Genesis 26:1-35

Many scholars overlook the 26th chapter of Genesis. This is the only chapter in the bible that tells us about Isaac. He is an important individual. He had a different personality from his father Abraham. This chapter is important for us to understand what is going on in the Mideast today. This chapter also teaches us how to live as Christians in some ways.

1 ¶ And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar. Abraham faced the same thing about 100 years before and he went down to Egypt, which he shouldn't have done. Anytime we see the word Egypt, it means the world. It's like God's children running to the world for answers. We shouldn't do that. Running to the Abimelech king was the first thing Isaac did wrong. Instead of seeking God immediately, he runs to the pagan king, which is a no-no.
2 And the LORD appeared unto him, and said, Go not down into Egypt; dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of: God intervenes right here. Isaac is halfway to Egypt, and God appears and says, “No. Stop right here. I don't want you going to Egypt.”
3 Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I swore unto Abraham thy father; God stops Isaac on his way to Egypt and tells him to stay right here, and He'll take care of it. He is going to give Isaac all that land. God says, come see me and I'll take care of it.
4 And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give .....