Genesis 26

Abimelech? Probably a son or a grandson. Here we see Isaac following in the footsteps of his father’s sin. Abraham misled others about his wife twice, and we find Isaac doing the same thing here, although Rebekah is only a relative and not a sister. Shouldn’t Isaac have known better? Wouldn’t he know about his father’s mistakes? Probably. He may have even gotten the wrong message from them! God has just restated His covenant promises to Isaac, and Isaac may assume that God will protect him. He is also just as fearful as his father was. Abimelech confronts him after seeing them being romantic and makes sure that everyone knows not to touch Rebekah.

God blesses Isaac in the land, and it leads to some contention with both Abimelech and the herdsmen of Gerar. We see that there is a certain amount of vindictiveness in play because the wells that his father dug were filled in. God reaffirms his covenant promises to Isaac, and we see His ongoing blessing by Abimelech ratifying a covenant with Isaac. The chapter closes with a foreshadowing of the coming family conflict.

Thought for the day: What does it mean to you to be chosen by God?

Ephesians 1:3-4 (WEB) “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and without defect before him in love…”