Genesis 26:17-33 And Isaac departed there, and pitched his tent in the valley of Gerar, and dwelled there.… Many of our enjoyments, both civil and religious, are the sweeter for being the fruits of the labour of our fathers; and if they have been corrupted by adversaries since their days, we must restore them to their former purity. Isaac's servants also digged new wells, and which occasioned new strife. While we avail ourselves of the labours of our forefathers, we ought not to rest in them, without making further progress, even though it expose us to many unpleasant disputes. Envy and strife may be expected to follow those whose researches are really beneficial, provided they go a step beyond their forefathers. But let them not be discouraged: the wells of salvation are worth striving for; and after a few conflicts, they may enjoy the fruits of their labours in peace. Isaac's servants dug two wells, which, from the bitter strife they occasioned, were called Esek and Sitnah, contention and hatred; but peaceably removing from these scenes of wrangle, he at length digged a well for which "they strove not." This he called Rehoboth, saying, "Now the Lord hath made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land." (A. Fuller.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Isaac departed thence, and pitched his tent in the valley of Gerar, and dwelt there.WEB: Isaac departed from there, encamped in the valley of Gerar, and lived there. |
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