Through Famine, Fear And Friction

by PRASHER, G. | Category: The Patient Patriarch | Sept 2003

Genesis chapter twenty-six reveals a phase of Isaac's experience when his faith was tried through a succession of difficult problems. First came a famine in the land, prompting his move westwards to Gerar in the territory of Abimelech, king of the Philistines.

Graciously the Lord appeared to Isaac there (verse 2). How typical of God's timely thought for those who put their trust in Him, to draw near with reassuring promise just when the heat of trial becomes intense! This is God's first recorded appearance to Isaac personally. Isaac was directed not to go down into Egypt to escape the famine, but to remain in 'this land', for those lands in which he was a sojourner would be given to his descendants, in whom also all the nations of the earth would be blessed (verses 3-5).

Despite these assurances, Isaac fell victim to fears that Rebekah's beauty might attract the envy of unscrupulous Philistines, who would kill him to secure her. This fear led Isaac to say to the men of the place that Rebekah was his sister. When this deception was discovered Abimelech protested to Isaac about it; he nevertheless then forbade any of his people to molest Isaac or Rebekah on pain of death. Scripture faithfully records the weaknesses of God's servants, as well as their strengths. How readily we can identify with the weaknesses! The record is there for our learning (Rom. 15:4). That Abraham twice failed in similar circumstances underlines the need for constant vigilance in case inconsistent behaviour should bring into disrepute the honourable Name by which we are called (James 2:7 RV).

Isaac prospered greatly. He sowed in that land, reaping a hundredfold through God's blessing. 'So the Philistines envied him' (verse 14). They also feared his increasing power: '"Go away from us," they said, "for you are much mightier than we."' Isaac complied, moving to the Valley of Gerar. 'Now the Philistines had stopped up all the wells which his father's servants had dug in the days of Abraham his father, and they had filled them with earth' (verse 15). Isaac began to have them opened up again, calling them by the names Abraham had called them. In the Valley of Gerar also his servants found a well of running water, but the local herdsmen claimed it was theirs; so he called it 'Esek', meaning 'Quarrel'. Similarly, he withdrew from a second well, calling it 'Sitnah', meaning 'Enmity'. A third well was not contested, and Isaac called it 'Rehoboth', meaning 'Broad Places', and said, '"For now the LORD has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land."'

Isaac's attitude in the face of this hostility reflects the spirit enjoined on us as disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. 'If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay," says the Lord' (Rom.12:18,19). God did indeed repay Isaac for the loss of the wells he'd conceded to the herdsmen of Gerar. Ample space was provided for his flocks and herds at Rehoboth. When he moved on to Beersheba digging began at another site, which soon afterwards yielded yet more water. God's compensations so often come in generous measure, 'pressed down, shaken together, and running over' (Luke 6:38,).

The same night that Isaac arrived at Beersheba the Lord again appeared to Isaac and said, '"I am the God of your father Abraham; do not fear, for I am with you. I will bless you and multiply your descendants for My servant Abraham's sake"' (verse 24); once again Isaac was given special divine encouragement to meet the need of the hour. Through famine, fears and disputes he was following Abraham's footsteps: who 'by faith ... dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise' (Heb.11:9). Such exemplary faith is set before us for our imitation. As we too inevitably encounter a range of problems on our heavenward way, let us cope with them by faith, regarding them as challenges through which God will be the more glorified in our pilgrimage with Him.

PRASHER, G. | Sept 2003
The Patient Patriarch