Abimelech seeks stability. Notice Abimelech’s addition, “and to the land.” The Abimelech who dealt with Abraham recognizes the importance of enhancing the land, not destroying it—not filling up wells—destroying infrastructure. The Philistines probably practiced the well-filling later on in response to the significant power evinced by Isaac.
Now, in the case of Isaac’s Abimelech, the terms of their covenant are much the same, although peace becomes an explicit concern, perhaps because the Abimelech of Isaac’s day feels politically or militarily threatened. Isaac’s Abimelech, however, fails to mention the preservation of the land. Apparently, the Abimelech of Isaac’s day did not have as much regard for the stewardship of the land as did Abraham’s Abimelech. The king says to Isaac,
Peace is an issue, but there is in this case no reference to land management.
They bargained back and forth there awhile, but it is interesting here that a pagan king utters the words that become central to what Beersheba came to represent to the Israelites. "[I] am with you in all that you do." This pagan king recognized that Abraham was a different kind of man and he acknowledged Abraham's godliness by saying that the Lord is with you in all that you do. Abraham's life was one that reflected godliness.
