Genesis 26:22

22 He went on from there and dug yet another well. But there was no fighting over this one so he named it Rehoboth (Wide-Open Spaces), saying, "Now God has given us plenty of space to spread out in the land."

Genesis 26:22 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 26:22

And he removed from thence
A little further from their border, to cut off all pretence, and put a stop to all dispute and controversy for the future: and digged another well;
in the place he removed to: and for that they strove not;
it being at such a distance from their border, they could not have the face to claim any right to it: and he called the name of it Rehoboth;
which signifies broad and spacious, places, enlargements: for now hath the Lord made room for us;
for himself, his family, his herds, and flocks, and freed them, from those difficulties under which they laboured, and the straits into which they were brought through the contention of the herdsmen of Gerar: and we shall be fruitful in the land;
his flocks and his herds increase, having good pasturage and watering for them, and so he and his family be in prosperous circumstances.

Genesis 26:22 In-Context

20 The shepherds of Gerar quarreled with Isaac's shepherds, claiming, "This water is ours." So Isaac named the well Esek (Quarrel) because they quarreled over it.
21 They dug another well and there was a difference over that one also, so he named it Sitnah (Accusation).
22 He went on from there and dug yet another well. But there was no fighting over this one so he named it Rehoboth (Wide-Open Spaces), saying, "Now God has given us plenty of space to spread out in the land."
23 From there he went up to Beersheba.
24 That very night God appeared to him and said, I am the God of Abraham your father; don't fear a thing because I'm with you. I'll bless you and make your children flourish because of Abraham my servant.
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.