Genesis 26:16-20

But, considering human nature and the way of the world, it is not at all surprising that the Philistines, rather than turning from the worship of their false fertility gods, became envious—covetous—of Isaac.

Rather than respond positively to the witness of Isaac’s prosperity, the Philistines throw him out. The relationship sours. Further, the mighty Isaac, for his part, rather than using his wealth to enforce his “rights,” which is exactly what many carnal people would have done in this same circumstance, simply packs up and moves on. He goes to the Valley of Gerar, probably slightly to the west of Gerar proper. There, his workers re-dig the wells Abraham had earlier commissioned. More than mere refurbishment, Isaac restores their original names, the names Abraham gave them. The Philistines showed poor land management by filling in the wells. If you want water, seize the wells and maintain them. Do not just fill them in with dirt out of spite—especially if you live in an arid climate. We shall come back to the matter of proper land use in just a minute.

The account also indicates that, along with destroying the wells, the Philistines had renamed their locales. They probably did so in an attempt to obliterate Abraham’s memory from the area, similar to the destructive act of toppling statues today. The Philistines wanted to rewrite history. Isaac would have none of that sort of culture cancelling, as we term it today.

In their well-digging endeavors, Isaac’s people even find a spring, that is, running water, so rare and so valuable in that area. The Philistines quickly confiscate it. Verses 21 and 22, which we did not read, notify us that this happens a second time. However, Isaac is able to hold on to his claim of a third spring his workers discover. Things seem to be going well. But notice the sudden turn of events:

At any rate, I am not sure how peacefully the Philistines sent Isaac away up there in verse 16. Remember, the context of Isaac’s departure from Gerar, as stated in verse 14, is that the Philistines envied Isaac—coveting his wealth. Relations had become strained—as reflected in the frequent and apparently protracted struggles over water rights. But the Philistine diplomats paint the picture in sanguine colors, referring to their “peaceful” relationship. These were consummate politicians.

Genesis 26:17

This is how much God had blessed him. It says he had lots of servants. Of course, if he had great herds and great flocks, he needed a lot of people to help him. So he had a huge entourage, as it were, all these people depending on him, and he got so mighty, so powerful, so rich and prosperous that it made the king of Gerar envious and fearful that Isaac was going to become the ruler of the land. He would be the one that people would turn to. He would take over. So he peremptorily orders him “Out of here! Leave Gerar. Go further away.”

So Isaac moved himself away. I do not know exactly how far away, but he moved himself away from the city and just got out of Abimelech’s environment there. He was not cheek-by-jowl with him, he was a little further away.

Genesis 26:17-22

Water plays a very significant role in the lives of people in the book of Genesis.

I want you to notice something as we go by here. I think you all understand that Isaac was a type of Christ. If we would go through all the chapters that have to do with Abraham and Isaac, I think you would be very surprised to see how much wells of water had to do with their well-being. God led them to wells of water.

What did the world do? The world tried to steal them. The world tried to plug them up. God is showing a form of persecution. The elect, He is showing, have access to the wells God supplies while the world tries to stop up—persecute—so we cannot drink from them.

Genesis 26:12-17

Did he stay around and fight them? Remember, he became very great. Now, when we understand, let us say, about Abraham's greatness, Abraham was able to put together an army. I want you to think about this. In a way, this is what Isaac inherited. Do you think Isaac could have put together an army? Oh yes, he could have because in his own right, he too was a king just like this Abimelech. But in his humility, he did not take the title at all. So Isaac just picked up and left.