Isaac’s Testimony to God

Genesis 26:19-33

GOLDEN TEXT: “Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only doeth wondrous things.”—Psalm 72:18

FOLLOWING Isaac’s marriage to Rebekah, the record shows that he inherited the great wealth of his father Abraham—flocks, herds, gold, silver, servants, etc. Besides this, he increased his holdings considerably. Genesis 26:13 reads: “The man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great.”

At the time of this lesson, a drought and consequent “famine” had prevailed in the southern part of the country where Isaac had dwelt and he had moved to the vicinity of Gerar, occupying the territory north to the Mediterranean coast, as this area was better for pasturage and water. (Gen. 26:1) The Philistines had recognized God’s favor with Abraham, and his great growth, and now they saw the same in respect to Isaac. Not wishing to encourage this increasingly influential family, they had stopped up the wells in order to discourage the herdsmen of the north from coming their way.

But Isaac’s herdsmen were not so easily discouraged. They re-dug the wells, and this led Abimelech, the king or chief of the Philistines, to reveal his opposition, and he requested Isaac and his servants to move to other parts, saying, “Go from us; for thou art much mightier than we.”

In compliance with this request, Isaac changed the seat of his encampment a considerable distance down the valley; but trouble broke out again. The Philistines were still jealous, and claimed for themselves the wells which were found by Isaac’s herdsmen. But Isaac; the man of peace, preferred to move again, rather than to permit strife. Yet angry feelings continued, and Isaac found it necessary to move still farther away. But he rejoiced to do this, although the land was less productive, and conditions less advantageous in every way, nevertheless he had peace for himself and for his possessions.

There is a valuable lesson in this for all of the Lord’s people—a lesson of peace. Blessed indeed are those who are peaceably inclined, and who are peacemakers, even at the expense of material gain. Those who have the disposition of Isaac may not always prosper as well in temporal matters, but they surely will be prosperous spiritually—they will have the blessing of the Lord which maketh rich.—Prov. 10:22

Forgoing some of the material advantages of the present in order to make better progress in the fruits and graces of the spirit, and thus to be prepared for the glorious opportunities soon to come, is a wise course for the Lord’s consecrated people. These, as the antitypical Isaac class, will be associated in the coming Kingdom with the Prince of Peace, and will be engaged with Him in the work of uplifting and blessing all mankind.—Isa. 9:6; Rom. 8:17

There are times, of course, when it is not advisable for the Lord’s people to yield to the wishes of others in order to maintain peace. We are not to seek peace at any price. When principle is involved, it would be wrong to retreat. Undoubtedly, however, we can often yield, even as Isaac did, and in so doing, find a compensating provision of the Lord to enhance our spiritual prosperity. Had Abimelech demanded that Isaac renounce the worship of the true God, we can readily see that the principle involved would have hindered the man of peace from yielding.

Had Isaac and his servants been less numerous than the Philistines, his yielding to their demands would not have manifested such nobility of character. According to the words of the Philistines themselves, Isaac’s clan was greater than theirs. For the greater to be submissive, yielding, and peace-loving is peculiarly commendable. Too frequently the philosophy that “might makes right” dictates the policy to be pursued in circumstances of this kind.

Our Golden Text is very true—the Lord does do wonderful things. Isaac yielded to the wishes of Abimelech, but the Lord took care of him. He said, “Now the Lord hath made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.” Isaac was blessed still further by the fact that Abimelech, realizing that he had nothing to fear from this man of peace, and that God was truly blessing him, asked for a covenant of peace, which was granted.

Isaac acknowledged that God was the true source of all his blessings. The Scriptures exhort, “In all thy ways acknowledge Him.” (Prov. 3:6) This is something which we as Christians should endeavor never to overlook. If we are living up to our privileges we can rejoice in the assurance of God’s promises that He is directing all of our steps, and that He will lead us in ways best suited to our spiritual development and to His glory.

QUESTIONS:

Should a Christian seek “peace at any price”?

Give an example of a principle which should never be violated in our efforts to maintain peace.

What is more valuable to us than earthly prosperity?

| Home Page | Table of Contents |