Genesis 26:28-31

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 26:26-33

We have here the contests that had been between Isaac and the Philistines issuing in a happy peace and reconciliation. I. Abimelech pays a friendly visit to Isaac, in token of the respect he had for him, Gen. 26:26. Note, When a man's ways please the Lord he makes even his enemies to be at peace with him, Prov. 16:7. Kings? hearts are in his hands, and when he pleases he can turn them to favour his people. II. Isaac prudently and cautiously questions his sincerity in this visit, Gen. 26:27.... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 26:28

And they said, we saw certainly that the Lord was with thee ,.... Not only while he was among them, by the fruitfulness of the land he sowed, by the increase of his family, his flocks and herds, but also since he was gone from them, in the valley of Gerar, and now in Beersheba: and we said ; one to another, assembled in privy council, in which this affair was talked over and debated: let there now be an oath betwixt us, even betwixt us and thee : what was between us and thy father,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 26:29

That thou wilt do us no hurt ,.... Neither to our persons nor properties, to our kingdom and subjects, by invading our land, and seizing on our kingdom, all which was feared from Isaac's growing wealth and power: as we have not touched thee ; not done the least injury to him, to his person, family, and substance, but suffered him to go away with all he had untouched: and as we have done unto thee, nothing but good ; by royal authority, or by the command and direction of the king and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 26:30

And he made them a feast ,.... Made a feast like a king, for the king and his grandees; he treated them in a generous way, according to their dignity, and agreeable to his own disposition and substance: and they did eat and drink ; freely, cheerfully, and in a friendly manner; for both having spoken their minds, they agreed to bury all former things oblivion, and live in peace and friendship; though this feast was not on account of the covenant made between them, as is observed by some... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 26:31

And they rose up betimes in the morning ,.... Abimelech and his friends, in order to return home, and Isaac to take his leave of them, and both to make the covenant between them in form, and confirm it by an oath, for which the morning was the fitter time; when the mind is quite free and composed, and attentive to what is done, as so solemn a transaction should be performed with the utmost attention and seriousness: and swore one to another ; to live in amity and friendship, and not... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 26:28

Let there be now an oath betwixt us - Let us make a covenant by which we shall be mutually bound, and let it be ratified in the most solemn manner. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 26:30

He made them a feast - Probably on the sacrifice that was offered on the occasion of making this covenant. This was a common custom. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 26:31

They rose up be times - Early rising was general among the primitive inhabitants of the world, and this was one cause which contributed greatly to their health and longevity. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 26:28

Verse 28 28.We saw certainly that the Lord was with thee. By this argument they prove that they desired a compact with Isaac, not insidiously, but in good faith, because they acknowledge the favor of God towards him. For it was necessary to purge themselves from this suspicion, seeing that they now presented themselves so courteously to one against whom they had before been unreasonably opposed. This confession of theirs, however, contains very useful instruction. Profane men in calling one,... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 26:29

Verse 29 29.As we have not touched thee. An accusing conscience urges them to desire to hold him closely bound unto them; and therefore they require an oath from him that he will not hurt them. For they knew that he might rightfully avenge himself on them for the sufferings he had endured: but they dissemble on this point, and even make a wonderful boast of their own acts of kindness. At first, indeed, the humanity of the king was remarkable, for he not only entertained Isaac with hospitality,... read more

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