Genesis 26:14 "For he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and great store of servants: and the Philistines envied him."
Genesis 26:16 "And Abimelech said unto Isaac, Go from us; for thou art much mightier than we."
Genesis 26:19-22 "And Isaac's servants digged in the valley, and found there a well of springing water. And the herdmen of Gerar did strive with Isaac's herdmen, saying, The water is ours: and he called the name of the well Esek; because they strove with him. And they digged another well, and strove for that also: and he called the name of it Sitnah. And he removed from thence, and digged another well; and for that they strove not: and he called the name of it Rehoboth; and he said, For now the LORD hath made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land."
In keeping with His promise, the LORD was richly blessing Isaac. After his deceit concerning Rebekah, Abimelech had given orders that anyone who touched Isaac or Rebekah would be put to death. Isaac’s labors were richly blessed so that his fields yielded a hundred times what was sown. He owned flocks and herds and had a great household of servants to look after the increase.
By God’s grace, Isaac prospered more than the Philistines did in their own land. The Philistines became envious of Isaac’s prosperity. He grew in might until he was stronger than the native inhabitants. Their envy of Isaac’s blessings was such that they filled the wells that Abraham had dug during his time among them in an attempt to deprive Isaac’s flocks of water. Seeing trouble brewing, Abimelech asked Isaac to depart from them.
Isaac obviously did not completely leave the land. He removed himself from the immediate presence of the Philistines and went further into the countryside. In order to water the flocks and herds and provide for his household, Isaac had his servants dig other wells. The first well was a strong one, but the Philistine herdsmen fought Isaac’s herdsmen for the well, and Isaac called the name of the well Esek (contention).
The second well Isaac dug was also contested by the Philistines. Isaac called this well Sitnah (opposition). Each time there was strife over the newly dug wells, Isaac moved on further. He was persistent and dug yet another well. At this point, it would appear the Philistine herdsman gave up on trying to push Isaac any further. Isaac did not take any credit for this, nor did he give any to the Philistines. He named this well Rehoboth (streets, a broad way) because the LORD had made room for them.
Our God is always faithful to His promises. He blesses in spite of the envy and strife of others. Men are not always going to welcome you, and many times will try to lay claim to your labors. Do not be discouraged by contention and opposition. Continue to walk in the land that God has led you to, dig wells for His glory, and know that He will always make room for you. And just as He told Elijah, rest assured that He always reserves to Himself a remnant that will never bow the knee to the lies of this world and the wickedness of ungodly men!