Genesis 26:19
ESV
But when Isaac 's servants dug in the valley and found there a well of spring water,
NIV
Isaac’s servants dug in the valley and discovered a well of fresh water there.
NASB
But when Isaac’s servants dug in the valley and found there a well of flowing water,
CSB
Then Isaac’s servants dug in the valley and found a well of spring water there.
NLT
Isaac’s servants also dug in the Gerar Valley and discovered a well of fresh water.
KJV
And Isaac's servants digged in the valley, and found there a well of springing water.
NKJV
Also Isaac’s servants dug in the valley, and found a well of running water there.
What does Genesis 26:19 mean?
Isaac has relocated his large company to the Valley of Gerar, at the request of the local king, Abimelech. This would have reduced the sense of envy and fear the Philistines had over his great wealth (Genesis 26:14–16). At the same time, this choice would allow Isaac to honor God's command to stay in this region instead of going to Egypt (Genesis 26:2–3). Having moved to a new location, Isaac and his entourage are looking for water. He has reopened some wells that had been used years before by his father Abraham (Genesis 21:23–33). This verse begins a sentence describing what happened when Isaac's servants found a new spring to use as a water source. The discovery led to immediate conflict—the local people are not satisfied with where Isaac's people are seeking water (Genesis 26:20).Genesis 26:6–35 describes Isaac's interactions with the Philistines while living in and around the land of Gerar. After Isaac is caught in a lie about Rebekah being his sister, king Abimelech is angry. However, he protects Isaac and Rebekah. God blesses Isaac abundantly, and his wealth grows to the point where his power provokes the king to send him away. Following a series of disputes over water rights, the king and Isaac eventually make a treaty of peace. God appears to Isaac for a second time, telling him not to fear, and renewing His promises.
Genesis 26 focuses on God's assurances to Isaac to be with him and to bless him, mostly while Isaac and his household are settled in the land of the Philistines. Just as Abraham did, Isaac fearfully lies about his wife being his sister, nearly bringing disaster on Abimelech and his kingdom. Still, God blesses Isaac with greater and greater abundance to the point that Abimelech sends Isaac away because he has become too powerful. After continued disputes over water rights, Abimelech and Isaac eventually make a covenant of peace.
