Genesis 26:7 Commentary and Bible Study

Isaac faced the same danger that Abraham had faced (Genesis 12:13; 20:2) and resorted to the same evasive scheme to avoid harm. Rebekah was like Sarah a very attractive woman and Isaac anticipated trouble on her account, knowing the debased morals of the people among whom he lived. He believed that they would not hesitate to murder him in order to take Rebekah for themselves since he was a foreigner living among them. In adopting this policy Isaac, like Abraham, denied his wife the protection she was entitled to. However unhappy Rebekah was about this plan, she went along with it and did not object. Isaac had less excuse for this than Abraham, for God intends that we should learn from the mistakes of others. The failings of Israel of old are recorded just so that we do not go the same way that they went. Abraham had twice denied that Sarah was his wife, and withdrew his own protection to which she was entitled, and left God to defend her. Isaac would have known the shame that came from Abraham’s dishonesty, but he still did the same thing. Faith should bring courage, and should make us choose the right path even when it seems to be associated with danger. We ought to be convinced at all times that the path of obedience is the safest path, and go forward boldly relying on the Lord. God never wants us to resort to dishonesty in order to protect ourselves, but faith is needed to take the right path at times. We are called to face dangers for the Lord’s sake, and some of these arise merely from living in this unbelieving world. If the will of the Lord causes us to come into danger then we can confidently ask for protection knowing that God is not unjust to abandon us to our enemies.