The valley of Gerar had ravines where brooks flowed, and therefore the area was well-watered and a fertile part of the country. Isaac began to clear out the dirt from the wells his father (Abraham) dug years earlier. In Genesis 21, we are told that and Abraham and Abimelech swore an oath over the wells that Abraham dug and they called the place Beer-sheba. Abraham planted a tamarisk tree near the well. Supposedly, it would make the water taste sweet. After Abraham’s death, the Philistines plugged them up with dirt. Isaac went back to the same resources that had sustained his father and all he possessed (Genesis 21:25-31). It took faith, work, and commitment to dig the wells again, but the provision was there when Isaac sought it diligently. Isaac called the names of the wells after the names which Abraham gave them, honoring the provision that his father received from the LORD.
Issac’s servants also dug new wells in the valley, and found a well of spring water. Isaac found the best kind of well – one of running water. This was the best king of provision, and came to Isaac as he received the provision once enjoyed by his father Abraham. The herdsmen of Gerar argued with Isaac’s herdsmen claim that the water was theirs. Isaac called the name of the well, Esek, meaning contention – because they ‘strove’ with him. It seems that Isaac called these wells by the name Abraham had previously given, he also named them in light of his present circumstances. Another well was dug and the herdsmen of Gerar argued over that well as well. Isaac called the name of the well, Sitnah meaning opposition – for the same reason. A third well was dug and there was not struggle over ownership of it, so Isaac called that well Rehoboth which means ‘roominess’. Isaac said, “For now the LORD hath made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.” Verse 22. Isaac saw these wells as they rightly were: the blessing of God. He saw them more as God’s gracious blessing than the result of his hard work.
Isaac went to Beersheba and the LORD appeared to him that same night and told Isaac not to fear for He was with him. And, repeated the blessing giving to his father Abraham.
God used the conflicts to lead Isaac back to Beersheba, where Abraham had been before. Because God repeatedly demonstrated His faithfulness to Isaac, he knew that he could be blessed and fruitful wherever God led him. Of course, none of this lessens the responsibility of those who unjustly opposed Isaac. God used their sinful contention against Isaac, but it was still sin.
Isaac’s father Abraham had many personal appearances of the LORD. This seems to be the first such experience for Isaac. In the atmosphere of greater contention between Isaac’s herdsmen and the Philistine herdsmen, Isaac had reason to be afraid. Here, God told Isaac to put any such fears away.
God kept His covenant with Isaac for Abraham’s sake. After the same patter, God keeps His covenant with us for Jesus’ sake.
Isaac built an alter and worshiped the LORD. Isaac pitched his tent there and his servants dug a well. Isaac walked in the same paths of his father Abraham. Altars and tents marked Abraham’s life, demonstrating a life of worship and trust. Isaac lived that, calling on the name of the LORD, and enjoyed the additional blessing of another well.