Genesis 26:16

16 Insomuch that Abimelech himself said to Isaac: Depart from us, for thou art become 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 And he had possessions of sheep and of herds, and a very great family. Wherefore the Palestines envying him,

15 Stopped up at that time all the wells, that the servants of his father, Abraham, had digged, filling them up with earth:

16 Insomuch that Abimelech himself said to Isaac: Depart from us, for thou art become much mightier than we.

17 So he departed, and came to the torrent of Gerara, to dwell there:

18 And he digged again other wells, which the servants of his father, Abraham, had digged, and which, after his death, the Philistines had of old stopped up: and he called them by the same names, by which his father before had called them.