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cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad6.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/genesis/26-25.htm" title="Genesis 26:25">◄</a> Genesis 26:26 <a href="/genesis/26-27.htm" title="Genesis 26:27">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Heb </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/genesis/26.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/genesis/26.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Meanwhile, Abimelek had come to him from Gerar, with Ahuzzath his personal adviser and Phicol the commander of his forces.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/genesis/26.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />One day King Abimelech came from Gerar with his adviser, Ahuzzath, and also Phicol, his army commander.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/genesis/26.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />When Abimelech went to him from Gerar with Ahuzzath his adviser and Phicol the commander of his army,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/genesis/26.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Later, Abimelech came to Isaac from Gerar, with Ahuzzath his adviser and Phicol the commander of his army.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/genesis/26.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />Then Abimelech went to him from Gerar, and Ahuzzath one of his friends, and Phichol the chief captain of his army.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/genesis/26.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />Then Abimelech came to him from Gerar with Ahuzzath, one of his friends, and Phichol the commander of his army.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/genesis/26.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />Then Abimelech came to him from Gerar with his adviser Ahuzzath, and Phicol the commander of his army.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/genesis/26.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />Then Abimelech came to him from Gerar with his adviser Ahuzzath and Phicol the commander of his army.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/genesis/26.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />Then Abimelech came to him from Gerar with his adviser Ahuzzath, and Phicol the commander of his army.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/genesis/26.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />Now Abimelech came to him from Gerar with his adviser Ahuzzath and Phicol the commander of his army.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/genesis/26.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />Then Abimelech came to him from Gerar with Ahuzzath, his [close friend and confidential] adviser, and Phicol, the commander of his army.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/genesis/26.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now Abimelech came to him from Gerar with Ahuzzath his adviser and Phicol the commander of his army.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/genesis/26.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Now Abimelech came to him from Gerar with Ahuzzath his adviser and Phicol the commander of his army.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/genesis/26.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Abimelech went to him from Gerar, and Ahuzzath his friend, and Phicol the captain of his host.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/genesis/26.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Meanwhile, Abimelech had left Gerar and was taking his advisor Ahuzzath and his army commander Phicol to see Isaac. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/genesis/26.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />Then Abimelech went to him from Gerar, and Ahuzzath his friend, and Phicol the captain of his host.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/genesis/26.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Abimelech, his friend Ahuzzath, and Phicol, the commander of his army, came from Gerar to see Isaac.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/genesis/26.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Abimelech came from Gerar with Ahuzzath his adviser and Phicol the commander of his army to see Isaac. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/genesis/26.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Later, Abimelech traveled from Gerar to visit Isaac . He arrived with Ahuzzath, his staff advisor, and Phicol, the commanding officer of his army.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/genesis/26.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Later, Abimelech came to Isaac from Gerar, with Ahuzzath his adviser and Phicol the commander of his army.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/genesis/26.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />Now Abimelech had come to him from Gerar along with Ahuzzah his friend and Phicol the commander of his army.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/genesis/26.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />Then Abimelech went to him from Gerar, and Ahuzzath his friend, and Phicol the commander of his army.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/genesis/26.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />Then Abimelech went to him from Gerar, and Ahuzzath one of his friends, and Phichol the chief captain of his army.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/genesis/26.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />Then Abimelech went to him from Gerar with Ahuzzath his friend, and Phicol the captain of his army. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/genesis/26.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />And Abimelech has gone to him from Gerar, and Ahuzzath his friend, and Phichol head of his host;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/genesis/26.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> And Abimelech hath gone unto him from Gerar, and Ahuzzath his friend, and Phichol head of his host;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/genesis/26.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And Abimelech went to him from Gerar, and Ahuzzath his friend, and Phicol, leader of his army.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/genesis/26.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />To which place when Abimelech, and Ochozath his friend, and Phicol chief captain of his soldiers came from Gerara, <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/genesis/26.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />When Abimelech, and Ahuzzath, his friend, and Phicol, the leader of the military, had arrived from Gerar to that place,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/genesis/26.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Then Abimelech came to him from Gerar, with Ahuzzath, his councilor, and Phicol, the general of his army.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/genesis/26.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />Then Abimelech went to him from Gerar, with Ahuzzath his adviser and Phicol the commander of his army.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/genesis/26.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />Then Abimeleck went to him from Gadar, and Ahuzzath one of his friends, and Phichol the general of his army.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hpbt/genesis/26.htm">Peshitta Holy Bible Translated</a></span><br />And Abimelek came to him from Gadar, and Akhzwath his friend, and Phikal the Leader of his army.<div class="vheading2"><b>OT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/jps/genesis/26.htm">JPS Tanakh 1917</a></span><br />Then Abimelech went to him from Gerar, and Ahuzzath his friend, and Phicol the captain of his host.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/sep/genesis/26.htm">Brenton Septuagint Translation</a></span><br />And Abimelech came to him from Gerara, and so did Ochozath his friend, and Phichol the commander-in-chief of his army.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/genesis/26-26.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7ehevn8iSgc?start=6238" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/genesis/26.htm">Isaac's Covenant with Abimelech</a></span><br> <span class="reftext">26</span><span class="highl"><a href="/hebrew/40.htm" title="40: wa·’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- From 'ab and melek; father of king; Abimelek, the name of two Philistine kings and of two Israelites.">Later, Abimelech</a> <a href="/hebrew/1980.htm" title="1980: hā·laḵ (V-Qal-Perf-3ms) -- To go, come, walk. Akin to yalak; a primitive root; to walk.">came</a> <a href="/hebrew/413.htm" title="413: ’ê·lāw (Prep:: 3ms) -- To, into, towards. ">to Isaac</a> <a href="/hebrew/1642.htm" title="1642: mig·gə·rār (Prep-m:: N-proper-fs) -- A place S. of Gaza. Probably from garar; a rolling country; Gerar, a Philistine city.">from Gerar,</a> <a href="/hebrew/276.htm" title="276: wa·’ă·ḥuz·zaṯ (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- Possession, a friend of Abimelech. A variation of 'achuzzah; possession; Achuzzath, a Philistine.">with Ahuzzath</a> <a href="/hebrew/4828.htm" title="4828: mê·rê·‘ê·hū (N-msc:: 3ms) -- Friend, companion. From ra'ah in the sense of companionship; a friend.">his adviser</a> <a href="/hebrew/6369.htm" title="6369: ū·p̄î·ḵōl (Conj-w:: N-proper-ms) -- Commander of Abimelech's army. Apparently from peh and kol; mouth of all; Picol, a Philistine.">and Phicol</a> <a href="/hebrew/8269.htm" title="8269: śar- (N-msc) -- Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince. From sarar; a head person.">the commander</a> <a href="/hebrew/6635.htm" title="6635: ṣə·ḇā·’ōw (N-csc:: 3ms) -- Or tsbadah; from tsaba'; a mass of persons, especially reg. Organized for war; by implication, a campaign, literally or figuratively.">of his army.</a> </span><span class="reftext">27</span>“Why have you come to me?” Isaac asked them. “You hated me and sent me away.”…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/21-22.htm">Genesis 21:22-32</a></span><br />At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army said to Abraham, “God is with you in all that you do. / Now, therefore, swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or descendants. Show to me and to the country in which you reside the same kindness that I have shown to you.” / And Abraham replied, “I swear it.” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/31-44.htm">Genesis 31:44-54</a></span><br />Come now, let us make a covenant, you and I, and let it serve as a witness between you and me.” / So Jacob picked out a stone and set it up as a pillar, / and he said to his relatives, “Gather some stones.” So they took stones and made a mound, and there by the mound they ate. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/24-31.htm">Genesis 24:31</a></span><br />“Come, you who are blessed by the LORD,” said Laban. “Why are you standing out here? I have prepared the house and a place for the camels.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/33-4.htm">Genesis 33:4-11</a></span><br />Esau, however, ran to him and embraced him, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him. And they both wept. / When Esau looked up and saw the women and children, he asked, “Who are these with you?” Jacob answered, “These are the children God has graciously given your servant.” / Then the maidservants and their children approached and bowed down. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/34-21.htm">Genesis 34:21</a></span><br />“These men are at peace with us. Let them live and trade in our land; indeed, it is large enough for them. Let us take their daughters in marriage and give our daughters to them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/genesis/50-15.htm">Genesis 50:15-21</a></span><br />When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “What if Joseph bears a grudge? Then he will surely repay us for all the evil that we did to him.” / So they sent word to Joseph, saying, “Before he died, your father commanded, / ‘This is what you are to say to Joseph: I beg you, please forgive the transgression and sin of your brothers, for they did you wrong.’ So now, Joseph, please forgive the transgression of the servants of the God of your father.” When their message came to him, Joseph wept. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/exodus/18-7.htm">Exodus 18:7-12</a></span><br />So Moses went out to meet his father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him. They greeted each other and went into the tent. / Then Moses recounted to his father-in-law all that the LORD had done to Pharaoh and the Egyptians for Israel’s sake, all the hardships they had encountered along the way, and how the LORD had delivered them. / And Jethro rejoiced over all the good things the LORD had done for Israel, whom He had rescued from the hand of the Egyptians. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/joshua/9-15.htm">Joshua 9:15-21</a></span><br />And Joshua made a treaty of peace with them to let them live, and the leaders of the congregation swore an oath to them. / Three days after they had made the treaty with the Gibeonites, the Israelites learned that they were neighbors, living among them. / So the Israelites set out and on the third day arrived at their cities—Gibeon, Chephirah, Beeroth, and Kiriath-jearim. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_samuel/29-6.htm">1 Samuel 29:6-9</a></span><br />So Achish summoned David and told him, “As surely as the LORD lives, you have been upright, and it seems right in my sight that you should march in and out with me in the army, because I have found no fault in you from the day you came to me until this day. But you are not good in the sight of the leaders. / Therefore turn back now and go in peace, so that you will not do anything to displease the leaders of the Philistines.” / “But what have I done?” David replied. “What have you found against your servant, from the day I came to you until today, to keep me from going along to fight against the enemies of my lord the king?” ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_samuel/3-20.htm">2 Samuel 3:20-21</a></span><br />When Abner and twenty of his men came to David at Hebron, David held a feast for them. / Then Abner said to David, “Let me go at once, and I will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make a covenant with you, and that you may rule over all that your heart desires.” So David dismissed Abner, and he went in peace.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_kings/5-1.htm">1 Kings 5:1-12</a></span><br />Now when Hiram king of Tyre heard that Solomon had been anointed king in his father’s place, he sent envoys to Solomon; for Hiram had always been a friend of David. / And Solomon relayed this message to Hiram: / “As you are well aware, due to the wars waged on all sides against my father David, he could not build a house for the Name of the LORD his God until the LORD had put his enemies under his feet. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_kings/6-21.htm">2 Kings 6:21-23</a></span><br />And when the king of Israel saw them, he asked Elisha, “My father, shall I kill them? Shall I kill them?” / “Do not kill them,” he replied. “Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them, that they may eat and drink and then return to their master.” / So the king prepared a great feast for them, and after they had finished eating and drinking, he sent them away, and they returned to their master. And the Aramean raiders did not come into the land of Israel again.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_chronicles/18-3.htm">2 Chronicles 18:3</a></span><br />Ahab king of Israel asked Jehoshaphat king of Judah, “Will you go with me against Ramoth-gilead?” And Jehoshaphat replied, “I am as you are, and my people are your people; we will join you in the war.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/120-7.htm">Psalm 120:7</a></span><br />I am in favor of peace; but when I speak, they want war.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/16-7.htm">Proverbs 16:7</a></span><br />When a man’s ways please the LORD, He makes even the man’s enemies live at peace with him.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">Then Abimelech went to him from Gerar, and Ahuzzath one of his friends, and Phichol the chief captain of his army.</p><p class="hdg">Abimelech.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/20-3.htm">Genesis 20:3</a></b></br> But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, Behold, thou <i>art but</i> a dead man, for the woman which thou hast taken; for she <i>is</i> a man's wife.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/21-22.htm">Genesis 21:22-32</a></b></br> And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God <i>is</i> with thee in all that thou doest: … </p><p class="hdg">Phichol.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/21-22.htm">Genesis 21:22</a></b></br> And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God <i>is</i> with thee in all that thou doest:</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/genesis/21-32.htm">Genesis 21:32</a></b></br> Thus they made a covenant at Beersheba: then Abimelech rose up, and Phichol the chief captain of his host, and they returned into the land of the Philistines.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/genesis/26-16.htm">Abimelech</a> <a href="/genesis/26-16.htm">Abim'elech</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-5.htm">Adviser</a> <a href="/genesis/21-32.htm">Army</a> <a href="/genesis/21-32.htm">Captain</a> <a href="/genesis/24-2.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/genesis/21-32.htm">Commander</a> <a href="/genesis/21-32.htm">Forces</a> <a href="/revelation/2-13.htm">Friend</a> <a href="/genesis/19-7.htm">Friends</a> <a href="/genesis/26-20.htm">Gerar</a> <a href="/genesis/25-25.htm">Head</a> <a href="/genesis/21-32.htm">Host</a> <a href="/genesis/24-21.htm">Meanwhile</a> <a href="/james/2-1.htm">Personal</a> <a href="/genesis/21-32.htm">Phichol</a> <a href="/genesis/21-32.htm">Phicol</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/judges/8-31.htm">Abimelech</a> <a href="/judges/8-31.htm">Abim'elech</a> <a href="/1_kings/4-5.htm">Adviser</a> <a href="/genesis/28-3.htm">Army</a> <a href="/genesis/37-36.htm">Captain</a> <a href="/genesis/34-2.htm">Chief</a> <a href="/joshua/5-14.htm">Commander</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/22-25.htm">Forces</a> <a href="/genesis/38-1.htm">Friend</a> <a href="/judges/5-31.htm">Friends</a> <a href="/2_chronicles/14-13.htm">Gerar</a> <a href="/genesis/28-11.htm">Head</a> <a href="/genesis/32-2.htm">Host</a> <a href="/genesis/37-36.htm">Meanwhile</a> <a href="/genesis/39-4.htm">Personal</a> <a href="/genesis/21-22.htm">Phichol</a> <a href="/genesis/21-22.htm">Phicol</a><div class="vheading2">Genesis 26</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/26-1.htm">Isaac, because of famine, sojourns in Gerar, and the Lord blesses him.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">7. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/26-7.htm">He is reproved by Abimelech for denying his wife.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">12. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/26-12.htm">He grows rich, and the Philistines envy his prosperity.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">18. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/26-18.htm">He digs wells.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">23. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/26-23.htm">God appears to him at Beersheba, and blesses him; </a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/26-26.htm">and Abimelech makes a covenant with him.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">34. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/genesis/26-34.htm">Esau's wives.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/26.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/genesis/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/genesis/26.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Later, Abimelech came to Isaac from Gerar</b><br>Abimelech, likely a title for Philistine kings rather than a personal name, represents the leadership of Gerar, a Philistine city. This visit occurs after Isaac has become prosperous in the land, causing tension with the Philistines. The journey from Gerar to Isaac signifies a diplomatic mission, possibly to resolve conflicts over water rights and territorial disputes. Historically, Gerar was a significant city in the Negev region, and its leaders often interacted with the patriarchs, as seen with Abraham in <a href="/genesis/20.htm">Genesis 20</a>. This encounter reflects the ongoing relationship and tension between the descendants of Abraham and the Philistines, foreshadowing future interactions between Israel and Philistine territories.<p><b>with Ahuzzath his adviser</b><br>Ahuzzath, mentioned only here in the Bible, serves as an adviser to Abimelech, indicating the importance of the mission. The presence of an adviser suggests that the meeting with Isaac was not merely a personal visit but a formal diplomatic engagement. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, advisers played crucial roles in political and military strategies, highlighting the significance of this encounter. This inclusion underscores the seriousness with which Abimelech approached the situation, seeking to establish or maintain peaceful relations with Isaac.<p><b>and Phicol the commander of his army</b><br>Phicol, also mentioned in <a href="/genesis/21-22.htm">Genesis 21:22</a> in the context of Abraham, is likely a title for the military leader of Gerar. His presence indicates the potential for conflict or the need for a show of strength, emphasizing the importance of the negotiations. The inclusion of a military commander in diplomatic discussions was common in ancient times, reflecting the intertwined nature of political and military affairs. This meeting prefigures the complex relationships between Israel and its neighbors, where diplomacy and military might often intersected. The presence of Phicol also highlights the protective hand of God over Isaac, as even powerful leaders sought peace with him, foreshadowing the divine protection promised to Israel.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/a/abimelech.htm">Abimelech</a></b><br>The king of Gerar, a Philistine city. He previously interacted with Isaac regarding the wells and the deception about Rebekah being Isaac's sister.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/a/ahuzzath.htm">Ahuzzath</a></b><br>An adviser to Abimelech. His presence indicates the importance of the meeting with Isaac.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/p/phicol.htm">Phicol</a></b><br>The commander of Abimelech's army. His involvement suggests the meeting had significant political or military implications.<br><br>4. <b><a href="/topical/g/gerar.htm">Gerar</a></b><br>A Philistine city where Isaac had settled and experienced conflict over wells. It represents a place of both conflict and resolution for Isaac.<br><br>5. <b><a href="/topical/i/isaac.htm">Isaac</a></b><br>The son of Abraham, who had been living in Gerar and faced disputes over water rights, which were crucial for survival and prosperity.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/g/god's_faithfulness_across_generations.htm">God's Faithfulness Across Generations</a></b><br>Just as God was with Abraham, He is with Isaac, demonstrating His unchanging nature and faithfulness to His promises.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/conflict_resolution.htm">Conflict Resolution</a></b><br>Isaac's interactions with Abimelech show the importance of seeking peaceful resolutions and the role of diplomacy in resolving disputes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_witnesses.htm">The Importance of Witnesses</a></b><br>The presence of Ahuzzath and Phicol underscores the importance of having witnesses in significant agreements, a principle that can be applied in personal and business dealings today.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/trusting_god's_provision.htm">Trusting God's Provision</a></b><br>Despite conflicts over resources, Isaac's account reminds us to trust in God's provision and timing.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/l/legacy_and_influence.htm">Legacy and Influence</a></b><br>Isaac's dealings with Abimelech reflect the influence and legacy of his father, Abraham, encouraging us to consider the impact of our actions on future generations.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_genesis_26.htm">Top 10 Lessons from Genesis 26</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_do_philistines_in_genesis_contradict_history.htm">Why does the existence of Philistines in Genesis contradict the historical record, as they arrived centuries later?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_is_abimelech_in_genesis_26_8_related.htm">How do we reconcile the figure called Abimelech here (Genesis 26:8) with the Abimelech who interacted with Abraham generations earlier? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_genesis_20_a_repeated_deception_pattern.htm">Does the account in Genesis 20 conflict with similar narratives in Genesis 12:10-20 and Genesis 26:1-11, implying a repeated pattern of deception?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/why_mention_philistines_in_abraham's_time.htm">Why does the Bible describe the Philistines in Abraham's time when they only arrived in Canaan centuries later?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/genesis/26.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(26) <span class= "bld">Abimelech went to him.</span>--The return of Isaac to Beer-sheba was a matter of serious importance also to Abimelech. The Philistines were themselves an alien race, and an alliance between Isaac and Ishmael, and others of the Semitic stock, might end in their expulsion from the country. Abraham had also been confederate with the Amorites (<a href="/genesis/14-13.htm" title="And there came one that had escaped, and told Abram the Hebrew; for he dwelled in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Eshcol, and brother of Aner: and these were confederate with Abram.">Genesis 14:13</a>), and on friendly terms with the Hittites (<a href="/genesis/23-6.htm" title="Hear us, my lord: you are a mighty prince among us: in the choice of our sepulchers bury your dead; none of us shall withhold from you his sepulcher, but that you may bury your dead.">Genesis 23:6</a>)<span class= "ital">, </span>the two most powerful races of Canaan, and they might be ready to aid his son. When, then, Isaac thus retraced his steps, Abimelech, uncertain of Isaac's purpose, deter mined to offer peace and friendship, and to propose the renewal of the old covenant which had existed between Abraham and the people of Gerar.<p><span class= "bld">Ahuzzath.</span>--This is one of several points peculiar to this narrative; but it is uncertain whether it be a proper name, or whether, with the Targum and Jerome, we are to understand by it <span class= "ital">a company, </span>that is, an escort of friends. If it be a proper name, the rendering should be, <span class= "ital">Ahuzzath, his friend, </span>that is, his confidant and privy counsellor.<p><span class= "bld">Phichol.</span>--See Note on <a href="/genesis/21-22.htm" title="And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spoke to Abraham, saying, God is with you in all that you do:">Genesis 21:22</a>.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/genesis/26.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 26.</span> - <span class="cmt_word">Then</span> (literally, and) <span class="cmt_word">Abimelech went to him from Gerar,</span> - the object of this visit was to resuscitate the alliance which had formerly existed between the predecessor of Abimelech and Abraham (<a href="/genesis/21-22.htm">Genesis 21:22-32</a>); yet the dissimilarity between the two accounts is so great as to discredit the hypothesis that the present is only another version of the earlier transaction - <span class="cmt_word">and Ahuzzath one of his friends</span>, - <span class="hebrew">מֵרֵעֵהוּ</span>; neither <span class="greek">ὁ νυμφαγωγὸς αὐτοῦ</span> (LXX.), nor a suite or number of his friends (Onkelos), nor one of his friends (A.V.); but his friend, and probably his privy councilor (Keil, Kalisch, Murphy), whose presence along with the monarch and his general marks the first point of difference between the present and the former incident - <span class="cmt_word">and Phichol</span> (<span class="accented">vide</span> <a href="/genesis/21-22.htm">Genesis 21:22</a>) <span class="cmt_word">the chief captain of his army.</span> <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/genesis/26-26.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Hebrew</div><span class="word">Later, Abimelech</span><br /><span class="heb">וַאֲבִימֶ֕לֶךְ</span> <span class="translit">(wa·’ă·ḇî·me·leḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_40.htm">Strong's 40: </a> </span><span class="str2">Abimelech -- 'father is king', a Philistine name, also an Israelite name</span><br /><br /><span class="word">came</span><br /><span class="heb">הָלַ֥ךְ</span> <span class="translit">(hā·laḵ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1980.htm">Strong's 1980: </a> </span><span class="str2">To go, come, walk</span><br /><br /><span class="word">to [Isaac]</span><br /><span class="heb">אֵלָ֖יו</span> <span class="translit">(’ê·lāw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_413.htm">Strong's 413: </a> </span><span class="str2">Near, with, among, to</span><br /><br /><span class="word">from Gerar,</span><br /><span class="heb">מִגְּרָ֑ר</span> <span class="translit">(mig·gə·rār)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition-m | Noun - proper - feminine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_1642.htm">Strong's 1642: </a> </span><span class="str2">Gerar -- a place South of Gaza</span><br /><br /><span class="word">with Ahuzzath</span><br /><span class="heb">וַאֲחֻזַּת֙</span> <span class="translit">(wa·’ă·ḥuz·zaṯ)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_276.htm">Strong's 276: </a> </span><span class="str2">Ahuzzath -- 'possession', a friend of Abimelech</span><br /><br /><span class="word">his adviser</span><br /><span class="heb">מֵֽרֵעֵ֔הוּ</span> <span class="translit">(mê·rê·‘ê·hū)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_4828.htm">Strong's 4828: </a> </span><span class="str2">Friend, companion</span><br /><br /><span class="word">and Phicol</span><br /><span class="heb">וּפִיכֹ֖ל</span> <span class="translit">(ū·p̄î·ḵōl)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunctive waw | Noun - proper - masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6369.htm">Strong's 6369: </a> </span><span class="str2">Phicol -- commander of Abimelech's army</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the commander</span><br /><span class="heb">שַׂר־</span> <span class="translit">(śar-)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - masculine singular construct<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_8269.htm">Strong's 8269: </a> </span><span class="str2">Chieftain, chief, ruler, official, captain, prince</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of his army.</span><br /><span class="heb">צְבָאֽוֹ׃</span> <span class="translit">(ṣə·ḇā·’ōw)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - common singular construct | third person masculine singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/hebrew/strongs_6635.htm">Strong's 6635: </a> </span><span class="str2">A mass of persons, reg, organized for, war, a campaign</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/genesis/26-26.htm">Genesis 26:26 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/genesis/26-26.htm">Genesis 26:26 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/genesis/26-26.htm">Genesis 26:26 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/genesis/26-26.htm">Genesis 26:26 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/genesis/26-26.htm">Genesis 26:26 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/genesis/26-26.htm">Genesis 26:26 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/genesis/26-26.htm">Genesis 26:26 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/genesis/26-26.htm">Genesis 26:26 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/genesis/26-26.htm">Genesis 26:26 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/genesis/26-26.htm">Genesis 26:26 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/genesis/26-26.htm">OT Law: Genesis 26:26 Then Abimelech went to him from Gerar (Gen. Ge Gn)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/genesis/26-25.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Genesis 26:25"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Genesis 26:25" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/genesis/26-27.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Genesis 26:27"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Genesis 26:27" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>