Genesis 26:16

16 And Abimelech said to Isaac, "Leave us, for you are much too powerful for us."[a]

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 flocks of sheep, herds of cattle, and many slaves, and the Philistines were envious of him.
15 The Philistines stopped up all the wells that his father's slaves had dug in the days of his father Abraham, filling them with dirt.
16 And Abimelech said to Isaac, "Leave us, for you are much too powerful for us."
17 So Isaac left there, camped in the valley of Gerar, and lived there.
18 Isaac reopened the water wells that had been dug in the days of his father Abraham and that the Philistines had stopped up after Abraham died. He gave them the same names his father had given them.

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Or are more numerous than we are
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