Genesis 26:16

16 Then Abimelech said to Isaac, "Leave our country. You have become more powerful than we are."

Genesis 26:16 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 26:16

And Abimelech said unto Isaac, go from us
Which was either said by way of advice, consulting Isaac's good, and the peace of his own kingdom; or else by way of command, enjoining him to depart, having a secret envy to him himself, or at least was jealous of his growing power and wealth: for thou art much mightier than we;
in riches or goods, as the Targum of Jonathan adds; or in number; his family being greatly increased, his servants numerous, many being born of them in his house; Abraham had three hundred and eighteen trained servants in his house, ( Genesis 14:14 ) ; how many Isaac had is not certain; they must be a large number for Abimelech to fear anything from them. Some choose to interpret the words, thou hast increased, or thou hast got much from us, and by us; and therefore it is high time for thee to be gone from us.

Genesis 26:16 In-Context

14 Because he had many herds of sheep and cattle and many servants, the Philistines were jealous of him.
15 So they filled in all the wells which the servants of his father Abraham had dug while Abraham was alive.
16 Then Abimelech said to Isaac, "Leave our country. You have become more powerful than we are."
17 So Isaac left and set up his camp in Gerar Valley, where he stayed for some time.
18 He dug once again the wells which had been dug during the time of Abraham and which the Philistines had stopped up after Abraham's death. Isaac gave the wells the same names that his father had given them.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.