The wells of Isaac

Genesis chapter 26 contains an important spiritual teaching about Isaac walking with God.

First and foremost we are being taught about the importance of water and wells. Especially in Middle Eastern countries, water is one of the most precious gifts one could get.

Digging wells will ensure your survival, the survival of your family, but also the growth of the farmer's seeds and thus, nourishment for everybody.

The symbolic of Isaac's wells

The story of the wells of Isaac has a much broader meaning than one could actually think. Not only are the wells a symbol of wealth and prosperity, but spiritually speaking they are a symbol of Salvation.

The Book of Isaiah states: "With joy you will draw water from the wells of Salvation".

Water is also one of the elements that symbolize the Holy Spirit, that is sometimes called "Liquid Spirit". Concretely, the Holy Spirit's presence feels like refreshing water to the thirsty soul.

in the Gospel of John (7.38), Yeshua promises us the "river of living water".

"He who believes in me as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow the river of living water."

The first well Isaac is living nearby is called Laha Roi which has the meaning in Hebrew of the well of the Living Seeing One.

Laha Roi is certainly the starting point of Isaac's vision of life. (Genesis 25:11)

Hashem's plans in Isaac's life

Genesis 26 reports about a time of famine in Beersheva during which Hashem requests from Isaac to stay in the land of the Philistines, in Gerar, instead of moving towards Egypt, with  a promise of guidance and blessings.

Let us point out that Isaac's obedience to Hashem is mandatory to be blessed.

True followers of our Messiah are supposed to be obedient, not as slaves would obey a despotic master, though, but because we know that our Lord's purpose is ALWAYS for our highest good. His plan is perfect.

Therefore we should never take a move to another place lightly. A Jewish friend told me, years ago: " a person who changes her place of residence changes her destiny", which is right. 

Obedience requires faith.

Isaac could have reacted by fear to the famine conditions, but he trusted that Hashem would provide. It is so much important to walk by faith and not by sight.

Isaac's faith was rewarded greatly.

"And Isaac sowed in that land and reaped in the same year a hundredfold. The Lord blessed him, and the man became rich, and gained more and more until he became very wealthy.(Genesis 26: 12-13)

Psalm 23:5 states: "you anoint my head and my cup overflows".

Whom the Lord truly blesses, He grants prosperity.

Isaac's difficulties-enlarging life's vision

Hashem was with Isaac despite the opposition and the disputes he encountered on his path. Success makes people envious. Two of Isaac's wells are named after these disputes Esek (quarrel) and Sitna (enemy).

Fortunately, God kept guiding Isaac and he eventually found a place of peace, where disputes were absent. Isaac named his well Rehoboth.

"He moved on from there and dug another well, and no one quarreled over it. He named it Rehoboth, saying, "Now the Lord has given us room and we will flourish in the land."(Genesis 26:22)

Rehobot was a broad and fruitful place. Nobody opposed prosperity and even his enemies are seeking peace.

Renewed Covenant, theophany and worship in Beersheva

Interestingly, when Isaac comes back to Beersheva, he has a personal face to face encounter with the Lord.

"The Lord appeared to him the same night and said, "I am the God of your father Abraham. Do not fear, for I am with you. I will bless you, and multiply your descendants. For the sake of my servant Abraham." Genesis 26:24

Hashem renews Abraham's Covenant with Isaac. 

Isaac starts worshipping the Saint of Israel and starts calling upon His Name. It is no coincidence that the last well mentioned is called Shiba,oath.

It is very important that the true follower of our Messiah worships Hashem in truth and Spirit. Any true follower who is determined to do our Lord's will, will also experience the manifestations of His presence, because it is a biblical promise.

"Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them." John 14:21

Copyright© by Isabelle Esling