That night the Lord appeared to him and said, “I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not be afraid, for I am with you; I will bless you and will increase the number of your descendants for the sake of my servant Abraham.” Genesis 26: 24

Wedged between two strong characters of Abraham and Jacob (Israel), is the brief story of Isaac. Not much is written about him, about his accomplishments or even his faith unlike his father Abraham or son Jacob. He was the promised son. His marriage to Rebekah and how he was swindled of blessing by his own son are the most prominent stories which are recanted several times. However, there is one small story which highlights the faith and patience of this simple man.

Isaac has camped in the country of Philistines, where Abimelech was the king. Abimelech just learned that the beautiful lady who accompanied Isaac was not his sister but his wife. Abimelech soon orders the people of his country that if anyone dares to touch or harm Isaac and his wife will be put to death instantaneously (v 11). Feeling secured, Isaac soon settles in the land, plants crops and reaps hundredfold within the year, because God blessed him (v 12). He became a rich man in wealth and cattle that the envious Philistine neighbors plugged the wells that Abraham dug when he visited the land several years before. They drove Isaac away claiming he was becoming too powerful for them (v 16).

Isaac, a man of gentle spirit, didn’t fight instead, packed up his belongings and moved to a different place in the Valley of Gerar (v 17). He reopened the wells that Abraham dug and the hate-mongering Philistines closed soon after Abraham’s death. He named the wells with the same names as his father had given them. Soon after, Isaac’s servants dug a well in the valley and discovered a well of fresh water. During the time, when water was as precious as gold, any man who digs a well, claims the land surrounding the well. However, the Philistines picked up a quarrel with Isaac and his herdsmen. Isaac had to abandon and dug another well. The Philistines quarreled over that one as well. Isaac was finally able to dig a well, which he aptly named ‘Rehoboth’ translated as ‘Now the Lord has given us room and we will flourish in the land’. That very night, the Lord appeared to him and gave him the promise that He will bless and increase his number of descendants. Isaac lost no time and built his first altar to God there and called on the name of the Lord. He pitched his tent and his servants dug another well there (v 25). In all this, Isaac didn’t lose his temper or grew impatient.

Shortly after he settled in the land, Abimelech with his adviser and commander paid him a visit. Unperturbed, Isaac questions Abimelech of his unexpected visit despite the hostility. Abimelech, who clearly saw how the Lord blessed Isaac, wanted to make a peace treaty with Isaac (v 28). Isaac lost no time and turned the event into a celebratory occasion. He organized a feast for his enemies (v 30). He treated them with respect, made peace with them and sent them on their way after the feast. When God is the integral part of our lives, we should take every opportunity to make peace with our enemies or anyone who is hostile towards us. We must reach out to them with God’s love. That is how we can attract people towards us as well as God. Isaac, a man of peace never resorted to confrontation or fought for his rights. Instead he compromised and sought peace. Isaac’s peace-making story is a great lesson for us to seek opportunities to remain at peace with people who are hostile. We should ask God to give us wisdom when to stand down and when to stand up and fight.

Abimelech and the Philistines, who clearly saw Divine Providence in Isaac’s life, left them in peace. That very day, Isaac’s servants informed him of another well of water which they dug up (v 32). Isaac’s patience paid off at the end. Despite facing opposition, he rested in God’s promise of protection and provision. God blessed Isaac in such a way that he had enjoyed peace all his hundred and eighty years of his life.