Abimelech, Ahuzzath a friend, and Phichol the chief captain of his army; came to Isaac. Isaac asked why did he come, for Isaac believe Abimelech hated him and that is why he sent Isaac away. Isaac’s question was logical. He was pushed out of Gerar by the contention of the herdsmen of Gerar. Abimelech did not intervene is the dispute, so he had every reason to believe he was not welcome.
Abimelech gave a surprising response. He and the others could see that the covenant God, was with Isaac and had blessed him. Abimelech came to ask for peace and an oath. Abimelech was asking Isaac to make an oath in covenant terms with him. Abimelech could see the power of the LORD and wanted to ensure that Isaac will do no harm towards him. Abimelech reminds Isaac that they (Philistines) have not harmed Isaac in any way and has done good towards him. And, sent Isaac away in peace. In fact, Abimelech’s herdsmen did treat Isaac fairly over the wells, but we see the tremendous practical wisdom of Isaac’s actions. He did not respond to evil with more evil, and he sought God’s provision along the patter of ancient ways.
Isaac made them a feast and they had a meal. After the feast, marking their covenant of peace, the next day Abimelech, his friend, and chief captain departed in peace.
God brought many blessing to Isaac at once. He enjoyed a rich season of blessing. Abraham was a man of altars, and Jacob would be a man of tents. Isaac was a man of wells, and he knew God’s constant provision. He knew by experience God could provide in many different ways, not just one.
That very same day, Isaac’s servants came and told Isaac that they found water in the well that they dug. Isaac called it Shebah and so the name of the city is Beersheba unto this day.
Esau, the son of Isaac and twin brother of Jacob, went against the pattern established by Abraham, that his descendants should not marry the women of Canaan (Genesis 24:3-4).
Now, Esau was forty years old when he took to Judith as his wife; the daughter of Berri the Hittite; and Bashemath (also called Adah) the daughter of Elon the Hittite. These were Canaanite women and are later described as adulterous and idolatrous. Esau did this out of disobedience to his father, Isaac. Later in Genesis we find that Esau married Mahalath who was the daughter of Ishmael. So, Mahalath would be his cousin. Ishmael (mother was Hagar) was the half-brother to Isaac.
Esau and his family caused Isaac and Rebekah grief. This shows Esau’s character as a fornicator and profane person (Hebrews 12:16).