They recognize that Isaac’s blessings come directly from divine provision and honor him by establishing a peaceful agreement.
They said, “We see plainly that the LORD has been with you; so we said, ‘Let there now be an oath between us, even between you and us, and let us make a covenant with you,’” (Genesis 26:28). In this passage, Abimelech and his advisors come to Isaac in the region of Gerar, a settlement located in the southwestern part of Canaan which was inhabited by the Philistines. The group openly acknowledges the divine favor resting on Isaac and seeks to formalize a peaceful agreement with him. Historically, Abimelech was a Philistine king in the early second millennium BC, around 2000-1800 BC, and Isaac was the promised son of Abraham, living in the land during a critical phase of God’s covenant promises (Genesis 17:19). Their interaction in this verse highlights the recognition of God’s hand in Isaac’s success and the desire to maintain peaceful relations.
They said, “We see plainly that the LORD has been with you;” (Genesis 26:28) underscores how unwaveringly God’s presence guided and protected Isaac. This acknowledgment is a powerful statement, considering that Abimelech and his people had previously found contention with Isaac over wells (Genesis 26:20-21). However, recognizing God’s unwavering provision and Isaac’s prosperity, they hope to avoid further conflict. Their request for an oath and covenant demonstrates a willingness to set aside hostility for a treaty rooted in mutual respect. This act connects to the broader biblical theme of reconciliation and living at peace with one another (Romans 12:18), foreshadowing the reconciling power fully manifested in Jesus Christ, who brings ultimate peace to all who follow Him (John 14:27).
“…Let there now be an oath between us, even between you and us, and let us make a covenant with you,” (Genesis 26:28) reveals the depth of gratitude and caution Abimelech feels toward Isaac. Witnessing Isaac’s flourishing life and the blessings that align with the promise given to his father Abraham (Genesis 15:5), Abimelech desires a formal bond of friendship. This scene emphasizes the influence God’s favor can have in repairing strained relationships and building bridges across cultural and social lines, a foreshadowing of how God’s chosen people would be a light to the nations (Isaiah 42:6).
Set to dark mode
Genesis 26:28 meaning
They said, “We see plainly that the LORD has been with you; so we said, ‘Let there now be an oath between us, even between you and us, and let us make a covenant with you,’” (Genesis 26:28). In this passage, Abimelech and his advisors come to Isaac in the region of Gerar, a settlement located in the southwestern part of Canaan which was inhabited by the Philistines. The group openly acknowledges the divine favor resting on Isaac and seeks to formalize a peaceful agreement with him. Historically, Abimelech was a Philistine king in the early second millennium BC, around 2000-1800 BC, and Isaac was the promised son of Abraham, living in the land during a critical phase of God’s covenant promises (Genesis 17:19). Their interaction in this verse highlights the recognition of God’s hand in Isaac’s success and the desire to maintain peaceful relations.
They said, “We see plainly that the LORD has been with you;” (Genesis 26:28) underscores how unwaveringly God’s presence guided and protected Isaac. This acknowledgment is a powerful statement, considering that Abimelech and his people had previously found contention with Isaac over wells (Genesis 26:20-21). However, recognizing God’s unwavering provision and Isaac’s prosperity, they hope to avoid further conflict. Their request for an oath and covenant demonstrates a willingness to set aside hostility for a treaty rooted in mutual respect. This act connects to the broader biblical theme of reconciliation and living at peace with one another (Romans 12:18), foreshadowing the reconciling power fully manifested in Jesus Christ, who brings ultimate peace to all who follow Him (John 14:27).
“…Let there now be an oath between us, even between you and us, and let us make a covenant with you,” (Genesis 26:28) reveals the depth of gratitude and caution Abimelech feels toward Isaac. Witnessing Isaac’s flourishing life and the blessings that align with the promise given to his father Abraham (Genesis 15:5), Abimelech desires a formal bond of friendship. This scene emphasizes the influence God’s favor can have in repairing strained relationships and building bridges across cultural and social lines, a foreshadowing of how God’s chosen people would be a light to the nations (Isaiah 42:6).