Genesis Chapter 26
Sometimes children repeat the same mistakes and the same sins that their parents did. We often shake our head and ask, “didn’t they learn any better from their parents?” In this account of Isaac, it seems history is repeating itself as he and his family experience famine just as his father Abraham did.
Keep in mind that as Isaac had dealings with Abimelech king of the Philistines, this is not the same man that his father dealt with. Abimelech was most likely a title or at least they carried on the same name to the next generation. The relationship between the two people-groups was somewhat peaceful because of what had been established through Abraham.
Let's Reflect
1. The LORD spoke to Isaac as He had to his father Abraham. What did he tell Isaac not to do?
2. The LORD repeated the covenant promise to Isaac that He had made to his father. We can be sure that this was not Isaac’s first time hearing this because his father taught him about God. But this would have been his first time hearing it directly from God. How large was the promise to multiply the offspring of Isaac?
3. What sin did Isaac commit while staying in Gerar, just like his father had done previously? It is ironic that Isaac obeyed the voice of the LORD in one area but then told a bold face lie soon after that. He went from a spiritual high talking with his God to a spiritual low – not trusting Him and telling a lie. You too might have experienced a spiritual low point in your life right after a high point, when you allowed doubt to creep in. It is humbling to look back on our decisions and see the weakness of our faith. But we can repent and move forward because of God’s great love and mercy.
4. Thankfully nothing happened to Rebekah, but what did Abimelech have to say about Isaac’s lie?
5. Verses 12-16 begins an explanation of how God blessed the life of Isaac during a famine and while living on borrowed land. Verse 12 alone defies all odds. What does it say about God’s blessing on his crops?
6. The blessings being poured out on Isaac were not understandable. Some became jealous of his blessings and what did they do to him?
7. Isaac dug several wells for all his people and herds. And finally, he dug one that the Philistines did not try to confiscate or ruin. What did Isaac call the name of this well and what was the meaning of the name?
8. What area did Isaac travel to where he saw and heard from the LORD again? What is that place called?
9. Isaac had moved his family out of Abimelech’s territory, but he came to Isaac wanting to speak to him. What did Abimelech have to say?
10. In recognition of God’s blessings on the life of Isaac, what did Abimelech do?
11. What good news did they also get that very day?
12. What bad news came about in the lives of Isaac and Rebekah concerning their son Esau?
