But when Isaac’s servants dug in the valley and found there a well of spring water, the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac’s herdsmen, saying, “The water is ours.” So he called the name of the well Esek, because they contended with him. Then they dug another well, and they quarreled over that also, so he called its name Sitnah. And he moved from there and dug another well, and they did not quarrel over it. So he called its name Rehoboth, saying, “For now the LORD has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.”
From there he went up to Beersheba. And the LORD appeared to him the same night and said, “I am the God of Abraham your father. Fear not, for I am with you and will bless you and multiply your offspring for my servant Abraham’s sake.” So he built an altar there and called upon the name of the LORD and pitched his tent there. And there Isaac’s servants dug a well.
Comment: Combined with adequate fodder, water is the key to farming, either rain or irrigation for crops and permanent water for flocks – light surface water is not enough. As requested Isaac moved farther out and re-digging dad’s wells found more water. But the locals followed up and we read what happened, forcing Isaac to move again. Eventually he was far enough away for the locals not to chase him further. No doubt he was wondering, in the light of God’s promises, why all this was happening. But with eventual stability he praised God. God appeared to Him and with calming words renewed His promise to Abraham. Isaac set up an altar to worship God. How long will this ‘peace’ last?
Prayer: May I show ‘stickability’ in Your service, please my Lord.
As I read it! 