When Others See God's Blessing

Genesis 26:26–33 (NASB95) 

6Then Abimelech came to him from Gerar with his adviser Ahuzzath and Phicol the commander of his army. 27Isaac said to them, “Why have you come to me, since you hate me and have sent me away from you?” 28They 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, 29that you will do us no harm, just as we have not touched you and have done to you nothing but good and have sent you away in peace. You are now the blessed of the Lord.’ ” 30Then he made them a feast, and they ate and drank. 31In the morning they arose early and exchanged oaths; then Isaac sent them away and they departed from him in peace. 32Now it came about on the same day, that Isaac’s servants came in and told him about the well which they had dug, and said to him, “We have found water.” 33So he called it Shibah; therefore the name of the city is Beersheba to this day. 

Abimelech, king of the Philistines, arrived with his officials to meet Isaac. This was not a friendly reunion. Isaac remembered how they had driven him away and stopped up his wells. He asked them directly why they had come. Abimelech and his men admitted they saw that the Lord was with Isaac. They wanted a sworn agreement, a covenant of peace. They claimed to have sent Isaac away in peace and now recognized that he was blessed by God. 

Isaac responded with hospitality. He prepared a feast for Abimelech and his officials. Sharing a meal sealed the agreement. Early the next morning, they exchanged oaths. Abimelech and his men left in peace. That same day, Isaac’s servants reported they had found water. Isaac named the well Shibah, which means oath. The city became known as Beer-sheba, a name that recalled both Abraham’s and Isaac’s covenants with the Philistines. 

This event shows how God’s blessing on Isaac became so obvious that even his enemies could not deny it. The Philistines, who once envied and opposed Isaac, now sought peace because they saw God’s hand at work. The covenant ritual, including the shared meal, reflected ancient customs and confirmed Isaac’s position as a man favored by God. The discovery of water on the day of the treaty was a sign of God’s ongoing provision and faithfulness. 

The story also connects Isaac to Abraham. Both patriarchs made covenants at Beer-sheba. Both experienced God’s faithfulness in the face of conflict. The narrative highlights the importance of peaceful relationships, honest dealings, and the recognition that true security comes from God’s blessing, not human effort. 

The modern church should remember that God’s favor is often visible to others, even those who do not share our faith. When God’s people act with integrity and trust in His provision, it can lead to peace and reconciliation. The church must pursue honest relationships, seek peace with neighbors, and trust that God will provide what is needed. God’s blessing is not just for our benefit but for the world.