Genesis 26:20 - The herdsmen of Gerar argued with Isaac’s herdsmen, saying, “The water is ours.” He called the name of the well Esek, because they contended with him.
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What does "Genesis 26:20" mean?
This verse (Genesis 26:20) describes a conflict between Isaac's herdsmen and the herdsmen of Gerar over access to a well that Isaac's servants had dug. Let's break it down:
"The herdsmen of Gerar argued with Isaac’s herdsmen, saying, “The water is ours.”": This highlights a territorial dispute. The herdsmen of Gerar (a Philistine city where Isaac was temporarily residing) claimed ownership of the water source that Isaac's men had discovered and developed. This claim was likely based on the assumption that since Isaac was in their territory, any resources found belonged to them. Water was a valuable and scarce commodity in this arid region, crucial for sustaining both people and livestock. The claim of ownership over water would translate to ownership over livelihood.
"He called the name of the well Esek, because they contended with him.": Isaac named the well "Esek," which means "contention" or "quarrel" in Hebrew. This name served as a reminder of the conflict that arose over the well. Naming something after an event was a common practice in the Bible, signifying the importance of the event and serving as a historical marker. Isaac's choice to name the well "Contention" is a frank acknowledgment of the conflict rather than an attempt to gloss it over.
In essence, this verse illustrates the tensions and conflicts that Isaac faced while living among the Philistines. It demonstrates the importance of resources like water in a semi-arid region and how they could lead to disputes. Furthermore, it sets the stage for further conflicts in the narrative, as Isaac continues to seek water sources and faces opposition from the local inhabitants.
Genesis 26:20 - The herdsmen of Gerar argued with Isaac’s herdsmen, saying, “The water is ours.” He called the name of the well Esek, because they contended with him.
What does "Genesis 26:20" mean?
This verse (Genesis 26:20) describes a conflict between Isaac's herdsmen and the herdsmen of Gerar over access to a well that Isaac's servants had dug. Let's break it down:
"The herdsmen of Gerar argued with Isaac’s herdsmen, saying, “The water is ours.”": This highlights a territorial dispute. The herdsmen of Gerar (a Philistine city where Isaac was temporarily residing) claimed ownership of the water source that Isaac's men had discovered and developed. This claim was likely based on the assumption that since Isaac was in their territory, any resources found belonged to them. Water was a valuable and scarce commodity in this arid region, crucial for sustaining both people and livestock. The claim of ownership over water would translate to ownership over livelihood.
"He called the name of the well Esek, because they contended with him.": Isaac named the well "Esek," which means "contention" or "quarrel" in Hebrew. This name served as a reminder of the conflict that arose over the well. Naming something after an event was a common practice in the Bible, signifying the importance of the event and serving as a historical marker. Isaac's choice to name the well "Contention" is a frank acknowledgment of the conflict rather than an attempt to gloss it over.
In essence, this verse illustrates the tensions and conflicts that Isaac faced while living among the Philistines. It demonstrates the importance of resources like water in a semi-arid region and how they could lead to disputes. Furthermore, it sets the stage for further conflicts in the narrative, as Isaac continues to seek water sources and faces opposition from the local inhabitants.