The Bible - Genesis - Chapter 26

The land was in the grip of famine so Isaac went to Philistine where Abimelech was king; the Lord directs him to stay out of Egypt but rather to reside in Philistine and he would fulfill the oath he had sworn to Abraham. The usual promise is made, “I will make your heirs as numerous as the stars of heaven,” etc since Abraham kept God’s commandments.

So Isaac stayed in Gerar and, like his father, claimed his wife was his sister to avoid difficulties with the local ruling class. This time, before the usual damage can be done, Abimelech sees the two “fondling” each other and calls Isaac in to explain himself. For a change, the confronted man tells the truth and Abimelech issues an edict that no one is to bother either of them on penalty of death.

Isaac remained there and eventually became exceedingly wealthy. So wealthy in fact that the Philistines became jealous, filled his wells with earth and kick him out altogether. Isaac settles in a nearby valley in which his father had previously encamped but again quarrels with the locals over water rights. After several attempts, they finally find a spot where they can remain unmolested. After they’re settled, they receive a visit from the king. He states simply that, “We now see plainly that the Lord has been with you” and that they have come in search of a truce. Isaac grants the truce and they seal the deal with a feast.

When Esau was forty, he took two wives, both Hittites. Isaac and Rebekah are more than a little displeased that their son married outside his clan.

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