Chapter Summary

Covenant confirmed to Isaac. Isaac's lapse at Gerar, Isaac as a well digger.

Discussion Questions for Genesis, Chapter 26

1. In what ways does God's commandment to "not go down to Egypt" reference future events, like the Exodus of Moses and even Jesus's family? What prophetic clues does this give to the importance of the "land" (HCSB) that God had promised Abraham? How might you be tempted to deviate from God's plan when difficulties or uncertainties arise?
2. How does Isaac's situation in Chapter 26 mirror Abraham's situation previously, including the "famine" (HCSB)? Why do you think God allows similar situations to reaffirm the same promises to Isaac as to Abraham? How does God use repetition in your own life to point you to His promises and work?
3. In what ways does Isaac's deception with "Abimelech" (HCSB) foreshadow his own son's deception in chapter 27? What is the impact of generational sin in this chapter, and throughout Isaac's family? How have you seen generational sin in your own life or family, and what are steps you have to take to break that chain?
4. What was the reason given in verse 5 that God would bless the descendants of Abraham? What role do faith and obedience play in our relationship with God? How can you demonstrate faith in God in your daily choices?
5. What does Isaac and Abimelech's interaction say about the sin and wickedness of the nearby Philistines? How does Isaac's deception contribute to the overall theme of human depravity in this chapter? In what ways does Isaac's confrontation contrast to the godly interactions of Abraham and the Hittites? What does this interaction teach you about how to have Godly interactions with others?
6. What is the significance of the perpetual quarreling and fighting over the water wells? In what ways do water wells symbolically portray spiritual provision and sustenance? Can you identify broader biblical themes of wells and their symbolic meanings? What does the symbolism of wells teach you about trusting God in your daily needs?
7. Why does God appear to Isaac to reaffirm the Abrahamic covenants a second time? Do you think that Isaac's hostilities with the Philistines might have derailed his confidence in God's promises? What are times that your trust in God has faltered because of circumstances? How did you combat that with truth from God?
8. What is the significance of Isaac building an "altar" (HCSB) to God? How does the theme of "remembering" and milestones continue to play out in the lineage of Abraham? Why is it important to identify spiritual milestones in life? What spiritual milestones have you had, and how have the impacted your relationship with God?
9. Beginning in verse 26, why does Abimelech suddenly have a change of heart about Isaac? How does this demonstrate God's ability to reconcile even the fiercest of enemies? What prompted Abimelech to reconcile with Isaac? In what ways have you seen successful reconciliation in your life? Who is a person in your life right now that you might need to reconcile with?
10. How did Esau make "life bitter" for Isaac and Rebekah? Does his multi-marriage to Hittite women play a role in that? How does Esau's marriage to pagan women underscore God's prophecy in chapter 25 that the two brothers would separate? How does Esau's actions affirm God's choice of Isaac as His chosen heir? What choices might you have made that would have made life bitter for those close to you, and how did God redeem that?

Key Words/Phrase

Blessed, v. 12.

Characters

Isaac, Rebekah, Abimelech, Ahuzzath, Phichol, Esau, Judith.

Strong Verse(s)

2, 24, 25, 28.