Story · 16 · Isaac and Rebekah
Isaac kept moving instead of fighting
When Gerar's herders contest his wells, Isaac doesn't fight. He moves on and digs again. In the end, the king comes to him seeking a treaty.
Avoiding strife can lead to peace.
Dig deeper
After a night of feasting, Isaac and King Abimelech swear oaths of friendship. That same day his servants strike water, giving Beersheba its name: 'well of the oath.' The story models peaceful coexistence, a hallmark of Genesis's family stories.
Bible reference: Genesis 26:17–33
Source: Why the Bible Began, pp. 253–254
Reader thoughts
Loading comments…