What does Genesis 26:17 Mean?

Context Summary

There was no harm in Isaac's going to Gerar, as he had a distinct command to that effect, Genesis 26:2-3. But he does not seem to have been strong enough to stand the test of residence there. He might have received into his soul that sufficient grace which is always within the reach of tempted men; but, like so many of us, he looked down and not up. What could have been more reassuring than the promises of the divine presence and blessing! But he was guilty of incredible meanness to the woman who had come so far to be his wife, and of deceit to Abimelech. Notice how the sins of the fathers repeat themselves in the children! It was a disappointing lapse from the glorious height on which he had stood when he yielded himself to God's call on Mount Moriah! But we have experienced the same contrasts within ourselves. Now on the mount of transfiguration, asking to live there, and then in the valley, quarreling for pre-eminence. But, notwithstanding all, God's loving-kindness does not fail. See Genesis 26:12. [source]

Chapter Summary: Genesis 26

¹  Isaac, because of famine, sojourns in Gerar, and the Lord blesses him
⁷  He is reproved by Abimelech for denying his wife
¹²  He grows rich, and the Philistines envy his prosperity
¹⁸  He digs wells
²³  God appears to him at Beersheba, and blesses him;
²⁶  and Abimelech makes a covenant with him
³⁴  Esau's wives