Genesis 26: Poor King Abimelech

 Welcome to the Daily Bible Chapter. My name is James Leroy Wilson and I invite you to join me as we discover new insights and new perspectives from a very old book.

Genesis 26

Reading from Young's Literal Translation (YLT) and the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).

This is crazy. Genesis 26 seems like a replay of Chapter 21, with Isaac lying about Rebecca the way Abraham did about Sarah, to the very same King of the Philistines, and with the same disputes over wells, and the same agreements made.

In terms of basic character and decency as we understand it, King Abimelech seems to have more than either Abraham or Isaac, although the Philistines instigated the disputes over the wells. Abimelech, however, let Abraham stay in his land for many years, but asked Isaac to leave.

In both stories, Abimelech acknowledges that the LORD is with Abraham and Isaac, and not necessarily with himself. I wonder if Abimelech represents the just, benign person who tries to do the right thing, but is nevertheless driven by worldly concerns. Abraham and Isaac prosper in worldly terms, but only when they first "call upon the name of the LORD."

In any case, Abimelech sought peace and a cordial understanding with them, and was right to do so.

The end of the chapter mentions that Isaac and Rebekah's first-born son Esau married Judith, a Hittite. Hittites were descended from the "cursed" Canaan. Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, and Rebekah all came from the same family, culture, and religion. This reminds me of contemporary stories in America where immigrant families expect their children in America to marry someone of the same nationality.

Allegorically, however, this seems like a more extreme case. Esau "married" the worldliness around him instead of sending out for a bride who put spirit, or The LORD, first.

James Leroy Wilson writes Daily Miracles, The Daily Bible Chapter, JL Cells, and The MVP Chase. Thanks for your subscriptions and support!

(Photo credit: TyshkunVictor)