And Abimelech said unto Isaac, Go from us; for thou art much mightier than we.
16. Go from us ] Abimelech recognized that, after such conduct on the part of his people, it would be best in the interests of peace that Isaac should withdraw. Isaac’s attitude is one of concession and compliance towards the people among whom he sojourns. He is the type of the race that grows rich, but excites envy and hatred in the land of its sojourn.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Verse 16. Go from us; for thou art much mightier than we.] This is the first instance on record of what was termed among the Greeks ostracism; i.e., the banishment of a person from the state, of whose power, influence, or riches, the people were jealous. There is a remarkable saying of Bacon on this subject, which seems to intimate that he had this very circumstance under his eye: “Public envy is an ostracism that eclipseth men when they grow too great.” On this same principle Pharaoh oppressed the Israelites. The Philistines appear to have been jealous of Isaac’s growing prosperity, and to have considered it, not as a due reward of his industry and holiness, but as their individual loss, as though his gain was at their expense; therefore they resolved to drive him out, and take his well-cultivated ground, &c., to themselves, and compelled Abimelech to dismiss him, who gave this reason for it, atsamta mimmennu, Thou hast obtained much wealth among us, and my people are envious of thee. Is not this the better translation? for it can hardly be supposed that Isaac was “mightier” than the king of whole tribes.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Which breeds envy, and jealousy, and fear among my subjects, and may occasion greater mischiefs; and therefore it is better that we should part friends, than by continuing together be turned into enemies.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
And Abimelech said unto Isaac, go from us,…. Which was either said by way of advice, consulting Isaac’s good, and the peace of his own kingdom; or else by way of command, enjoining him to depart, having a secret envy to him himself, or at least was jealous of his growing power and wealth:
for thou art much mightier than we; in riches or goods, as the Targum of Jonathan adds; or in number; his family being greatly increased, his servants numerous, many being born of them in his house; Abraham had three hundred and eighteen trained servants in his house, Ge 14:14; how many Isaac had is not certain; they must be a large number for Abimelech to fear anything from them. Some choose to interpret the words, thou hast increased, or thou hast got much from us, and by us; and therefore it is high time for thee to be gone from us.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
16. And Abimelech said unto Isaac. It is uncertain whether the king of Gerar expelled Isaac of his own accord from his kingdom, or whether he commanded him to settle elsewhere, because he perceived him to be envied by the people. He possibly might, in this manner, advise him as a friend; although it is more probable that his mind had become alienated from Isaac; for at the close of the chapter Moses relates, that the holy man complains strongly of the king as well as of others. But since we can assert nothing with certainty respecting the real feelings of the lying, let it suffice to maintain, what is of more importance, that in consequence of the common wickedness of mankind, they who are the most eminent fall under the suspicion of the common people. Satiety, indeed, produces ferocity. Wherefore there is nothing to which the rich are more prone than proudly to boast, to carry themselves more insolently than they ought, and to stretch every nerve of their power to oppress others. No such suspicion, indeed, could fall upon Isaac; but he had to bear that envy which was the attendant on a common vice. Whence we infer, how much more useful and desirable it often is, for us to be placed in a moderate condition; which is, at least, more peaceful, and which is neither exposed to the storms of envy, nor obnoxious to unjust suspicions. Moreover, how rare and unwonted was the blessing of God in rendering Isaac prosperous, may be inferred from the fact, that his wealth had become formidable both to the king and to the people. A large inheritance truly had descended to him from his father; but Moses shows, that from his first entrance into the land, he had so greatly prospered in a very short time, that it seemed no longer possible for the inhabitants to endure him.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
16. Go from us The Philistine king perceives that such a rich and prosperous chief as Isaac cannot peaceably dwell in Gerar . The strife between the different herdmen would be likely to be more bitter than that of the herdmen of Abram and Lot . Gen 13:7. So while Abraham was invited to stay and settle anywhere, (Gen 20:15,) Isaac is invited to leave .
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Gen 26:16. Gofor thou art much, &c. In consequence of the envy arising from Isaac’s prosperity, Abimelech desired him to leave his country. That this envy was joined with fear, is evident as well from the expression, for thou art much mightier than we, as from Gen 26:28-29. See Exo 1:9. We are to remember, that princes and princedoms in those days were but petty and inconsiderable: and if Abraham so many years before could arm three hundred and eighteen of his own domestics, ch. Gen 14:14. we may well believe that Isaac’s family was much more extensive.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Exo 1:9
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Gen 26:16 And Abimelech said unto Isaac, Go from us; for thou art much mightier than we.
Ver. 16. Go from us; for thou art, &c. ] Isaaco ob benedictionem Dei Ostracismus indicitur. It was well they had nothing against him. Of Isaac it may be more truly said, than of Mithridates, Virtute eximius, aliquando fortuna, semper animo maximus. a D as Dio saith of Pompey. b
a Paterculus.
b Dio, lib. 41.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Go: Dr. A. Clarke observes, that this is the first instance on record of what was termed among the Greeks, ostracism, i.e., the banishment of person from the state, of whose power, influence, or riches, the people were jealous.
mightier: Exo 1:9
Reciprocal: Gen 20:2 – Abimelech Gen 26:27 – seeing Mar 5:17 – General
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Gen 26:16. Go from us: for thou art much mightier than we It seems Isaacs increasing riches and power caused envy, jealousy, and fear among Abimelechs subjects, and he was afraid that unpleasant consequences might follow should Isaac continue in that neighbourhood.
Gen 26:20-21. Esek means contention; and Sitnah, hatred.