12. Then Isaac sowed in that land--During his sojourn in that district he farmed a piece of land, which, by the blessing of God on his skill and industry, was very productive (Isa 65:13; Ps 37:19); and by his plentiful returns he increased so rapidly in wealth and influence that the Philistines, afraid or envious of his prosperity, obliged him to leave the place (Pr 27:4; Ec 4:4). This may receive illustration from the fact that many Syrian shepherds at this day settle for a year or two in a place, rent some ground, in the produce of which they trade with the neighboring market, till the owners, through jealousy of their growing substance, refuse to renew their lease and compel them to remove elsewhere.
JFB.
Outline
1 Isaac because of famine goes to Gerar
2 God instructs and blesses him
7 He is reproved by Abimelech for denying his wife
12 He grows rich
18 He digs the wells Esek, Sltnah, and Rehohoth
26 Abimelech makes a covenant with him at Beersheba
34 Esau's wives.
Map of the City of Gerar
The City of Gerar During the Time of Abraham
Ancient Customs
Lentils
Hunting
Harems
The Old Testament
Genesis Resources
Creation
Adam and Eve
The
Flood
The Tower of Babel
Abraham the First Hebrew
Isaac, Son of Promise
Jacob
and the 12 Tribes
Joseph
and Egypt