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AN OLD ENEMY

Text: Genesis 26:26-35
17 July 2012

(I) AN OLD ENEMY

1. Abimelech

a) King of the Philistines (Genesis 26:1)

b) Hostile to Isaac

c) Forced Isaac out of his territory (Genesis 26:16)

2. Overture of Abimelech

a) With his friend, Ahuzzah (Genesis 26:26)

b) With Phicol, the commander of his army (Genesis 26:26)

(II) ISAAC’S RESPONSE

1. Inquiry

“Why have you come to me, since you hate me and have sent me away from you?” Genesis 26:27

a) Valid

b) Wise

2. Evaluation

a) Unafraid

b) Trusting God

(III) A SURPRISING REPLY

“We have certainly seen that the LORD is with you.

So we said, “Let there now be an oath between us, between you and us; and let us make a covenant with you,

That you do us no harm, since we have not touched you, and since we have done nothing to you but good and have sent you away in peace. You are now blessed of the LORD.” Genesis 26:28-29

1. Observation of Isaac

God was obviously with Isaac or he would not have survived, let alone thrive.

2. Parity covenant offered

a) Claims of Abimelech and Ahuzzah

i) We have not touched you

ii) We have done nothing but good to you

iii) We have sent you away in peace

b) Covenantal agreement

i) No harm to the Philistines

ii) No harm to Ahuzzah and his clan

3. Basis of this covenant

Acknowledgement that God was with Isaac (Genesis 26:28-29)

a) Providing

b) Protecting

c) Prospering

(IV) PARITY COVENANT CONFIRMED

1. Celebration Feast (Genesis 26:30)

2. Isaac hosted the feast (Genesis 26:30)

3. They parted in peace (Genesis 26:31)

(V) FINDING WATER AGAIN

1. At Beersheba (Genesis 26:33)

2. City built up (Genesis 26:33)

(VI) ESAU’S BIGAMY

1. Two wives

2. Both Hittites

3. Great grief to Isaac and Rebekah (Genesis 26:34)