b. Isaac moves to Gerar (26:1-35)

Most of what we know about Isaac is couched either in terms of his relationship with Abraham (chs. 21-25) or in terms of his relationship with his son Jacob (chs. 25-35). His identity is largely wrapped up in theirs. This chapter appears, by contrast, to give us particular insight into the character of Isaac himself. However, the variety of stories featured are similar to those encountered previously (12:10-13:2; 20:1-21:34) and are here placed together in such a way as to highlight the benefits of the promise and to create a context in which one might better understand the rationale for Jacob’s struggle to be the next promise-bearer. That is to say that while the material of ch. 26 may originate from distinct and separate Abraham or Isaac traditions, the chapter now functions teleologically within the canonical framework of the Jacob tradition.

The Abrahamic covenant is renewed with Isaac in the now familiar call to obedience (v.3a) and the promise of blessing (vv.3b-4). Isaac’s response of obedience (v.6) is reminiscent of his father’s faith and distinguishes him as a true heir of the promise. The fact that he so quickly places the covenant in jeopardy (vv.7-11), like his father before him, should not be surprising. The pretense of calling Rebekah his sister for fear of being killed himself reflects similar passages in the Abraham tradition (12:10-20; 20:1-18, though those are supposed in 26:1), as is the dispute over water rights (26:18-22; cf. 21:25), the greeting of Abimelech (26:22; cf. 21:22), and the covenant agreement at Beersheba with Abimelech and Phicol (v.28; cf. 21:31-32). The details differ somewhat in each telling, with the deliberate result of depicting Isaac as a man of esteem in Gerar and Beersheba who enjoys great prosperity (vv.12-14), the obvious favor of God (v.28), good fortune (vv.32-33), a measure of piety (v.25), and respect among the surrounding nations (vv.26-31). We can be confident that such tangible benefits associated with the promise-bearer could not have escaped the notice of the younger son.