Bereshis 26:16

16 And Avimelech said unto Yitzchak, Go from us; for thou art much mightier than we.

Bereshis 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.

Bereshis 26:16 In-Context

14 For he had possession of tzon, and possession of herds, and many avadim; and the Pelishtim envied him.

15 For all the wells which avdei aviv had dug in the days of Avraham aviv, the Pelishtim had stopped them up, and filled them with dirt.

16 And Avimelech said unto Yitzchak, Go from us; for thou art much mightier than we.

17 And Yitzchak departed from there, and encamped in the valley of Gerar, and dwelt there.

18 And Yitzchak dug again the be’erot hamayim (wells of water), which they had dug in the days of Avraham aviv; for the Pelishtim had stopped them up after the mot Avraham; and he called their shemot after the shemot by which his av had called them.