Genesis 26:17 kjv

And Isaac departed thence, and pitched his tent in the valley of Gerar, and dwelt there.

Genesis 26:17 nkjv

Then Isaac departed from there and pitched his tent in the Valley of Gerar, and dwelt there.

Genesis 26:17 niv

So Isaac moved away from there and encamped in the Valley of Gerar, where he settled.

Genesis 26:17 esv

So Isaac departed from there and encamped in the Valley of Gerar and settled there.

Genesis 26:17 nlt

So Isaac moved away to the Gerar Valley, where he set up their tents and settled down.

Genesis 26 verses

Genesis 26 17 Meaning

Genesis 26:17 describes Isaac's immediate response to Abimelech's command to depart. It details his act of peaceful relocation from the Philistine settlement near Gerar to the more remote "Valley of Gerar," where he established a temporary dwelling by pitching his tent and settling. This verse signifies Isaac's humble and non-confrontational obedience to authority and his willingness to move to preserve peace and ensure his and his family's safety and well-being, trusting in God's guidance and provision even when faced with opposition due to divine blessing.

Genesis 26 17 Context

Genesis 26 recounts Isaac's sojourn in the land of the Philistines during a famine, echoing aspects of Abraham's life. God had specifically instructed Isaac not to go down to Egypt but to dwell in the land He would show him, promising to bless him and his offspring in fulfillment of the Abrahamic covenant (Gen 26:2-5). Despite God's blessing causing Isaac to prosper greatly (Gen 26:12-13), his wealth aroused severe envy and contention among the Philistines. They not only became envious (Gen 26:14) but actively expressed their hostility by stopping up the wells that Abraham's servants had dug (Gen 26:15), effectively cutting off Isaac's water supply—a vital resource in that arid land. Due to Isaac's overwhelming prosperity and the Philistines' mounting resentment, Abimelech, the king, directly commanded Isaac to leave their vicinity (Gen 26:16). Verse 17 is Isaac's direct, peaceable, and immediate response to this demand, moving him away from direct confrontation and deeper into the land of Gerar, setting the stage for his subsequent endeavors in digging wells. Historically, pastoral societies depended on access to water and pasture; disputes over these were common. Isaac's quiet departure avoids potential warfare and demonstrates a reliance on divine leading rather than human strength.

Genesis 26 17 Word analysis

• And Isaac departed (וַיֵּלֶךְ יִצְחָק, wayyeleḵ Yitsḥāq):

  • wayyeleḵ (from הָלַךְ, halakh): "And he went/walked/departed." The Qal perfect consecutive verb signifies a decisive and immediate action following Abimelech's command in the previous verse. It emphasizes physical movement and distance. Isaac does not resist, but yields, showing his quiet and peaceable nature. This action of leaving despite his prosperity can be seen as an act of faith and submission, a testament to seeking peace over asserting his rights.

• from there, (מִשָּׁם, mishām):

  • mishām: "from that place," specifically the region around Gerar city where he had been dwelling among the Philistines. It signifies a clear break from the immediate source of conflict.

• and pitched his tent (וַיִּחַן, wayyiḥan):

  • wayyiḥan (from חָנָה, ḥanah): "and he encamped" or "pitched a tent." This verb denotes a temporary stop or establishing a camp, characteristic of nomadic life. It underscores that Isaac did not build a permanent dwelling but remained true to the patriarchal lifestyle of sojourning, echoing Heb 11:9-10. It also suggests readiness to move again if needed, indicative of his non-confrontational posture.

• in the Valley of Gerar, (בְּנַחַל גְּרָר, benaḥal Gerar):

  • benaḥal (from נַחַל, naḥal): "in the wadi/valley." A naḥal is a streambed or ravine that is usually dry but fills with water during the rainy season. Choosing a valley indicates a strategic move for potential water sources, even if not immediately abundant. It signifies moving into a less populated, possibly more isolated, area away from the main Philistine settlements, again reflecting a desire for separation and peace rather than confrontation. The choice of "Gerar" signifies that he remained within the broader territorial jurisdiction, but in a less contested fringe area.

• and dwelt there. (וַיֵּשֶׁב שָׁם, wayyeshev sham):

  • wayyeshev (from יָשַׁב, yashav): "and he dwelled/settled." While pitching a tent suggests a temporary camp, yashav implies a period of sustained residence. Isaac did not merely pass through but intended to establish himself there for a duration. This emphasizes that he was not fleeing haphazardly but seeking a stable, though nomadic, presence in a different part of the promised land. He "dwelt" in tents (Heb 11:9), showcasing his faith in God's ultimate promises even while enduring earthly impermanence.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "And Isaac departed... and pitched his tent... and dwelt there": The sequence of actions—departing, pitching a tent, and dwelling—demonstrates a methodical and intentional response rather than a desperate flight. It underscores his disciplined obedience and practical adaptation to the situation. He did not engage in conflict but strategically withdrew to establish peace. This deliberate action reflects a wise and peaceful surrender of his rights for a higher purpose of harmony and God's continued blessing.

Genesis 26 17 Bonus section

Isaac's passive-yet-persevering nature, exemplified in this verse, often stands in contrast to Abraham's more active interventions or Jacob's cunning. Isaac consistently relies on a quiet trust in God's promises, demonstrating patience and a willingness to withdraw rather than confront. This pattern of peacemaking echoes later themes in the New Testament about turning the other cheek and living peaceably with all men. The Philistine's envy (Gen 26:14) reveals the carnal human response to God's abundant blessings on others, an enduring struggle found throughout biblical history (e.g., Joseph's brothers, Acts 7:9). Isaac's strategic relocation to the Valley of Gerar also suggests that while he moved away from direct conflict, he remained within the general territory of Gerar, emphasizing his steadfast presence in the promised land, even if in its peripheral, less desirable areas. This small detail foreshadows Israel's often-challenging relationship with surrounding nations while maintaining their unique identity within the land of promise.

Genesis 26 17 Commentary

Genesis 26:17 captures a pivotal moment demonstrating Isaac’s character and faith. Faced with hostility and being ordered to leave despite his immense prosperity—a clear sign of God's blessing (Gen 26:12-13)—Isaac responds with remarkable peace and humility rather than defiance or resistance. His "departure" (וַיֵּלֶךְ) is an act of calculated yielding, designed to avoid conflict, consistent with biblical calls for seeking peace (Rom 12:18, Heb 12:14). Moving to the "Valley of Gerar," a more remote area (a naḥal, implying less desirable or more rugged terrain), underscores his willingness to sacrifice convenience and even potential advantage for the sake of tranquility. His act of "pitching his tent" (וַיִּחַן) signifies his continued adherence to the nomadic lifestyle of the patriarchs, recognizing that his ultimate home was not in any earthly settlement but was part of a divine promise. Yet, the phrase "and dwelt there" (וַיֵּשֶׁב שָׁם) indicates that this was not merely a temporary halt but a purposeful re-establishment of his presence in the land God promised. This seemingly simple verse sets the stage for Isaac’s later disputes over wells (Gen 26:18-22), where his persistent, peaceable approach to obtaining water in the face of ongoing Philistine contention further solidifies his unique character as a "peacemaker" (Matt 5:9) among the patriarchs. He models a powerful response to oppression: yielding rather than warring, trusting in divine provision to guide him to fruitful pastures even when earthly powers attempt to impede him. This is an example of actively pursuing peace while remaining faithful to the promised land.