The Book of Genesis
Part 49
Peace, the way to increase—Chapter 26: 12-24.
The Word of God enjoins upon believers that they should follow peace with all men (Heb. 12:14), and that they should follow after the things which make for peace (Rom. 14:19). Occasionally, this Christian attitude is misunderstood, and is considered an evidence of weakness.
In the life of Isaac we have discovered the element of weakness. Our last study, Isaac in the community, furnished us with full proof of this. Nevertheless, one would hesitate to call him weak under the circumstances described in this passage. Instead, we would consider him meek. Moses is called the meekest man, but he certainly was not a weak man, nor was Isaac on this occasion.
From the incidents recorded here, we learn that the way of peace leads to sure increase. The name “Rehoboth” means enlargement. The advancement pictured in this word was the sequel to meekness and self-sacrifice.
The Recovery of Isaac
From the whole tenor of Scripture in its treatment of sin in a believer, one could gather that Isaac had been forgiven his deceptive practice at Gerar. In the light of divine holiness and in the light of the true character of sin. it must be assumed that Isaac had experienced dealings with God about his behaviour. “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy” (Prov. 28:13).
The Greatness of Isaac
We read with pleasure of the increase of Isaac’s wealth: “Jehovah blessed him. And the man became great, and he became continually greater” (Vv. 12-13, J.N.D.).
During his sojourn in Gerar, he engaged in both pastoral and agricultural activities. The vast plains surrounding the city enabled him to increase his flocks, and the great harvest provided food for his large household. All this, while representing much administrative ability, proved that the blessing of the Lord was upon him.
His wealth, of course, was material, a wealth of herds, flocks, and servants, but it was the indication of God’s favour. Generally, such blessing was the outcome of a proper attitude toward God. Years later the Lord said to Israel, “Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse: A blessing if ye obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you this day” (Deut. 11:26-27). The experience of this saint of the Old Testament is a proof. “The blessings of the Lord, it maketh rich, and He addeth no sorrow with it” (Prov. 10:22).
The Enemies of Isaac
We know that envy is one of the works of the flesh (Gal. 5:21). It arises within the depravity of human nature. Like a two-edged dagger it stabs in both directions. We read, “A sound heart is the life of the flesh; but envy the rottenness of the bones” (Prov. 14:30). How detrimental to one’s personality is the evil of envy! Again we read, “Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?” (Prov. 27:4). The example of Isaac should be followed, he withdrew from before envy, and God blessed him.
How delightful to learn from Paul’s “Psalm of Love” (I Cor. 13) that love … envieth not!
In ancient times large uninhabited areas were considered “God’s lands,” and whoever dug wells and procured water became the proprietor of the parcel of land which he thus had made cultivable. To stop up a well was an encroachment upon territorial rights. It must therefore have been difficult for Isaac to surrender one well after another to these envious neighbours.
Two of the wells over which trouble arose were named by Isaac, Esek (quarrel) and Sitnah (strife). He would have nothing to do with either. From such places he wisely withdrew himself. His actions remind us of the words of James, “Where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated” (Jas. 3:16-17).
The name of the third well seems to intimate a certain satisfaction in success, “Rehoboth” which means “broadways or increases.” Isaac now had undisputed room in the land. This he accepted temporarily although he may have resided here for several years.
The Claims of Isaac
“And he went up from thence to Beer-Sheba. And the Lord appeared unto him the same night.”
By this move, Isaac claims the right of inheritance, and inheritance from God through Abraham. Beer-Sheba was Abraham’s possession, his favourite home. This was an act of courage and faith. Isaac reveals true strength of character here. While ready in meekness to move from place to place in order to avoid open hostility, in strength he returns to Beer-Sheba, the possession of his father, a comparatively short distance from Gerar. Immediately, as a reward for his action and as an assurance of his safety, Jehovah appeared to him.
We are reminded of Paul’s words to the Philippians, “Let your moderation (“gentleness” or “yieldingness”) be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand” (Phil. 4:5). The closing sentence of this verse could mean, “The Lord is near.” Isaac proved this as a blessed reality.
Isaac apparently did not travel far although his was a long life. There are only a few details in his biography, and several of these were discredits to him. Notwithstanding these, in an attempt to view his entire time, one is disposed to consider him a quiet, industrious type who found pleasure in meditation. Moreover, he preferred peace to strife, even to the point of yielding personal rights. Occasionally, in his actions there is full proof of an admirable strength of character.
* * *
Believer, art thou tempted now to doubt His love? Are His footsteps lost amid the night shadows through which He is conducting thee? Remember He had His eye upon thee before the birth of time; yea, from all eternity. What appears to thee now as some capricious exercise of His power and sovereignty, is the determination and decree of “everlasting love.” “I have loved thee,” He seems to say, “suffering one, into this affliction; I will love thee through it; and when My designs regarding thee are completed, I will show thee that the love which is from everlasting, is to everlasting!!”
* * *
It is indeed humiliating that we require so many stripes to force us to God, when there is so much more than enough in Him to draw us to Himself and to keep us with Himself forever!