Genesis 26:16

16 And Abimelech said unto Isaac, "Go from us, for thou art much mightier than we."

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 For he had possession of flocks and possession of herds, and great store of servants; and the Philistines envied him.

15 For all the wells which his father's servants had dug in the days of Abraham his father, the Philistines had stopped them and filled them with earth.

16 And Abimelech said unto Isaac, "Go from us, for thou art much mightier than we."

17 And Isaac departed from thence, and pitched his tent in the Valley of Gerar and dwelt there.

18 And Isaac dug again the wells of water which they had dug in the days of Abraham his father, for the Philistines had stopped them after the death of Abraham; and he called their names after the names by which his father had called them.