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Matthew Henry

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

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 26:32

And it came to pass the same day ,.... That the above things were transacted: that Isaac's servants came, and told him concerning the well which they had digged ; they had dug it before Abimelech came to Isaac, but they had not had an opportunity of acquainting him with it until he was gone, and then they came to give him an account of it, what sort of a well it was, and how it answered their expectations and wishes; and which in those countries was a very great blessing, and served very... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 26:33

And he called it Sheba ,.... Which, according to Jerom, signifies "fulness", as if it had its name from the abundance of water in it; but rather it signifies an "oath", and was so called from the oath, which he and Abimelech had just took to one another; and these circumstances meeting together, the taking of the oath, and the account of the well: therefore the name of the city is Beersheba unto this day ; that is, the well of the oath: it had been so called by Abraham an hundred years... 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

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