IT WAS because Isaac looked inwardly at a time of trial that he failed; it is equally true that when the Christian thinks the world’s enmity will be more than he can bear that he, too, fails to speak the truth before it, or to own his identity with Christ as his Saviour.
“And Abimelech charged all his people, saying, He that toucheth this man or his wife shall surely be put to death.” v. 11. Now it is seen that when the truth was finally spoken, all of Isaac’s fear proved groundless. Abimelech through God’s providence set up a wall of protection around Isaac and Rebekah. Oh, poor failing hearts that are so often exhibited! Are not many fears and tremblings only products of our own imagination, whereas a nature trusting God and looking to Him in every circumstance would go quietly along and often prove that there is no substance to fear at all? This lesson was learned twice by Abraham and again this third time by Isaac!
The Lord looked beyond Isaac’s limitations and renewed in him the promises previously spoken to Abram. “I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries.” v. 3. Nor did the Lord forget the faithfulness of Abraham, telling Isaac that these blessings were assured: “Because that Abraham obeyed My voice, and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws.” v. 5. How comforting to know that He is aware of every act of faithfulness, no matter how feeble it may be, and will reveal it before His own in a coming day.
Isaac was not in Egypt, but while in Gerar he was, nonetheless, in surroundings that were foreign to his position as a child of God. The Philistines dwelt in this place — a type of those who claim to be on Christian ground, but have not truly appropriated the things of God in their hearts and lives. The believer may well encounter those of this character as he walks the path of faith. Dependence on God and reliance on His Word alone will be the only safeguard from those who would not only encroach on Christian privileges, but would rob him of his joy in the Lord as well.
The Lord granted many material blessings to Isaac while he was in Gerar. This resulted in a jealous conflict on the part of the Philistines, “For he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him. For all the wells which his father’s servants had digged in the days of Abraham his father, the Philistines had stopped them, and filled them with earth.” vv. 14, 15.
Perhaps if Isaac had been more faithful in his testimony of God and paid less attention to the progress of his flocks and possessions, the Philistines would have been less envious, for it was his earthly prosperity that attracted them. Certain it is that they did not covet his relationship with God. In any event, when they found him prospering in their country they sought to hinder him by stopping up the wells which were so important to him.
ML-06/12/1966