* Isaac, because of famine, goes to Gerar. (1-5) He denies his wife
and is reproved by Abimelech. (6-11) Isaac grows rich, The
Philistines' envy. (12-17) Isaac digs wells God blesses him. (18-25)
Abimelech makes a covenant with Isaac. (26-33) Esau's wives. (34,35)... [ Continue Reading ]
1-5 Isaac had been trained up in a believing dependence upon the
Divine grant of the land of Canaan to him and his heirs; and now that
there is a famine in the land, Isaac still cleaves to the covenant.
The real worth of God's promises cannot be lessened to a believer by
any cross providences that m... [ Continue Reading ]
6-11 There is nothing in Isaac's denial of his wife to be imitated,
nor even excused. The temptation of Isaac is the same as that which
overcame his father, and that in two instances. This rendered his
conduct the greater sin. The falls of those who are gone before us are
so many rocks on which othe... [ Continue Reading ]
12-17 God blessed Isaac. Be it observed, for the encouragement of poor
tenants who occupy other people's lands, and are honest and
industrious, that God blessed him with a great increase. The
Philistines envied Isaac. It is an instance of the vanity of the
world; for the more men have of it, the mor... [ Continue Reading ]
18-25 Isaac met with much opposition in digging wells. Two were called
Contention and Hatred. See the nature of worldly things; they make
quarrels, and are occasions of strife; and what is often the lot of
the most quiet and peaceable; those who avoid striving, yet cannot
avoid being striven with. A... [ Continue Reading ]
26-33 When a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to
be at peace with him, Proverbs 16:7. Kings' hearts are in his hands,
and when he pleases, he can turn them to favour his people. It is not
wrong to stand upon our guard in dealing with those who have acted
unfairly. But Isaac did... [ Continue Reading ]
34,35 Esau was foolish in marrying two wives together, and still more
in marrying Canaanites, strangers to the blessing of Abraham, and
subject to the curse of Noah. It grieved his parents that he married
without their advice and consent. It grieved them that he married
among those who had no religi... [ Continue Reading ]