Then they dug another well and quarreled over that one also; so he named it Sitnah. Then they dug another wellThis phrase highlights the perseverance and resilience of Isaac and his servants. In the Hebrew context, the act of digging wells was not only a practical necessity for survival in the arid regions of the ancient Near East but also a symbol of establishing one's presence and claim to the land. The Hebrew word for "dug" (חָפַר, chafar) implies a diligent and laborious effort, reflecting Isaac's determination to provide for his household despite opposition. This action can inspire believers today to persist in their endeavors, trusting that God will provide for their needs even amidst challenges. and quarreled over that one also
The word "quarreled" (רִיב, rib) in Hebrew suggests a legal dispute or contention. This indicates that the conflict over the wells was not merely a personal disagreement but had broader implications for rights and ownership. Historically, water rights were crucial in the ancient world, often leading to disputes among tribes and families. This phrase reminds us of the spiritual battles we face, where the enemy seeks to disrupt the blessings God has for us. It encourages believers to stand firm in faith, knowing that God is their ultimate defender. so he named it Sitnah
The name "Sitnah" (שִׂטְנָה) is derived from the Hebrew root שָׂטַן (satan), meaning "to oppose" or "to be an adversary." This is the same root from which the name "Satan" is derived, symbolizing opposition and enmity. By naming the well Sitnah, Isaac acknowledges the persistent opposition he faced. This serves as a reminder of the spiritual opposition believers encounter in their walk with God. However, it also points to the victory we have in Christ, who has overcome the ultimate adversary. Naming the well Sitnah can inspire believers to recognize and confront the spiritual battles in their lives, trusting in God's power to overcome. Persons / Places / Events 1. IsaacThe son of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac is the central figure in this passage. He is continuing the legacy of his father by re-digging wells in the land of Gerar. 2. PhilistinesThe people living in the region of Gerar who are in conflict with Isaac over the wells. They represent opposition and contention in Isaac's journey. 3. SitnahThe name given to the well due to the quarrel. In Hebrew, "Sitnah" means "hostility" or "opposition," reflecting the strife Isaac faced. 4. GerarThe region where Isaac is dwelling and digging wells. It is a place of both provision and conflict for Isaac. 5. WellsSymbolic of God's provision and blessing, the wells are a source of life and sustenance in the arid region. Teaching Points Perseverance in AdversityIsaac's persistence in digging wells despite opposition teaches us the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges. We are called to continue our work and trust in God's provision, even when faced with hostility. Naming Our StrugglesBy naming the well "Sitnah," Isaac acknowledges the reality of the conflict. Recognizing and naming our struggles can be a step towards overcoming them with God's help. God's Faithfulness in ProvisionThe wells symbolize God's provision. Just as Isaac found water despite opposition, we can trust that God will provide for our needs in His timing. Responding to Conflict with PeaceIsaac's response to the quarrels was not to retaliate but to move on and dig another well. This teaches us to seek peace and avoid unnecessary conflict, trusting God to fight our battles. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Isaac's experience with the wells in Genesis 26:21 reflect the challenges we face in our own lives when pursuing God's promises? 2. In what ways can we apply Isaac's perseverance in the face of opposition to our current circumstances? 3. How does the naming of the well "Sitnah" help us understand the importance of acknowledging our struggles? Can you think of a situation where naming a problem helped you address it? 4. What other biblical accounts of conflict and resolution can we learn from, and how do they relate to Isaac's experience in Gerar? 5. How can we ensure that our response to conflict aligns with biblical principles, as demonstrated by Isaac's actions in this passage? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 21:25-31Abraham's earlier disputes over wells with Abimelech, highlighting a recurring theme of conflict over resources. Exodus 17:1-7The Israelites' quarrel over water in the wilderness, showing a pattern of God's people facing opposition and testing in their journey. John 4:10-14Jesus speaks of living water, drawing a spiritual parallel to the physical wells that sustain life. People Abimelech, Ahuzzath, Bashemath, Basmath, Beeri, Elon, Esau, Isaac, Judith, Phichol, RebekahPlaces Beersheba, Egypt, Esek, Gerar, Rehoboth, Shibah, Sitnah, Valley of GerarTopics Argued, Calleth, Contended, Dig, Digged, Dug, Fight, Hatred, Named, Quarreled, Sitnah, Strive, Strove, Water-holeDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 26:12-22 4296 wells Genesis 26:15-22 8716 dishonesty, examples Genesis 26:19-22 5783 agreement Genesis 26:20-22 5924 quarrelsomeness Library The First Apostle of Peace at any Price
'Then Isaac sowed in that land, and received in the same year an hundredfold, and the Lord blessed him. And the man waxed great, and went forward, and grew until he became very great: For he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him. For all the wells which his father's servants had digged in the days of Abraham his father, the Philistines had stopped them, and filled them with earth. And Abimelech said unto Isaac, Go from us; for …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture"Thou Art Now the Blessed of the Lord. "
"Thou art now the blessed of the Lord."--Genesis 26:29. THESE words truly describe the position of many whom I address at this time. There are hundreds here upon whom my eye can rest, and to any one of whom I might point with this finger, or rather, to whom I might extend this hand, to give a hearty shake, and say, "Thou art now the blessed of the Lord." I need not say it in the same spirit, nor for the same reason, that the Philistines did. They had behaved basely towards Isaac, and now that he …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 38: 1892 Tithing
There are few subjects on which the Lord's own people are more astray than on the subject of giving. They profess to take the Bible as their own rule of faith and practice, and yet in the matter of Christian finance, the vast majority have utterly ignored its plain teachings and have tried every substitute the carnal mind could devise; therefore it is no wonder that the majority of Christian enterprises in the world today are handicapped and crippled through the lack of funds. Is our giving to be …
Arthur W. Pink—Tithing Whether Every Lie is a Sin?
Objection 1: It seems that not every lie is a sin. For it is evident that the evangelists did not sin in the writing of the Gospel. Yet they seem to have told something false: since their accounts of the words of Christ and of others often differ from one another: wherefore seemingly one of them must have given an untrue account. Therefore not every lie is a sin. Objection 2: Further, no one is rewarded by God for sin. But the midwives of Egypt were rewarded by God for a lie, for it is stated that …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica Elucidation.
The conduct of Father Abraham, although not approved of by Inspiration, but simply recorded (Gen. xxvi. 7), gave early Christians an opinion that the wicked may be justly foiled, by equivocation and deception, for the preservation of innocence or the life of the innocent. In such case the person deceived, they might argue, is not injured, but benefited (Gen. xxvi. 10), being saved from committing violence and murder. The Corinthian maiden was accustomed to be veiled (as Tertullian intimates), and …
Hippolytus—The Extant Works and Fragments of Hippolytus An Obscured vision
(Preached at the opening of the Winona Lake Bible Conference.) TEXT: "Where there is no vision, the people perish."--Proverbs 29:18. It is not altogether an easy matter to secure a text for such an occasion as this; not because the texts are so few in number but rather because they are so many, for one has only to turn over the pages of the Bible in the most casual way to find them facing him at every reading. Feeling the need of advice for such a time as this, I asked a number of my friends who …
J. Wilbur Chapman—And Judas Iscariot The Plan for the Coming of Jesus.
God's Darling, Psalms 8:5-8.--the plan for the new man--the Hebrew picture by itself--difference between God's plan and actual events--one purpose through breaking plans--the original plan--a starting point--getting inside. Fastening a Tether inside: the longest way around--the pedigree--the start. First Touches on the Canvas: the first touch, Genesis 3:15.--three groups of prediction--first group: to Abraham, Genesis 12:1-3; to Isaac, Genesis 26:1-5; to Jacob, Genesis 28:10-15; through Jacob, …
S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks about Jesus And to Holy David Indeed it Might More Justly be Said...
22. And to holy David indeed it might more justly be said, that he ought not to have been angry; no, not with one however ungrateful and rendering evil for good; yet if, as man, anger did steal over him, he ought not to have let it so prevail, that he should swear to do a thing which either by giving way to his rage he should do, or by breaking his oath leave undone. But to the other, set as he was amid the libidinous frenzy of the Sodomites, who would dare to say, "Although thy guests in thine own …
St. Augustine—Against Lying Covenanting Performed in Former Ages with Approbation from Above.
That the Lord gave special token of his approbation of the exercise of Covenanting, it belongs to this place to show. His approval of the duty was seen when he unfolded the promises of the Everlasting Covenant to his people, while they endeavoured to perform it; and his approval thereof is continually seen in his fulfilment to them of these promises. The special manifestations of his regard, made to them while attending to the service before him, belonged to one or other, or both, of those exhibitions …
John Cunningham—The Ordinance of Covenanting Jesus Sets Out from Judæa for Galilee.
Subdivision B. At Jacob's Well, and at Sychar. ^D John IV. 5-42. ^d 5 So he cometh to a city of Samaria, called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 and Jacob's well was there. [Commentators long made the mistake of supposing that Shechem, now called Nablous, was the town here called Sychar. Sheckem lies a mile and a half west of Jacob's well, while the real Sychar, now called 'Askar, lies scarcely half a mile north of the well. It was a small town, loosely called …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Appendix ii. Philo of Alexandria and Rabbinic Theology.
(Ad. vol. i. p. 42, note 4.) In comparing the allegorical Canons of Philo with those of Jewish traditionalism, we think first of all of the seven exegetical canons which are ascribed to Hillel. These bear chiefly the character of logical deductions, and as such were largely applied in the Halakhah. These seven canons were next expanded by R. Ishmael (in the first century) into thirteen, by the analysis of one of them (the 5th) into six, and the addition of this sound exegetical rule, that where two …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah Sundry Sharp Reproofs
This doctrine draws up a charge against several sorts: 1 Those that think themselves good Christians, yet have not learned this art of holy mourning. Luther calls mourning a rare herb'. Men have tears to shed for other things, but have none to spare for their sins. There are many murmurers, but few mourners. Most are like the stony ground which lacked moisture' (Luke 8:6). We have many cry out of hard times, but they are not sensible of hard hearts. Hot and dry is the worst temper of the body. Sure …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12 The Section Chap. I. -iii.
The question which here above all engages our attention, and requires to be answered, is this: Whether that which is reported in these chapters did, or did not, actually and outwardly take place. The history of the inquiries connected with this question is found most fully in Marckius's "Diatribe de uxore fornicationum," Leyden, 1696, reprinted in the Commentary on the Minor Prophets by the same author. The various views may be divided into three classes. 1. It is maintained by very many interpreters, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Genesis 26:21 NIVGenesis 26:21 NLTGenesis 26:21 ESVGenesis 26:21 NASBGenesis 26:21 KJV
Genesis 26:21 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
