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(Part 26 in the “God Keeping Covenant” Series)

Genesis 26 is the only chapter in the entire Bible dedicated solely to Isaac.
Abraham is gone.
Jacob is not yet the covenant carrier.
This chapter shows us how God establishes Isaac personally as the heir of the Abrahamic covenant.

We see:

• Famine
• Fear
• Divine promises
• Protection
• Prosperity
• Conflict over wells
• A covenant treaty
• God’s faithfulness in the life of the second generation

Theme: God keeps covenant by reaffirming His promises, prospering His people, and protecting His purpose—even during famine and conflict.

Genesis 26:1–3 — Famine & Divine Instruction

God tells Isaac:

• Do NOT go to Egypt (the world system)
• Stay where I tell you
• I will bless you right here

Covenant Lesson:

God can bless you in the famine if you stay in His will.

Illustration:

A believer prospering during a recession because covenant people live by God’s economy, not the world’s economy.

Genesis 26:3–5 — God Repeats Abraham’s Covenant

God says:

• “I will be with you”
• “I will bless you”
• “I will give these lands to you”
• “In your seed all nations will be blessed”

Covenant Lesson:

Covenant blessings transfer from one generation to the next—BUT the next generation must walk in obedience.

Genesis 26:6–11 — Isaac’s Fear & God’s Protection

Like Abraham, Isaac lies about Rebekah, saying:

Abimelech discovers the truth but does NOT harm Isaac—because God protects covenant people even when they fail.

Covenant Lesson:

God’s covenant protection remains even when your faith wavers.

Genesis 26:12–14 — Isaac Sows in Famine & Reaps 100-Fold

This is supernatural.

Covenant Lesson:

When covenant people sow in obedience, God gives miraculous increase.

Illustration:

A church planting seeds of generosity during financial shortage and seeing unexpected overflow.

Genesis 26:15–16 — Envy of the Philistines

The Philistines fill Abraham’s wells with dirt.
Abimelech tells Isaac:

Covenant Lesson:

God’s blessing attracts both favor and envy.

Genesis 26:17–22 — The Battle for the Wells

Isaac digs wells:

• Esek (“contention”)
• Sitnah (“opposition/hatred”)
• Rehoboth (“room, enlargement”) — “For now the LORD has made room for us.”

Covenant Lesson:

Before God brings expansion, you may fight battles of contention and opposition.

Illustration:

Every new ministry assignment comes with:

• resistance
• criticism
• spiritual warfare
  But then… God gives Rehoboth.

Genesis 26:23–25 — God Appears Again

In Beersheba God says:

Isaac:

• builds an altar
• pitches his tent
• digs a well

Covenant Lesson:

Every covenant person must:

1. Worship (altar)
2. Dwell in God’s presence (tent)

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