Genesis 26:31 - They rose up some time in the morning, and swore an oath to one another. Isaac sent them away, and they departed from him in peace.

Generated Verse: Genesis 26:31

What does "Genesis 26:31" mean?


This verse, Genesis 26:31, concludes a significant turning point in Isaac's relationship with the Philistines, specifically King Abimelech and his advisors. Here's a breakdown of its meaning:

"They rose up some time in the morning, and swore an oath to one another...": This refers to Abimelech, his advisor Ahuzzath, and his army commander Phicol. After a period of conflict and tension, they recognized that Isaac was blessed by God and posed no threat to them. So, they sought to establish a covenant, a formal agreement, with him. They met early in the morning to solidify this agreement with a solemn oath. Oaths were considered sacred and binding in ancient times, often involving invoking a deity as witness.

"Isaac sent them away...": This means Isaac formally dismissed them after the covenant was ratified. He acknowledged their goodwill and allowed them to return to their land.

"...and they departed from him in peace.": This indicates a resolution to the conflict. The relationship was now normalized, and the Philistines left Isaac's presence on good terms. They no longer viewed him as an adversary but as someone they could coexist with peacefully. The "peace" highlights the shift from animosity to harmony.

In essence, the verse marks the end of a dispute and the beginning of a peaceful coexistence between Isaac and the Philistines. It demonstrates the power of reconciliation and the recognition of God's blessing on Isaac, which ultimately led his enemies to seek peace with him.

Context is Key:

To fully understand the verse, it's important to remember the context of the preceding verses. Isaac's prosperity in Gerar had stirred envy and resentment among the Philistines. They had stopped up his wells and asked him to leave their territory. However, God continued to bless Isaac, leading him to dig more wells and become even more prosperous. Eventually, Abimelech realized that Isaac was divinely favored and sought to make peace with him to avoid further conflict. This verse is the culmination of that process.

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