Genesis 26:30 kjv

And he made them a feast, and they did eat and drink.

Genesis 26:30 nkjv

So he made them a feast, and they ate and drank.

Genesis 26:30 niv

Isaac then made a feast for them, and they ate and drank.

Genesis 26:30 esv

So he made them a feast, and they ate and drank.

Genesis 26:30 nlt

So Isaac prepared a covenant feast to celebrate the treaty, and they ate and drank together.

Genesis 26 verses

Genesis 26 30 Meaning

Genesis 26:30 describes Isaac hosting a celebratory meal, a feast, for Abimelech and his company, who had come to seek a covenant with him. The act of "eating and drinking" together was the ancient Near Eastern custom of solidifying and celebrating a peace treaty, marking a moment of reconciliation, mutual respect, and shared fellowship after a period of dispute.

Genesis 26 30 Context

Genesis 26:30 is set during Isaac's time in Gerar. Following a period of contention with the Philistines over wells, Isaac had peaceably moved away and prospered greatly due to God's blessing (Gen 26:17-25). Abimelech, the king of Gerar, accompanied by Ahuzzath and Phicol, then sought Isaac out. In Gen 26:28-29, Abimelech acknowledges God's evident favor upon Isaac, stating, "We have certainly seen that the LORD is with you," and proposes a sworn treaty of non-aggression. Verse 30 directly describes Isaac's response of hospitality, laying the foundation for the treaty. This act of hospitality, a traditional and significant part of treaty-making in the ancient Near East, solidifies the peace between Isaac and the Philistines.

Genesis 26 30 Word analysis

• And he made: Hebrew wayya‘aś (וַיַּעַשׂ), from the verb ‘āśāh, meaning "to do, to make, to prepare." The verb form implies immediate action and initiative on Isaac's part. It highlights his willingness and active role in establishing peace through hospitality.
• them: Hebrew lahem (לָהֶם). The dative pronoun "to them" or "for them." This refers to Abimelech, Ahuzzath, and Phicol, indicating the recipients of Isaac's generosity and peace offering.
• a feast: Hebrew mišteh (מִשְׁתֶּה). This term denotes a banquet or drinking party. It implies a generous spread of food and drink, signifying hospitality, celebration, and often, as in this context, the solemnization of an agreement or treaty. Feasts were pivotal for cementing social bonds and covenants.
• and they did eat: Hebrew wayyo’kəlû (וַיֹּאכְלוּ), from the verb ’āḵal, "to eat." The consecutive imperfect form shows their immediate participation in the meal. Eating together signifies shared fellowship and a bond of trust, removing suspicion and fostering amity.
• and drink: Hebrew wayyišteyû (וַיִּשְׁתּוּ), from the verb šātāh, "to drink." Paired with "to eat," it forms a common idiom for engaging in a full banquet or celebratory meal. The collective action underscores their joint participation in the ritual that seals the treaty.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "And he made them a feast": This phrase highlights Isaac's proactive and generous response to Abimelech's peace overture. Instead of dwelling on past grievances (like the stopping of wells or his banishment), Isaac chooses to honor his guests with a significant meal, demonstrating goodwill and a readiness for peaceful coexistence. This act is not just hospitality but a deliberate move to formalize a peaceful relationship.
• "and they did eat and drink": This signifies the culmination and sealing of the agreement. In ancient Near Eastern culture, sharing a meal was a potent act that cemented relationships and obligations. It implied trust and shared well-being. By participating, Abimelech's party acknowledges the validity of Isaac's offer of peace and reciprocates the shared bond, moving from adversaries to partners in peace. The full phrase "eat and drink" emphasizes the completeness and communal nature of the feasting.

Genesis 26 30 Bonus section

The detailed account of Isaac's interactions with Abimelech, culminating in this feast, emphasizes a theme central to the Abrahamic covenant: the outworking of divine blessing results in prosperity and a life of peace, which can even disarm potential adversaries. Isaac, rather than leveraging his God-given advantage against Abimelech, embodies the virtues of humility, forbearance, and hospitality, reflecting God's character. This echoes how God's gracious provision to His people can influence those outside the covenant to acknowledge His hand. The feast can be seen as a foreshadowing of future covenant meals in redemptive history, pointing towards the fellowship and peace offered through God's ultimate covenant with humanity.

Genesis 26 30 Commentary

Genesis 26:30 powerfully illustrates the principle of establishing peace and fulfilling promises through practical actions. Isaac, having been directly assured by God of His presence and blessing (Gen 26:24), responds to Abimelech's request for a treaty with immediate hospitality. This feast is more than just a meal; it is the customary act of ratifying an agreement in the ancient world. By hosting Abimelech and his retinue, Isaac extends grace and demonstrates a commitment to peace, choosing reconciliation over prolonged conflict, even when he held the advantage. This reflects God's peace (Shalom) being active through His faithful servant. The act of shared eating and drinking physically manifests the unity and binding nature of their covenant. It is a profound example of living out God's call to be peacemakers, even when wronged, allowing God's blessing to guide interactions and resolve disputes.