Genesis 26:1-35

Anthony Albizu

The Book of Genesis • Sermon • Submitted 3 years ago

Genesis 26:1–35

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Review & Overview

1. Last Bible Study’s Review

Last time together in Ch. 25 we looked at 2 things about the life of Isaac:

Isaac’s & Rebekah’s Prayers - Rebekah was barren just like Isaac’s mom was - So he prays and pleads to the Lord and the Lord heard his prayer & Rebekah conceived.

Rebekah Also Prays because she was having a miserable pregnancy - There was a lot of activity in her womb - God tells her that there will be 2 different people groups that would come from her.

Isaac & Rebekah’s Children Vs. 24-34

Esau which means harry - Jacob which means heel catcher - Esau was a manly man an outdoors man, Jacob was a homebody and a mommas boy.

However, Jacob did gained the upper hand but convincing his older brother Esau to sell his birth right to him.

The application was powerful - It is always wrong to sacrifice spiritual provisions to satisfy physical appetites.

2. Current Bible Study’s Overview

Now as we come to Ch. 26 we will continue to look at the life of Isaac - We began to follow his life in ch. 25:19 when Isaac married Rebekah & had 2 sons, Jacob & Esau.

Even though Isaac lived longer than any other Patriarch, 180 yrs, very little is recorded about him - Most of it is recorded right here in Ch. 26.

There are 3 things we want to look regarding the Life of Isaac:

Isaac Settles in Gerar Vs. 1-6

Isaac’s Lie in Gerar Vs. 7—11

Isaac Prospers in Gerar Vs. 12-14a

Isaac Quarrels in Gerar Vs. 14b-22

Isaac Departs from Gerar Vs. 23-35

1. Isaac Settles in Gerar Vs. 1-6

1.1 The Famine & Travel To Gerar Vs. 1

Back in Gen 12 there was a famine in the land w/ Abraham - In Gen 20 Abraham also went to Abimelech king of the Philistines in Gerar.

The word Abimelech literally means father of kings or my father is king - The point is that this word is more of a title rather than a name.

So this is probably a different Abimelech because Abraham’s encounter was about 90 yrs later.

So because of this famine Isaac leaves his current home and travels some 50 miles north to Gerar - Which is located more along the coast line in the area of the Philistines.

1.2 God’s Command Vs. 2

So the command is very simple, do not leave the Promised Land - Which implies 2 things:

Don’t Make The Same Mistake Abraham Made in Gen 12 - He left the land and paid for it...

It’s always good to learn from our mistakes & the mistakes of others.

Don’t Lack Faith in the Lord - By leaving the land in effect Isaac wouldn’t be trusting in the Lord.

APPLICATION: You know, when the famines of life come don’t turn to the World (Egypt), turn to the Lord.

Matthew 6:33 - But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.

Philippians 4:19 - And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

1.3 The Promise to Isaac Vs. 3-4

The Lord makes the same promise to Isaac as He did to his father Abraham.

The Lord promises to be with him & bless him in many ways - But notice at the end of Vs. 4...

How? By his seed - Singular, one seed.

Galatians 3:16 - Paul says this Seed is Jesus Christ

It is the promise of redemption for the whole world through the Messiah Jesus Christ

But notice the Reason for the Blessings Vs. 5 - It was because of Abraham’s Obedience.

I think I understand the correlation between our obedience & God’s Blessings

Deuteronomy 28:1-15 - If you obey God’s commands The blessings will come

Deuteronomy 28:16 and on - If you disobey God The curses will come.

And I think we can all agree that it is important that we are obedient to the Lord.

The question is How do we become Obedient?

Involves Faith - Hebrews 11:8 - By faith Abraham obeyed...

Abraham believed that Go could do everything He said He would do - S it was easy for him to be obedient.

Involves Grace - Romans 1:5 - We’ve been given Grace for obedience...

The Point: Is that the obedience isn’t something we work at or muster up - It’s a work of the Lord in us.

Philippians 4:13 - I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.

Ephesians 6:10 - Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.

Philippians 2:13 - for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.

1.4 The Obedience of Isaac Vs. 6

Isaac was obedient to the Lord, like Isaac we all have a choice to make.

We can choose to obey the Lord or Not - Now, if we choose to obey the Lord He then will enable and empower us to do it.

Once we change out minds God will change our hearts & empower us for obedience.

2. Isaac’s Lie in Gerar Vs 7-11

2.1 Do Not Fear Man Vs. 7

So here Isaac makes the same mistake as his father - He lied about his wife because he was afraid.

He was afraid of what man would do to him.

Proverbs 29:25 - the fear of man brings a snare...

Matthew 10:28 - do not fear him who can destroy the body and after that can do no more...

2.2 No Point To Fear Vs. 8-11

Here’s The Point - Isaac didn’t need to be afraid, the Lord was watching over him & protecting him.

Hebrews 13:6 - The LORD is my helper I will not fear what can man do to me?

3. Isaac Prospers in Gerar Vs. 12-35

3.1 Isaac Humility Vs. 12-17

The Lord was really blessing Isaac and providing for Isaac - This caused the Philistines to become envious and Abimelech asked him to leave.

What is interesting is that Isaac departed in Vs. 17 - Even though he was mightier than them in Vs. 16

What a picture of humility - Isaac could have conquered them, but he simply departed...

1 Peter 3:9 - do not return evil for evil or reviling for reviling but on the contrary return a blessing...

Proverbs 20:22 - Do not say, I will recompense evil, wait for the Lord, and He will save you

3.2 Isaac’s Quarrels Vs. 18-22

So the Philistines had stopped up the wells which Abraham had dug, an unfriendly act signifying that they were not welcome.

The first well he named Esek - Which means Quarrel

The second well he named Sitnah - Which means enmity or hatred

and finally he finds a well that the locals weren’t getting in the way with - So he calls it Rehoboth which means room for us, or ample room.

APPLICATION: It is interesting how this is where God called him to be and there is contention, strife, struggles, & Quarrels.

3.3 God Speaks to Isaac Vs. 23-25

So God giving Isaac words of comfort and encouragement. He builds an altar and calls on the name of the Lord

3.4 Isaac’s Witness Vs. 26-30

What a great testimony to Abimelech - He was able to recognize & see that the Lord was with Isaac.

APPLICATION: That same should be with us as well.

Matthew 5:16 - Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

3.5 Isaac’s Forgiveness Vs. 31

Isaac was willing to Forgive them for how they treated him & it brought peace...

Proverbs 16:7 - when a men’s ways please the Lord he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him...

one way we please the Lord is to forgive others...

Matthew 6:14-15 - “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

3.5 Esau and His Wives Vs. 32-35

So Esau married two Hittite women - They were descendants of Heth a son of Canaan.

And it said that they brought grief to his parents and according to...

Genesis 27:46 - To the point of death...

You know, Isaac did the right things as a parent but one of his sons went off the deep end.

APPLICATION: You know, our parents have room to do better and do more as parents.