Topical Encyclopedia 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 26:20And 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 Here Followeth the Life of Abraham Resources What does the Bible say about strife? | GotQuestions.orgWhat 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 Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics 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: Danger of Joining In--Illustrated Strife: Difficulty of Stopping, a Reason for Avoiding It 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 Tale-Bearing 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: It is Honorable to Cease From Strife: Jephthah and his Brothers Strife: Jephthah and the Ephraimites Strife: Jews, Concerning Jesus Strife: Leads to Confusion and Every Evil Work Strife: Leads to Mutual Destruction 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, About Mark Strife: Pharisees and Sadducees Strife: Pharisees and Sadducees, Concerning the General Resurrection Strife: Promoters of, should be Expelled Strife: Saints Kept from Tongues of 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: Strength and Violence of--Illustrated Strife: Temporal Blessing Embittered By Strife: The Corinthian Christians Related Terms |