Bible Knowledge Project: Genesis 26

Read: Genesis 26

Genesis 26 renews the covenant initially made with Abraham with the seed of promise, Isaac. After the introduction to Isaac and the introduction to his two sons, we have in this chapter a confirmation that Isaac is indeed the son of promise. The parallels between the life of Abraham and that of his son are striking and reinforce the faithfulness of God to bring to Abraham's family line the seed of the woman who would crush the head of the serpent.

One commentator summarizes that observation as follows: First, the chapter opens with reference to a famine in the land (26:1; cf. 12:10). That parallels Abraham's experience, foreshadowing what will happen to his younger son, Jacob. Second, Just as Abraham sought to deceive the Egyptian leaders, Isaac does the same (26:7; cf. 12:13; 20:2). Third, like his father, Isaac is blessed with material prosperity (26:13-14; Cf. 12:16; 13:6). Fourth, Isaac encounters a conflict regarding the land (26:20, 21; Cf. 13:7. Fifth, a covenant is made with the Philistine at Beersheba (26:26-33; Cf. 21:22-34).

What can we learn from these things? First, there is a family trait of deception that began with Abraham, passed to Isaac, and, as we will see, is given to Jacob. The father's sins do indeed pass to the offspring unless something is done to interrupt that cycle. Second. The faithfulness of God is displayed through the ordinary events of our lives. That was true about Isaac, and it is true for us.