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Daily Devotions

Genesis

Genesis 
Day 
Day 182

"O Lord of Hosts, Blessed is the man who trusts in You!" Psalm 84:12

Text: Genesis 26:1-35

A NOMADIC EXISTENCE

Like Abraham, Isaac had led a fairly nomadic life. He traveled from place to place for various reasons. How do we understand the nomadic life?

1. Compelling good reasons to locate in one region

Most would like to put down their roots, but compelling reasons must exist before that could happen. The following factors must exist before permanent roots are developed.

a) Safety

This seems to be an obvious thing to look out for! Safety was not a commodity easily obtained!

b) Means of Livelihood

There must be a good source of water supply! There must be good pasture land as well! Without these two elements, it would be impossible to stay in one region for too long!

2. Compelling reasons to leave and re-locate

There were also good reasons why a nomadic tribe would re-locate in another place! Every move was a major event!

a) Expelled by the host nation

Nomads were dependent on the good of its host country! If for any reason, the host country feels threatened, real or imaginary, the nomadic clans would be asked to leave the region.

b) To avoid violent reactions

Isaac was wise in choosing the path of non-violence! He sought to exercise his faith and trust in God each time conflicts arose. He would leave one region for another.

c) An expression of a deep and genuine faith in God

Isaac, like his father, had a genuine faith in the Lord. They had the rare insight to appreciate that this life on earth was but a pilgrimage. The nomadic life best reflected this faith in God. One’s real home is in heaven!


AN UNEXPECTED VISIT

Abimelech, king of the Philistines paid an unexpected visit to Isaac. He was duly accompanied by a good friend and his army commander (Genesis 26:26). Isaac was unable to comprehend the purpose of his visit. Why had he come at all? Was it to harass him again?

“And Isaac said to them, ‘Why have you come to me,
since you hate me and have sent me away from you?”

GENESIS 26:27

Isaac would once again have to brace himself with faith as he faced Abimelech.