Meek and Mighty

Genesis 26:12-33. Isaac and Rebekah stayed in Gerar, under the protection of Abimelech, and Isaac prospered. In fact, the text tells us that he planted crops in Gerar and the same year reaped a hundredfold. The secret of his success was clear: “…because the Lord blessed him.” His prosperity actually became a source of jealousy and enmity between him and the Philistines. Anxious to stem the seeming avalanche of blessing, the Philistines took to stopping up the wells that Isaac had inherited from his father.

Abimelech himself asked Isaac to move because he was threatened by the wealth and power of Isaac. In my many readings of the Genesis account, I have never viewed Isaac as powerful or threatening. He has seemed rather like a milquetoast in comparison to his father, but when I read between the lines in this account, I realize I must have missed something. Isaac complied with the request, moved and camped in the Valley of Gerar where he reopened wells from his father’s time.

The whole issue of wells must have been a crucial one for survival in this arid land. Looking at it from the perspective of someone who just has to open the tap to get water, I have to remind myself that wells were essential in this climate and culture. Isaac not only opened his father’s old wells, but his servants discovered a new one which the herdsmen in the area claimed was really theirs. Not only did they claim the new well, they stopped out the old wells. Isaac had to dig two more wells, before the herdsman stopped bullying him and let him live in peace.

God appeared to Isaac again and renewed his promise of protection and blessing. This appearance inspired worship, and the digging of yet another well!

Isaac may have moved out of Abimelech’s neighbourhood, but not far enough apparently. Abimelech came with his personal advisor and the commander of his forces and asked for a peace treaty. They declared that they saw that Isaac was blessed by God, and they wanted him to ensure that he would do them no harm—and they would treat him fairly as well. Why they perceived Isaac as a threat is puzzling since he obviously had avoided conflict with them all along. Obviously, the God behind the man Isaac was a God they feared and respected; they did not want to be on the wrong side of such a power-wielding, person-blessing God. Powerful Isaac did not take offence, but graciously agreed to the pact and welcomed them warmly with a feast. Peace finally reigned between Isaac and Abimelech.

Isaac’s response to the irritations of living in Gerar and the constant persecutions of his neighbours is really amazing. Having been promised God’s goodness, care and protection, he felt no need to defend himself or stand up for his rights. I suppose, from our cultural perspective, he looks totally spineless. The truth is much more likely that, since he could rest on God’s promises, he did not need to fight for his rights. God had prospered him already; he could trust that God would continue to care for him and meet his needs. And God did meet his needs, including supplying yet another well after Isaac drew up the treaty with Abimelech.

Donna Jeffries point out a New Testament parallel that may help us understand and respect Isaac even more. In Paul’s instructions for Christian living (Romans 12), we find a pattern which Isaac modelled. He honoured others above himself (Rom. 12:10). He was patient in affliction (Rom. 12:12). He practiced hospitality (Rom. 12:13). He lived in harmony (Rom. 12:16). He did not repay evil for evil (Rom. 12:17). He tried to live at peace with everyone (Rom. 12:18). He did not take revenge (Rom. 12:19). Isaac may have appeared meek, but he was a mighty man in his relations with his neighbours. Resting on the power and promises of God, he had no need to fight for himself, but could live free from the stress and anxieties of putting himself and his interests first.

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