Genesis 26:16

16 Abimelech said to Isaac, "Move away from us because you have become too powerful among us."

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 He had livestock, both flocks and cattle, and many servants. As a result, the Philistines envied him.
15 The Philistines closed up and filled with dirt all of the wells that his father's servants had dug during his father Abraham's lifetime.
16 Abimelech said to Isaac, "Move away from us because you have become too powerful among us."
17 So Isaac moved away from there, camped in the valley of Gerar, and lived there.
18 Isaac dug out again the wells that were dug during the lifetime of his father Abraham. The Philistines had closed them up after Abraham's death. Isaac gave them the same names his father had given them.
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