Striving for Harmony
Biblical Insights on Resolving Conflict
Genesis 26:28 (KJV)
And they said, We saw certainly that the LORD was with thee: and we said, Let there be now an oath betwixt us, even betwixt us and thee, and let us make a covenant with thee;
Attitude and perception can be everything.
Isaac assumed Abimelech hated him because he had sent him away. Isaac probably thought he had reason, considering what Isaac had told him about Rebeccah. However, Abimelech stated he had sent him away peacefully and had done nothing but good to him. Apparently, this was true. Although Isaac’s people had striven with him over the wells, the well they did not strive over might have been due to Abimelech’s discovery of the strife and his order to cease.
Regardless, Abimelech’s approach was one of peace. Whatever hard feelings existed between the two, Abimelech wanted to make things right. His motive, as he said, was to ensure Isaac did not overtake them in the future. Yet, the reason he came to make things right was because he saw that the LORD was with Isaac.
Consider what had happened:
- Isaac had lied about Rebecca.
- Isaac had strife over three wells.
