26:12-17 This section of verses shows God's faithfulness in blessing Isaac as He had promised (cf. v. 3; 24:1; 25:11). Isaac enjoyed a bountiful harvest (v. 12). Abimelech testified to Isaac's power (v. 16), which was another testimony to God's faithfulness.
26:18-22 Isaac reopened the wells that Abraham had dug but the native inhabitants had filled with earth. He also dug three new wells. In contrast with Abraham, Isaac "was called not so much to pioneer as to consolidate."651
This incident shows God's blessing of Isaac, too. Water in the wilderness is a strong symbol of God's supernatural blessing in spite of nature.
The incident also reveals the peaceful character of this patriarch who did not battle his neighbors for the wells, even though he was stronger than they (v. 16). His actions express his trust in Yahweh.652
Isaac's decision to sojourn in Gerar and the territory of the Philistines (vv. 1-22) seems to have been unwise but not sinful. Though he sinned in misrepresenting his relationship to Rebekah out of fear (v. 7), his choice to live in Gerar was not sinful. It did, however, open him to temptation and trials that he probably would have avoided if he had stayed away from Gerar.
26:23-25 Isaac returned to Beersheba where Abraham had lived occasionally. There God appeared to him (his second revelation) calming his fears and reviewing the promises that He had given previously (vv. 2-5). Isaac's response was to build an altar, worship Yahweh, and settle down there.
Settlers could only continue to live in an area where there was a well. Wells were vital to the life of nomadic herdsmen. While there was probably at least one well at Beersheba already, Isaac dug another for his own use, or perhaps because he needed more water. His ability to dig wells indicates both his wealth and his intention to establish permanent residence in the land.
These verses seem to confirm the fact that Isaac's decision to move out of Philistine territory pleased God.
26:26-33 Abimelech again testified to God's blessing of Isaac and gave God glory (vv. 28-29).
Isaac and Abimelech made a parity covenant of mutual non-aggression. They sealed it by eating a meal together. Eating together was often a sacred rite in the ancient Near East. This covenant renewed the older one made between Abimelech and Abraham (21:31). The exchange of oaths and Isaac's naming the town Beersheba again (cf. 21:31) also strengthened this agreement.
". . . this account of Isaac's dealings with the Philistines portrays Isaac as very much walking in his father's footsteps. He receives similar promises, faces similar tests, fails similarly, but eventually triumphs in like fashion. Indeed, in certain respects he is given more in the promises and achieves more. He is promised all these lands [v. 4],' and by the end of the story he is securely settled in Beersheba and has a treaty with the Philistines in which they acknowledge his superiority."653
God's people must maintain confident trust in God's promise of His presence and provision in spite of the envy and hostility of unbelievers that His blessing sometimes provokes.
