Now there was a famine in the land, besides the former famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went to Gerar to Abimelech king of the Philistines. And the LORD appeared to him and said, “Do not go down to Egypt; dwell in the land of which I shall tell you. Sojourn in this land, and I will be with you and will bless you, for to you and to your offspring I will give all these lands, and I will establish the oath that I swore to Abraham your father. I will multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and will give to your offspring all these lands. And in your offspring all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because Abraham obeyed my voice and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws.”
So Isaac settled in Gerar.
Comment: The garden of Eden sounds pretty perfect. Why is life now so difficult with wars, famines and what all? It is a question that often challenges our minds. Here we see Isaac in a severe famine situation. You may remember Abimelech and his dealing with Abraham. Either Abimelech was much younger than Abraham, or he had named his son after him. So Isaac goes to Abimelech, Ruler of the Philistines, seeking advice or help or both, and obviously discusses heading off to Egypt. Abimelech graciously offers Isaac the area where Abraham had been based earlier and Isaac accepts. God confirmed what Isaac was planning and assured him of the dependability of His promises.
Prayer: Thank You for Your promises and Your faithfulness, Father God.
As I read it! 