Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Meanwhile, Abimelek had come to him from Gerar, with Ahuzzath his personal adviser and Phicol the commander of his forces. New Living Translation One day King Abimelech came from Gerar with his adviser, Ahuzzath, and also Phicol, his army commander. English Standard Version When Abimelech went to him from Gerar with Ahuzzath his adviser and Phicol the commander of his army, Berean Standard Bible Later, Abimelech came to Isaac from Gerar, with Ahuzzath his adviser and Phicol the commander of his army. King James Bible Then Abimelech went to him from Gerar, and Ahuzzath one of his friends, and Phichol the chief captain of his army. New King James Version Then Abimelech came to him from Gerar with Ahuzzath, one of his friends, and Phichol the commander of his army. New American Standard Bible Then Abimelech came to him from Gerar with his adviser Ahuzzath, and Phicol the commander of his army. NASB 1995 Then Abimelech came to him from Gerar with his adviser Ahuzzath and Phicol the commander of his army. NASB 1977 Then Abimelech came to him from Gerar with his adviser Ahuzzath, and Phicol the commander of his army. Legacy Standard Bible Now Abimelech came to him from Gerar with his adviser Ahuzzath and Phicol the commander of his army. Amplified Bible Then Abimelech came to him from Gerar with Ahuzzath, his [close friend and confidential] adviser, and Phicol, the commander of his army. Christian Standard Bible Now Abimelech came to him from Gerar with Ahuzzath his adviser and Phicol the commander of his army. Holman Christian Standard Bible Now Abimelech came to him from Gerar with Ahuzzath his adviser and Phicol the commander of his army. American Standard Version Then Abimelech went to him from Gerar, and Ahuzzath his friend, and Phicol the captain of his host. Contemporary English Version Meanwhile, Abimelech had left Gerar and was taking his advisor Ahuzzath and his army commander Phicol to see Isaac. English Revised Version Then Abimelech went to him from Gerar, and Ahuzzath his friend, and Phicol the captain of his host. GOD'S WORD® Translation Abimelech, his friend Ahuzzath, and Phicol, the commander of his army, came from Gerar to see Isaac. Good News Translation Abimelech came from Gerar with Ahuzzath his adviser and Phicol the commander of his army to see Isaac. International Standard Version Later, Abimelech traveled from Gerar to visit Isaac . He arrived with Ahuzzath, his staff advisor, and Phicol, the commanding officer of his army. NET Bible Now Abimelech had come to him from Gerar along with Ahuzzah his friend and Phicol the commander of his army. New Heart English Bible Then Abimelech went to him from Gerar, and Ahuzzath his friend, and Phicol the commander of his army. Webster's Bible Translation Then Abimelech went to him from Gerar, and Ahuzzath one of his friends, and Phichol the chief captain of his army. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleLater, Abimelech came to Isaac from Gerar, with Ahuzzath his adviser and Phicol the commander of his army. World English Bible Then Abimelech went to him from Gerar with Ahuzzath his friend, and Phicol the captain of his army. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionAnd Abimelech has gone to him from Gerar, and Ahuzzath his friend, and Phichol head of his host; Young's Literal Translation And Abimelech hath gone unto him from Gerar, and Ahuzzath his friend, and Phichol head of his host; Smith's Literal Translation And Abimelech went to him from Gerar, and Ahuzzath his friend, and Phicol, leader of his army. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleTo which place when Abimelech, and Ochozath his friend, and Phicol chief captain of his soldiers came from Gerara, Catholic Public Domain Version When Abimelech, and Ahuzzath, his friend, and Phicol, the leader of the military, had arrived from Gerar to that place, New American Bible Then Abimelech came to him from Gerar, with Ahuzzath, his councilor, and Phicol, the general of his army. New Revised Standard Version Then Abimelech went to him from Gerar, with Ahuzzath his adviser and Phicol the commander of his army. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleThen Abimeleck went to him from Gadar, and Ahuzzath one of his friends, and Phichol the general of his army. Peshitta Holy Bible Translated And Abimelek came to him from Gadar, and Akhzwath his friend, and Phikal the Leader of his army. OT Translations JPS Tanakh 1917Then Abimelech went to him from Gerar, and Ahuzzath his friend, and Phicol the captain of his host. Brenton Septuagint Translation And Abimelech came to him from Gerara, and so did Ochozath his friend, and Phichol the commander-in-chief of his army. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Isaac's Covenant with Abimelech26Later, Abimelech came to Isaac from Gerar, with Ahuzzath his adviser and Phicol the commander of his army. 27“Why have you come to me?” Isaac asked them. “You hated me and sent me away.”… Cross References Genesis 21:22-32 At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army said to Abraham, “God is with you in all that you do. / Now, therefore, swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or descendants. Show to me and to the country in which you reside the same kindness that I have shown to you.” / And Abraham replied, “I swear it.” ... Genesis 31:44-54 Come now, let us make a covenant, you and I, and let it serve as a witness between you and me.” / So Jacob picked out a stone and set it up as a pillar, / and he said to his relatives, “Gather some stones.” So they took stones and made a mound, and there by the mound they ate. ... Genesis 24:31 “Come, you who are blessed by the LORD,” said Laban. “Why are you standing out here? I have prepared the house and a place for the camels.” Genesis 33:4-11 Esau, however, ran to him and embraced him, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. And they both wept. / When Esau looked up and saw the women and children, he asked, “Who are these with you?” Jacob answered, “These are the children God has graciously given your servant.” / Then the maidservants and their children approached and bowed down. ... Genesis 34:21 “These men are at peace with us. Let them live and trade in our land; indeed, it is large enough for them. Let us take their daughters in marriage and give our daughters to them. Genesis 50:15-21 When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph bears a grudge? Then he will surely repay us for all the evil that we did to him.” / So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Before he died, your father commanded, / ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I beg you, please forgive the transgression and sin of your brothers, for they did you wrong.’ So now, Joseph, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept. ... Exodus 18:7-12 So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him. They greeted each other and went into the tent. / Then Moses recounted to his father-in-law all that the LORD had done to Pharaoh and the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, all the hardships they had encountered along the way, and how the LORD had delivered them. / And Jethro rejoiced over all the good things the LORD had done for Israel, whom He had rescued from the hand of the Egyptians. ... Joshua 9:15-21 And Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore an oath to them. / Three days after they had made the treaty with the Gibeonites, the Israelites learned that they were neighbors, living among them. / So the Israelites set out and on the third day arrived at their cities—Gibeon, Chephirah, Beeroth, and Kiriath-jearim. ... 1 Samuel 29:6-9 So Achish summoned David and told him, “As surely as the LORD lives, you have been upright, and it seems right in my sight that you should march in and out with me in the army, because I have found no fault in you from the day you came to me until this day. But you are not good in the sight of the leaders. / Therefore turn back now and go in peace, so that you will not do anything to displease the leaders of the Philistines.” / “But what have I done?” David replied. “What have you found against your servant, from the day I came to you until today, to keep me from going along to fight against the enemies of my lord the king?” ... 2 Samuel 3:20-21 When Abner and twenty of his men came to David at Hebron, David held a feast for them. / Then Abner said to David, “Let me go at once, and I will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may rule over all that your heart desires.” So David dismissed Abner, and he went in peace. 1 Kings 5:1-12 Now when Hiram king of Tyre heard that Solomon had been anointed king in his father’s place, he sent envoys to Solomon; for Hiram had always been a friend of David. / And Solomon relayed this message to Hiram: / “As you are well aware, due to the wars waged on all sides against my father David, he could not build a house for the Name of the LORD his God until the LORD had put his enemies under his feet. ... 2 Kings 6:21-23 And when the king of Israel saw them, he asked Elisha, “My father, shall I kill them? Shall I kill them?” / “Do not kill them,” he replied. “Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them, that they may eat and drink and then return to their master.” / So the king prepared a great feast for them, and after they had finished eating and drinking, he sent them away, and they returned to their master. And the Aramean raiders did not come into the land of Israel again. 2 Chronicles 18:3 Ahab king of Israel asked Jehoshaphat king of Judah, “Will you go with me against Ramoth-gilead?” And Jehoshaphat replied, “I am as you are, and my people are your people; we will join you in the war.” Psalm 120:7 I am in favor of peace; but when I speak, they want war. Proverbs 16:7 When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even the man’s enemies live at peace with him. Treasury of Scripture Then Abimelech went to him from Gerar, and Ahuzzath one of his friends, and Phichol the chief captain of his army. Abimelech. Genesis 20:3 But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou art but a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she is a man's wife. Genesis 21:22-32 And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest: … Phichol. Genesis 21:22 And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest: Genesis 21:32 Thus they made a covenant at Beersheba: then Abimelech rose up, and Phichol the chief captain of his host, and they returned into the land of the Philistines. Jump to Previous Abimelech Abim'elech Adviser Army Captain Chief Commander Forces Friend Friends Gerar Head Host Meanwhile Personal Phichol PhicolJump to Next Abimelech Abim'elech Adviser Army Captain Chief Commander Forces Friend Friends Gerar Head Host Meanwhile Personal Phichol PhicolGenesis 26 1. Isaac, because of famine, sojourns in Gerar, and the Lord blesses him.7. He is reproved by Abimelech for denying his wife. 12. He grows rich, and the Philistines envy his prosperity. 18. He digs wells. 23. God appears to him at Beersheba, and blesses him; 26. and Abimelech makes a covenant with him. 34. Esau's wives. Later, Abimelech came to Isaac from Gerar Abimelech, likely a title for Philistine kings rather than a personal name, represents the leadership of Gerar, a Philistine city. This visit occurs after Isaac has become prosperous in the land, causing tension with the Philistines. The journey from Gerar to Isaac signifies a diplomatic mission, possibly to resolve conflicts over water rights and territorial disputes. Historically, Gerar was a significant city in the Negev region, and its leaders often interacted with the patriarchs, as seen with Abraham in Genesis 20. This encounter reflects the ongoing relationship and tension between the descendants of Abraham and the Philistines, foreshadowing future interactions between Israel and Philistine territories. with Ahuzzath his adviser and Phicol the commander of his army Persons / Places / Events 1. AbimelechThe king of Gerar, a Philistine city. He previously interacted with Isaac regarding the wells and the deception about Rebekah being Isaac's sister. 2. Ahuzzath An adviser to Abimelech. His presence indicates the importance of the meeting with Isaac. 3. Phicol The commander of Abimelech's army. His involvement suggests the meeting had significant political or military implications. 4. Gerar A Philistine city where Isaac had settled and experienced conflict over wells. It represents a place of both conflict and resolution for Isaac. 5. Isaac The son of Abraham, who had been living in Gerar and faced disputes over water rights, which were crucial for survival and prosperity. Teaching Points God's Faithfulness Across GenerationsJust as God was with Abraham, He is with Isaac, demonstrating His unchanging nature and faithfulness to His promises. Conflict Resolution Isaac's interactions with Abimelech show the importance of seeking peaceful resolutions and the role of diplomacy in resolving disputes. The Importance of Witnesses The presence of Ahuzzath and Phicol underscores the importance of having witnesses in significant agreements, a principle that can be applied in personal and business dealings today. Trusting God's Provision Despite conflicts over resources, Isaac's account reminds us to trust in God's provision and timing. Legacy and Influence Isaac's dealings with Abimelech reflect the influence and legacy of his father, Abraham, encouraging us to consider the impact of our actions on future generations. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of Genesis 26:26?2. Why did Abimelech seek peace with Isaac in Genesis 26:26? 3. How can we pursue reconciliation with others, as seen in Genesis 26:26? 4. What does Genesis 26:26 teach about resolving conflicts with former adversaries? 5. How does Genesis 26:26 reflect Jesus' teachings on peacemaking in Matthew 5:9? 6. In what ways can we apply Isaac's example of peace in our lives? 7. Why did Abimelech seek peace with Isaac in Genesis 26:26 despite previous conflicts? 8. How does Genesis 26:26 reflect God's promise to Isaac? 9. What historical evidence supports the events in Genesis 26:26? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 26? 11. Why does the existence of Philistines in Genesis contradict the historical record, as they arrived centuries later? 12. How do we reconcile the figure called Abimelech here (Genesis 26:8) with the Abimelech who interacted with Abraham generations earlier? 13. Does the account in Genesis 20 conflict with similar narratives in Genesis 12:10-20 and Genesis 26:1-11, implying a repeated pattern of deception? 14. Why does the Bible describe the Philistines in Abraham's time when they only arrived in Canaan centuries later? What Does Genesis 26:26 Mean LaterThe word “Later” points to a real‐time sequence in Isaac’s life. After the Lord confirmed His covenant with Isaac and Isaac had settled at Beersheba (Genesis 26:23–25), some days passed. During that interval, Isaac dug wells, his servants found water, and the local herdsmen repeatedly quarreled with him (Genesis 26:18–22). “Later” signals God’s providential timing: He allowed tensions to rise before bringing resolution. Scripture often shows the Lord orchestrating events over time—Joseph’s delayed promotion (Genesis 41:1), Israel’s forty years in the wilderness (Deuteronomy 8:2)—to highlight His faithfulness and the maturing of His people. Abimelech came to Isaac The Philistine king personally approaches Isaac, a striking move for a monarch. It reflects the Lord’s promise, “I will bless you and multiply your descendants” (Genesis 26:24); even rulers acknowledge God’s favor on His servant. Earlier, another Abimelech came to Abraham to seek peace (Genesis 21:22–23), illustrating a pattern: when God’s hand rests on His covenant people, surrounding nations notice (Deuteronomy 2:25; Psalm 105:13–15). Isaac, like his father, experiences a diplomatic visit prompted by divine blessing, not by Isaac’s power. from Gerar Gerar is the Philistine center where Isaac had dwelt temporarily (Genesis 26:1, 6). Leaving Gerar for Beersheba symbolized Isaac’s obedience to God’s direction and his separation from Philistine culture. Abimelech’s journey “from Gerar” shows the initiative now shifts from Isaac to the Philistines; they pursue peace. Similar geography‐driven themes appear when Balak travels from Moab to meet Balaam (Numbers 22:5–6) and when the Queen of Sheba journeys to Solomon (1 Kings 10:1–2). The location underscores that God’s covenant presence with His people transforms entire regions. with Ahuzzath his adviser Kings rarely travel without counselors. Ahuzzath’s presence lends legal weight, indicating Abimelech intends to formalize a treaty (compare 2 Samuel 15:12; Esther 1:13). By bringing a trusted adviser, Abimelech signals sincerity and transparency. Scripture portrays wise counsel as essential to good leadership (Proverbs 11:14; Proverbs 15:22). Here, the adviser testifies to Abimelech’s recognition that Isaac’s God is to be respected, mirroring the earlier episode where Abimelech said to Abraham, “God is with you in all that you do” (Genesis 21:22). and Phicol the commander of his army A military commander accompanies the king to guarantee the treaty’s enforcement and to symbolize state authority. In Genesis 21:22, a commander also named Phicol came with the previous Abimelech to Abraham, underscoring continuity between the two generations. The commander’s presence shows that Abimelech seeks lasting, strategic peace, not mere words. Across Scripture, military leaders often witness covenants: Joshua before the chiefs of Israel (Joshua 24:1), David before Joab (2 Samuel 24:2). God uses even earthly armies to highlight His sovereign protection over His chosen people (Psalm 33:16–18). summary Genesis 26:26 records more than a visit; it reveals God’s faithful fulfillment of His promise to bless Isaac and make him a witness to the nations. The timing (“Later”), the royal approach, the journey “from Gerar,” and the inclusion of both adviser and commander all demonstrate how the Lord turns former hostility into respectful pursuit of peace. Kings recognize that God is with Isaac, just as they did with Abraham, confirming that the covenant continues unbroken through the generations. (26) Abimelech went to him.--The return of Isaac to Beer-sheba was a matter of serious importance also to Abimelech. The Philistines were themselves an alien race, and an alliance between Isaac and Ishmael, and others of the Semitic stock, might end in their expulsion from the country. Abraham had also been confederate with the Amorites (Genesis 14:13), and on friendly terms with the Hittites (Genesis 23:6), the two most powerful races of Canaan, and they might be ready to aid his son. When, then, Isaac thus retraced his steps, Abimelech, uncertain of Isaac's purpose, deter mined to offer peace and friendship, and to propose the renewal of the old covenant which had existed between Abraham and the people of Gerar.Ahuzzath.--This is one of several points peculiar to this narrative; but it is uncertain whether it be a proper name, or whether, with the Targum and Jerome, we are to understand by it a company, that is, an escort of friends. If it be a proper name, the rendering should be, Ahuzzath, his friend, that is, his confidant and privy counsellor. Phichol.--See Note on Genesis 21:22. Verse 26. - Then (literally, and) Abimelech went to him from Gerar, - the object of this visit was to resuscitate the alliance which had formerly existed between the predecessor of Abimelech and Abraham (Genesis 21:22-32); yet the dissimilarity between the two accounts is so great as to discredit the hypothesis that the present is only another version of the earlier transaction - and Ahuzzath one of his friends, - מֵרֵעֵהוּ; neither ὁ νυμφαγωγὸς αὐτοῦ (LXX.), nor a suite or number of his friends (Onkelos), nor one of his friends (A.V.); but his friend, and probably his privy councilor (Keil, Kalisch, Murphy), whose presence along with the monarch and his general marks the first point of difference between the present and the former incident - and Phichol (vide Genesis 21:22) the chief captain of his army.Parallel Commentaries ... Hebrew Later, Abimelechוַאֲבִימֶ֕לֶךְ (wa·’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 40: Abimelech -- 'father is king', a Philistine name, also an Israelite name came הָלַ֥ךְ (hā·laḵ) Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular Strong's 1980: To go, come, walk to [Isaac] אֵלָ֖יו (’ê·lāw) Preposition | third person masculine singular Strong's 413: Near, with, among, to from Gerar, מִגְּרָ֑ר (mig·gə·rār) Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular Strong's 1642: Gerar -- a place South of Gaza with Ahuzzath וַאֲחֻזַּת֙ (wa·’ă·ḥuz·zaṯ) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 276: Ahuzzath -- 'possession', a friend of Abimelech his adviser מֵֽרֵעֵ֔הוּ (mê·rê·‘ê·hū) Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 4828: Friend, companion and Phicol וּפִיכֹ֖ל (ū·p̄î·ḵōl) Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular Strong's 6369: Phicol -- commander of Abimelech's army the commander שַׂר־ (śar-) Noun - masculine singular construct Strong's 8269: Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince of his army. צְבָאֽוֹ׃ (ṣə·ḇā·’ōw) Noun - common singular construct | third person masculine singular Strong's 6635: A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign Links Genesis 26:26 NIVGenesis 26:26 NLT Genesis 26:26 ESV Genesis 26:26 NASB Genesis 26:26 KJV Genesis 26:26 BibleApps.com Genesis 26:26 Biblia Paralela Genesis 26:26 Chinese Bible Genesis 26:26 French Bible Genesis 26:26 Catholic Bible OT Law: Genesis 26:26 Then Abimelech went to him from Gerar (Gen. 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