the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen, saying, “The water is ours.” So he called the name of the well Esek, because they contended with him.
Here we have, I. The tokens of God's good-will to Isaac. He blessed him, and prospered him, and made all that he had to thrive under his hands. 1. His corn multiplied strangely, Gen 26:12. He had no land of his own, but took land of the Philistines, and sowed it; and (be it observed for the encouragement of poor tenants, that occupy other people's...
Commenting on Genesis 26:12-25
And they digged another well,.... That is, Isaac's servants: and strove for that also; the herdsmen of Gerar disputed their right to that also, and strove to get it from them: and he called the name of it Sitnah; which signifies "hatred", it being out of hatred and malice to him that they gave him so much trouble; from this word Satan has his name...
Gen 26:18-22 Reopening and Discovery of Wells. - In this valley Isaac dug open the old wells which had existed from Abraham’s time, and gave them the old names. His people also dug three new wells. But Abimelech’s people raised a contest about two of these; and for this reason Isaac called them Esek and Sitnah, strife and opposition.
Commenting on Genesis 26:18-22