Wesley Corpus

Chapter XXVI In this chapter we have, Isaac in adversity, by reason of a famine in the land; which, Obliges him to change his quarters, ver, 1. but, God visits him with direction and comfort, ver. 2 - 5. He denies his wife, and is reproved for it by Abimelech, ver. 6 - 11. Isaac in prosperity, by the blessing of God upon him, ver. 12 - 14. The Philistines were envious at him, ver. 14 - 17. He continued industrious in his business, ver. 18 - 23. God appeared to him, and encouraged him, and he returned to his duty, ver. 24 - 25. The Philistines at length made court to him, and made a covenant with him, ver. 26 - 33 The disagreeable marriage of his son Esau was an allay to his prosperity, ver. 34. 35. The Lord said, go not down into Egypt. Sojourn in this land - There was a famine in Jacob's days, and God bid him go down into Egypt, Gen 46:3,4, a famine in Isaac's days, and God bid him not go down: a famine in Abraham's days, and God left him to his liberty, directing him neither way, which (considering that Egypt was always a place of trial to God's people) some ground upon the different characters of these three patriarchs. Abraham was a man of very intimate communion with God, and to him all places and conditions were alike; Isaac a very good man, but not cut out for hardship, therefore he is forbidden to go to Egypt; Jacob inured to difficulties, strong and patient, and therefore he must go down into Egypt, that the trial of his faith might be to praise, and honour, and glory. Thus God proportions his people's trials to their strength. Abraham obeyed my voice - Do thou do so too, and the promise shall be sure to thee.