Isaac is greatly blessed by God in regards to his crops, flocks and herds (v12-13). But success often brings envy and opposition and that is what Isaac faced (v14-16). Isaac’s nature appears to have not been confrontational. That was seen in his submission as a young man when his father was called to offer him as a sacrifice.

Isaac turns the other cheek and moves away (v17-19). When there is more opposition he turns the other cheek and moves away again (v20-22). Eventually Isaac finds a place of peace which he calls Rehoboth (v22).

There are times to stand strong and face opposition but there are many times when God calls us to walk away from conflict even if we have been in the right. We need to pray for God’s grace to have the strength to walk away and not fight back when we have been wronged.

When Isaac was under pressure and needing life giving water, he returned to reopen the wells of his father Abraham (v18). To be strengthened and refreshed it is good to learn from our spiritual forefathers and see where they got spiritual help. Progress often comes not by looking for new ideas but by going back to the proven old places of blessing.