Genesis 26: a gentle grasp on this world
Read: Genesis 26
As chapter 26 unfolds, we see more into the life of Isaac. We learn that he is not perfect but falls into the same sin as his father (both a comfort and caution to us), but nonetheless we see plenty to take example from. In the interests of brevity, it is the latter I will focus on today.
We come first to the news of the famine. Having first had his faith tested by the long wait for Rebekah's pregnancy, Isaac would again have his trust in God's promises tested - where is God's provision when there is famine? Going to Egypt would have been the response of many in Isaac's position, as the food security was greater there (and indeed both Abraham and Jacob took this course). However, God specifically commanded Isaac to stay where he was, in order to demonstrate to him and to us the nature of his providence, and indeed the other lessons we learn from this passage. In his grace God reiterates his promise to Isaac.
So we have Isaac, living in the land of the Philistines, presumably renting land from them. God blesses him, and even in a time of famine he produces a bumper crop from his rented land. Unsurprisingly (in accordance with common human nature) the Philistines feel threatened by his success and start to quarrel. His success would have probably been marked with visible signs such as a large household and large numbers of flocks and herds. It's certainly not the first time people have felt bitterness towards the presence of a 'foreign' community.
However, what is striking here is Isaac's humility, peaceful response, and very gentle grip on the land he inhabits. Each time the Philistines quarrel with him, he simply moves on, trusting God to provide. He goes first to the Valley of Gerar and finds water, but also finds opposition, and so moves on to Beersheba, where he builds an altar at which to worship. Later on, the Philistines come to make a treaty. This is positioned as good will but it is likely because they perceived Isaac as a possible threat. Nonetheless, they also saw something of security in Isaac, even the witness of God's provision, saying: "We saw clearly that the Lord was with you" (26:28). Again, Isaac treats them with courtesy, makes a feast for them. Isaac's peaceful conduct has in turn begat peace.
Peaceful conduct on our part will not always diffuse every situation - look at the crucifixion of Jesus. However, the critical thing to look at here is the light grasp on rights, power and wealth. Isaac knew that God has promised his descendants these lands - he didn't need to grab them. And so it is the same for us. Jesus said to Pilate: ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place’ (John 18:36). Like Isaac's descendants, we have a promised inheritance that will come with Jesus when he comes in glory. We are not sent to establish political and economic power for Jesus here, but to win hearts for the Kingdom of Heaven. Talking about political and economic power may seem grand, but I use these words in the widest sense: from the playground to parliament. Popularity, wealth and the enjoyment of all our privilege and freedom: these are things that all people seek and that many of us may even have. But, like Isaac who God blessed materially in his place of temporary residence, we must hold to them lightly.
And for the things we do need to 'fight' for - the hearts of others, our own war against sin, and justice for the oppressed - the assurance of God's promises also affects the way we approach these: faithful prayer and trusting in God, a quiet and humble confidence. We have no need to strike out in desperation - let us instead know God's peace.
Previous: Genesis 25: The family line continues
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