In this chapter Isaac and Rebekah and their two sons travel East to escape a famine. The Lord tells them not to go to Egypt. They end up going to the land ruled by King Abimelech of Gerar. The name Abimelech was used for several Philistine kings, so may have been a descendent of the earlier one who interacted with Abraham. Lord also reiterates to Isaac that his family will be blessed and numerous, and all the nations will be blessed by them.

Not only does Isaac follow the literal footsteps of his father Abraham by sojourning in Gerar during famine, but also tells people that his Rebekah is his sister. She is Abraham‘s brother‘s granddaughter, a first cousin, once removed. The King sees Isaac and Rebekah talking and laughing together and realizes that they are husband and wife. Understandably he is frustrated and upset for being lied to. 

Isaac’s crops and animals multiply more than the local ones, so the king tells him to move along. Isaac and his entourage move to the valley and re-dig a well that Abraham had dug in his time. The local herdsmen accuse them of stealing their water, so they dig a second well, and then a third. The first well is called is called Esek meaning contention, the second Sitnah meaning enmity, and the third Rehoboth meaning room. As in room for everyone, finally. 

Abimelech and his advisor show up. Isaac asks him why he’s there since he clearly doesn’t like him. The king says wants to make a deal with Isaac for peace because he sees that God has blessed him. They redig the Well of the Oath that Abraham had dug and call it Shibah. The word Shibah is similar to the word Shabbat, a reference the seventh day of creation, the day of rest. 

The oldest son, Esau grows up and marries two Hittite women that cause conflict for his parents.

There’s a lot of repetition in Isaac‘s life: the same promises that God gave Abraham, the same conflict with the locals, same provision from God, and the same oath made for peace.