excited by Curious Questions

Strife: Excited by Drunkenness

Strife: Excited by Frowardness

Strife: Excited by Hatred

Strife: Excited by Lusts

Strife: Excited by Pride

Strife: Excited by Scorning

Strife: Excited by Tale-Bearing

Strife: Excited by Wrath

Strife: Excludes from Heaven

Strife: Existed in the Church

Strife: Fools Engage In

Strife: Forbidden

Strife: General Scriptures Concerning

Strife: Herdmen of Abram and of Lot

Strife: Herdmen of Gerar and of Isaac

Strife: Hypocrites Make Religion a Pretence For

Strife: Isaac's and Those of Gerar

Strife: Israel and Judah, About David

Strife: Israelites

Strife: It is Honorable to Cease From

Strife: Jephthah and his Brothers

Strife: Jephthah and the Ephraimites

Strife: Jews, Concerning Jesus

Strife: Judah and Israel

Strife: Judaising Teachers

Strife: Laban and Jacob

Strife: Leads to Blasphemy

Strife: Leads to Confusion and Every Evil Work

Strife: Leads to Injustice

Strife: Leads to Mutual Destruction

Strife: Leads to Violence

Strife: Ministers should Avoid

Strife: Ministers should Avoid Questions That Lead To

Strife: Ministers should not Preach Through

Strife: Ministers should Reprove

Strife: Ministers should Warn Against

Strife: Paul and Barnabas

Strife: Paul and Barnabas, About Mark

Strife: Pharisees and Sadducees

Strife: Pharisees and Sadducees, Concerning the General Resurrection

Strife: Promoters of, should be Expelled

Strife: Punishment For

Strife: Saints Kept from Tongues of

Strife: Saints should Avoid

Strife: Saints should Avoid Questions That Lead To

Strife: Saints should do all Things Without

Strife: Saints should not Act From

Strife: Saints should not Walk In

Strife: Saints should Praise God for Protection From

Strife: Saints should Seek God's Protection From

Strife: Saints should Submit to Wrong Rather than Engage In

Strife: Shameful in Saints

Strife: Strength and Violence of--Illustrated

Strife: Temporal Blessing Embittered By

Strife: The Corinthian Christians

Strife: Two Hebrews

Related Terms

Contention (24 Occurrences)

Quarreling (17 Occurrences)

Stirs (23 Occurrences)

Envy (56 Occurrences)

Envying (8 Occurrences)

Emulation (5 Occurrences)

Dissension (18 Occurrences)

Debate (13 Occurrences)

Stirreth (16 Occurrences)

Meribah (11 Occurrences)

Jealousy (54 Occurrences)

Questionings (8 Occurrences)

Factions (5 Occurrences)

Disputes (18 Occurrences)

Conflict (18 Occurrences)

Slander (34 Occurrences)

Quarrel (22 Occurrences)

Period (43 Occurrences)

Quarrels (10 Occurrences)

Quarrelling (5 Occurrences)

Outbursts (5 Occurrences)

Wrathful (11 Occurrences)

Intrigues (4 Occurrences)

Immorality (38 Occurrences)

Furious (28 Occurrences)

Disorder (6 Occurrences)

Discord (7 Occurrences)

Divisions (92 Occurrences)

Massah (5 Occurrences)

Controversy (21 Occurrences)

Contest (7 Occurrences)

Carnal (11 Occurrences)

Competition (6 Occurrences)

Contentious (13 Occurrences)

Abounds (8 Occurrences)

Appeaseth (5 Occurrences)

Arguments (29 Occurrences)

Struggle (16 Occurrences)

Stupid (20 Occurrences)

Striven (10 Occurrences)

Strifes (5 Occurrences)

Produce (140 Occurrences)

Coal (7 Occurrences)

Proud (96 Occurrences)

Hatred (30 Occurrences)

Reviling (47 Occurrences)

Peace (523 Occurrences)

Low (216 Occurrences)

Vain (141 Occurrences)

Subapostolic

Sub-apostolic

Herdsmen (11 Occurrences)

Fool (95 Occurrences)

Cease (138 Occurrences)

Foolish (259 Occurrences)

Walk (315 Occurrences)

Transgression (70 Occurrences)

Anger (387 Occurrences)

Herdmen (6 Occurrences)

Lot (145 Occurrences)

Woe (102 Occurrences)

Wo (92 Occurrences)

Laying (87 Occurrences)

Judges (117 Occurrences)

Quietness (15 Occurrences)

Vainglory (2 Occurrences)

Vie (2 Occurrences)

Vehement (10 Occurrences)

Vexeth (1 Occurrence)

Zin (9 Occurrences)

Zion's (6 Occurrences)

Keepest (16 Occurrences)

Kindling (4 Occurrences)

Kinsmen (74 Occurrences)

Kindle (25 Occurrences)

Neighbours (34 Occurrences)

Needy (83 Occurrences)

Needless (3 Occurrences)

Understands (16 Occurrences)

Strife: Herdmen of Abram and of Lot
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