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In the last article, we'd learned that Abimelech would force Isaac to leave his kingdom, after he had became jealous of the tremendous favor, that the Lord was placing upon Isaac's household overall. Know that it would be through the Lord's favor, that Isaac would become very wealthy.

As a matter of fact, Isaac would become so wealthy, that he would eventually surpass Abimelech -- when it came to wealth and influence:

"Isaac planted crops in that land and the same year reaped a hundredfold, because the Lord blessed him.

"The man became rich, and his wealth continued to grow until he became very wealthy.

"He had so many flocks and herds and servants that the Philistines envied him." -- Genesis 26:12-14

And even though Isaac was being forced to leave Abimelech's kingdom, know that he didn't resist in any type of way. For we must remember that Isaac was a humble man, and even though he was now found to be rich and powerful -- he'd still remained the same. So he'd simply picked up and relocated to The Valley of Gerar.

Now although Isaac had moved away from Abimelech's kingdom, he would still find trouble amongst the kings herdsmen, who were found to be in the area. And this trouble would show itself, once Isaac had found a new water resource, from within the area. For the Sacred Record would reveal, that Isaac would instruct his servants to build a new well, with the water resource that had been discovered.

But once word had gotten out about the new water-well, Abimelech's herdsmen of Gerar, would immediately come out and claim possession of it: "Isaac's servants dug in the valley and discovered a well of fresh water there. But the herdsmen of Gerar quarrelled with Isaac's herdsmen and said, 'The water is ours!' So he named the well Esek, because they disputed with him." -- Genesis 26:19,20

Now this would happen one more time, when it came to the "herdsmen of Gerar" laying claim to one of Isaac's water wells: "Then they dug another well, but they quarrelled over that one also; so he named it Sitnah." -- Genesis 26:21

So once again, and in spite of this, we find that Isaac would not resist, or try to fight off Abimelech's herdsmen. So just like before, Isaac would have his servants, search out and find another water resource. And once this water resource was found, Isaac had instructed them to build another water-well. But this time around, things would be different:

"He moved on from there and dug another well, and no-one quarrelled over it. He named it Rehoboth (which meant enlargements), saying, 'Now the Lord has given us room and we will flourish in the land.'" -- Genesis 26:22

However that may have been, we now begin to move forward, when it comes to our journey. And it's at this point, we find that as some time would pass -- the Sacred Record would reveal, that Isaac would end up venturing back up to "Beer-sheba." For we must remember, that this was the place that he'd resided at, when the severe famine had first struck. And it would be during that night, that the Lord would appear and visit Isaac:

"I am the God of your father Abraham, do not be afraid for I am with you; I will bless you and will increase the number of your descendants for the sake of my servant Abraham." -- Genesis 26:24

Now after the Lord, had reminded Isaac about His covenant -- we now find him building an altar, unto the Lord in that place. But in the meantime, Isaac would have his servants dig a water-well nearby -- for he had now decided, that he would settle in Beer-sheba for awhile.

Now a little more time had gone by, and we're now told that Isaac would receive another visit. But this time around, it wouldn't be from the Lord -- but the visit would come from king Abimelech, and his personal advisor Ahuzzath. Abimelech would also bring along Phicol, the man who was the commander of his forces. Now keep in mind, that this is not the same "Phicol" that had visited (along with Abimelech) back in the days of Abraham, some 100 years before. So it's for this reason, we could also assume, that the name "Phicol" -- is also a title of some sorts, for the name means "the mouth of all".

However, what's even more interesting about this visit -- is that Abimelech (just like his father, or grandfather before him) appears to have come to his senses. Now remember -- that Abimelech's father, or grandfather, had been placed under a judgment by the Lord. And because of this, only the intercessory prayers from Abraham, could remove that judgment at that time -- which in turn, kept it from being executed.

"You are as good as dead because of the woman you have taken; she is a married woman." the Lord would tell the king. But being that Abimelech had not yet touch her, and did not know that she was Abraham's wife; he would plea his case before God: "Lord, will you destroy an innocent nation? Did he not say to me, 'She is my sister,' and didn't she also say, 'He is my brother'? I have done this with a clear conscience and clean hands."

After hearing this, the Lord would say: "Yes I know you did this with a clear conscience, and so I have kept you from sinning against me. That is why I didn't let you touch her. Now return the man's wife, for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you will live. But if you do not return her, you may be sure that you and all yours will die." -- (Genesis 20:3-7)

And because of this visitation from the Lord, the previous Abimelech household, had made the right move -- when it came to recognizing, that it would serve them best, to be a friend towards Abraham -- instead of, being his enemy. Now here we are, around 100 years later, and we now find -- that the current Abimelech household, would also find it in their best interest, to do the same with Isaac.

And this is where the Sacred Record reveals, that Isaac had became miffed at the king (and rightfully so) -- for it was Abimelech, that had order Isaac to leave from their kingdom in the first place:

"Why have you come to me, since you were hostile to me and sent me away." Isaac asked the king. And after hearing this, Abimelech responded by saying: "We saw clearly that the Lord was with you, so we said: 'There ought to be a sworn agreement between us' -- between us and you. Let us make a treaty with you, that you will do us no harm; just as we did not molest you, but always treated you well; and sent you away in peace. And now you are blessed by the Lord." -- Genesis 26:28,29

So just like his father had done before him, Isaac throws a feast made for the king, and his officials. And Abimelech and his men, did eat and drink. Now later on, the men would retire for that night, and when morning had arrived -- Isaac and Abimelech would swear on an oath with each other. Now after this had happened, Isaac would then send Abimelech and his officials, on their way back to Gerar.

However, in the meantime -- Isaac's servants had came, and informed their master, about the water-well that they had just dug: "We found water!" They exclaimed. Now after Isaac had heard the good news about the new water-well, he would in turn, name it "Shibah" or, "Shebah." Understand, that this is the same name, that his father had given to the water-well -- that he had acquired, right after he made his oath, with the previous king Abimelech -- back during his day.

So therefore -- we now have Isaac doing the same for this particular water-well, that he had acquired, right after his oath with the current royal family. For the name "Shibah", or "Shebah" -- is the same, as "Beer-sheba", which means "The well of the oath".

Now as we begin to move away from Isaac's dealings, with king Abimelech. The Sacred Record switches us back to Isaac's sons -- Esau and Jacob. Know that a lot has changed, since we'd last mentioned them? For we now find, that Isaac and his household, is in a much better place. And often times, I wonder, if it could be possible -- that Esau is now having second thoughts, when it comes to the overall value of his birthright. You know, the one that he had given away to Jacob?

God Creates the Earth

The Sons of God - The Daughters of Men

The Introduction of Abraham

The Birth of Isaac

**YOUR CURRENT - BIBLE STUDY ONLINE SERIES - WOULD BE HERE**

Jacob - The Path of Uncertainty

Jacob - Wrestles with God

Joseph the Favorite Son

Joseph the Overseer of Egypt

The Unveiling of Joseph

28) The Twelve Rulers of Ishmael

29) The Birth of Esau & Jacob

30) Esau & Jacob - The Birthright

31) Isaac and the Canaan Famine

32) Isaac Lied About Rebekah

33) The Envious King Abimelech

34) The Herdsmen of Gerar

Added to Page: 34) <-CURRENT - BIBLE STUDY ONLINE - PAGE->

35) Esau the Rebellious

36) Isaac's Favorite Son Esau

37) God has Checkmate

38) Rebekah's Reaction

39) Jacob - Loyalty or Deception

40) Deceitful Hearts

41) Esau the Son of War

42) Esau's Heart of Vengeance

43) Jacob - The Path of Uncertainty