Are The Wells All Dug?

And Isaac digged again the wells of water, which they had digged in the days of Abraham his father; for the Philistines had stopped them after the death of Abraham: and he called their names after the names by which his father had called them. Genesis 26:18

I have come to appreciate the value of a solid foundation. During my studies to prepare this manuscript, I knew that roots were important. If the roots of a plant or tree are rotten, it would take a considerable amount of work to salvage what, if any good there was left in the root. Not much growth is ever evident in a dry root.

When I began this chapter, I realized some harsh realities on the matter of family heritage. I have navigated much of Abraham’s heritage. It is of unquestionable value. We touched a bit on the life of Isaac. His character building began in his early years. If one lives to be 180, 40 can be considered early years.

Isaac was different from both his father Abraham, and his son Jacob. His life does not appear to have the same flair as that of his predecessor. I think of him as the man in the middle.

When I think of a middle man, I see someone who will bring two sides together: Like a mediator in a labor dispute. Isaac latched onto some of what Abraham was, and connected it with Jacob. I believe that because of this, the trio could truly be all that God needed, to accomplish the work of the future.

Although the bulk of Isaac’s life, did not seem to include the same excitement that was noticeable in the lives of Abraham and Jacob; I see him as an equal in value, in history. It is noticeable as we look at his strengths, and yes, his weaknesses.

People like Abraham and Jacob, are generally considered the head liners of Christian history. Nevertheless, it is in the picture of Isaac, we see as a type of Christ. So tell me: “Where would you look for a foundation to lean on?”

One Sunday morning, as my wife my son, and I, were preparing to church, my son made this remark: “Dad, you really look good!” As I thought about it for a second, I looked at him and said: “You're turning out to be some kind of handsome guy yourself.” After this bit of ego building he said: “I got good coaching: Just like you got from Grandpa Bergen.” (My dad)

I began to marvel at the timing of God. It was this very morning that I began to write this chapter. The real life issue which I just mentioned, revealed exactly what I have been trying to say, in preparation for the appearance of Jacob.

If I went back in time to ask Jacob of old: “To what area of your life, is your success attributed to?” I can almost hear him saying: “I got good coaching.”

This pretty well says it all. Take for instance, someone who would otherwise have turned out no good: Now, come to being in a position where they turned out just fine, because of proper nourishment. I think that we all need timely helps, to give us a better chance of success.

For the next little while, let us explore the importance of wells. Whenever any tribe of people settled in a given area, they established a new well. Abraham dug wells in his day. Because of hostilities between Abraham and other nations, sometimes the enemy filled Abraham's wells with earth.

A person's well, was important. Wells supplied water for the livestock, and the people. Although they said that Abraham dug wells, I would like to concentrate on the fact that Isaac also made a few excavations of this nature.

Although the following scripture does not relate to Isaac, I want to use it so that we can envision a bit of his life. It is a good idea to point out the following scripture and tack it on as a handle for Isaac: “And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.” Isaiah 58:11-12

As I think about Isaac as a type of Christ, these words become rich resources. Christ came to link us with the God of our fathers: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It is here, that we find our alignment to the one and only true God.

We can clearly see Isaac beginning to make a major connection with his father. Isaac was now unstopping the wells that the Philistines stopped. Beersheba became one of the most favored dwelling places of Abraham and Isaac. When I searched for a meaning, I found that Beersheba means: “The place of seven wells.”

From what I understand from recent historical accounts, seven wells still exist at Beersheba. As I research this area, I find that a few miles of ruins litter the landscape up to the north of it. With this thought in mind I can visualize the scenery that surrounds the life of Isaac.

The ruins may not have covered the landscape then. It really doesn't matter. I am trying to compare that time with the present. I want to relate what Isaac was then, with what Christ is to us today.

The word of God tells me that Abraham planted a grove at Beersheba. In my mind, the picture is that of a peaceful place. Historical account has it that Father Abraham called on the Everlasting God here. Most of the time, he built an altar when he came to a new place.

For the most part Abraham always needed a place of communion with God. He built an altar before he roamed about in Egypt, and after he came out of that place. However, while he was in Egypt, Abraham never built an altar. Egypt was one of Abraham's greatest times of grief.

As I look at the patriarchs, I can readily see they had weaknesses: Just like those we face regularly. Though Isaac obeyed God, and did not go to Egypt, he still faced the same temptation that his father did. He lied about his wife being his sister. Lying, was a trait of those thought of as having exceptionally beautiful wives. In fact, beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Isaac was more of a home body. He was not as much of a traveler as his father, or his son Jacob. Maybe that is the reason he lived longer than his father, and his son. Maybe he just realized something that neither of the others did: It takes a lot less energy to stay planted, and enjoy life, than it does to be on the move and be restless. When a person stays in one place, they don’t always have to be digging new wells. Their water supply usually stays in tact.

I like the definitions of the word well. I found the following in Roget's Thesaurus: “Source of supply, gold mine, bonanza, and resource.” These words sound so inviting. I wonder if Isaac somehow knew the meaning of the word “well?” He may not have had a dictionary, but his chief supplier made him aware of these blessings. God appeared to Isaac and told him: "Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, . . . ” Genesis 26:3

Isaac seems to have gotten a hold of that promise of provision. He let it satisfy him. If men and women today could just get a handle on that, we may have fewer problems in our world. Maybe, being satisfied with the good life is hard for us.

Peace of mind, and less of the world should be an invitation to be able to grasp. In the midst of this kind of environment, Isaac still gained great wealth. God had promised, and provided: The well (His Provision).

We face adversity more often than we care to realize. It is almost impossible to avoid. I have heard some people say that they have never faced adversity. It is not my intention to refute their statement. Nevertheless, I still believe that everyone, at some time or another, has had a time of adversity.

Maybe, at the time this person made this declaration, they have come to the point where they have learned how to handle adversity, in the way God intended. Scripture speaks of this. Hear it with me: “Don’t get upset about anything, but as you pray for your needs, just be thankful for all that God has already done in the past; Then expect God to be faithful to His word again, in your present situation. Philippians 4:6, (J.B.T.) Philippians 4:6

While listening to the words, “Don’t get upset,” I think: How is that possible? I would say that is a reasonable thought. God’s word does not change. When God assures us that everything will be okay, we need to believe it.

At some time, and in some manner, we are supposed to get a handle on that issue. As we continue to read that verse, we can hear the means by which we can accomplish this. Prayer and petition, are some keys to success.

The Bible also makes it a prerequisite that we are to make these requests with thankful hearts. If we have this attitude, this intent as our goal, then God will give us something to replace the thing that has been the problem in our lives. I see something else in the passage of scripture in Philippians: The writer is telling us to give God a present.

I put myself in the scenario of being the subject of a kingdom, and receiving an invitation to the birthday party of my King. When I come to the party, I would bring him a gift of some kind. His approval is the most important thing on my mind as I approach the throne. My gift is presented to Him on my knees.

We have all seen enough movies to be able to picture the scene in our mind. As we wait for him to open our present, we do so with anticipation. When he finally opens it, a smile appears on his face. It is at this juncture that I, for one, am relieved. Now I know that my gift pleased him.

In the verse we are looking at, I can see this picture: I can see us walking down the aisle, and giving God our fears and frustrations as a gift. I can see our Heavenly Father smiling, and saying thanks as He receives our presentation.

Another relevant portion of scripture in relationship to this subject is this: “Cast all your cares (fears, anxiety) on him, because He does care for you.”. 1Peter 5:7

As we get back to Isaac, I recall something I eluded too earlier. The loss of his mother Sarah, has deeply affected Isaac. Read Genesis 24:67 Genesis 24:67 with me: “Isaac was comforted after his mother's death.”

A period of about four years separated the death of Sarah and the marriage of Isaac to Rebekah. During this time it appears that Isaac suffered much, because of the passing of his mom. When Isaac began to love Rebekah, he finally let go the hurt of losing his mother.

The story surrounding the meeting of Isaac and Rebekah is definitely archaic. It was an arranged marriage. The father of the groom sent his servant to find a wife for his son. Ever wonder what may have happened if your dad had sent someone to find a wife or a husband for you? It is an interesting thought. In some respects, we may see some merit to the idea of the choice of a mate being made for us. Here, they did not base the choice, on superficial characteristics such as beauty.

It was very important for the chosen one to be from the right family. While the process of selection took place, the strength of the woman was considered very important. She needed to be strong enough to carry water from the well.

I do not think that the servant of Abraham ( Eleizer), was so much interested in whether or not she was the local beauty pageant queen. Great importance is placed on the need for the woman to be of a good background: If in the overall picture, she was to be the mother of nations of people.

The servant went and did as his master had requested him to do. He traveled back to the same area in which Abraham had first settled after his exodus from Ur. The servant goes on to capture the heart of a young woman.

It is one thing to capture the heart of a person for yourself, yet an entirely different one to entice her to come back to marry your friend. This is tantamount to what is considered a blind date. Some of us can relate to that kind of situation. It might have been good, or it may have been like a bad dream.

With Isaac, it was not a situation where he had a bad dream: At least not for some years. What I am insinuating, is that he may have had some reservations later, when Rebekah and Jacob perpetrated one of the biggest scams of all time.

I am alluding to the time when Jacob stole his brother's birthright (inheritance). Much of this book will reveal itself from that point on. The central issue that I want to reflect on as I end this chapter, is this: Isaac’s Well of Provision

Anxiety is a subject matter I referred to earlier. Sometime before that, I also referred to the fact that Isaac was not a traveler to the extent that his father was. Nor, did he trek as many miles as Jacob did.

Apparently he waited for the timing of God to look after the need he had. The need he had was that of getting something to console him for the loss of his mother. Think back to the scenario we just looked at, where we were giving our anxiety to God as a gift.

The provision, which he received from God, was the gift of having Rebekah presented to him. He could literally hang onto this provision. This did not mean that everything would be cookies and ice-cream for time and eternity. We are going to see that later. Nevertheless, what it does mean is that God looked after Isaac's biggee (his greatest need at the time).

In the recess of my mind I see Father Abraham having sensed the hurt of his son, and in a spirit of compassion he says to his servant: “Go find consolation for my boy.”

The name Rebekah does not mean consolation, though I may wish it did. In fact it means, a rope, or a noose. Maybe that will become apparent as we see her down the road, at another place, and another time. We can glean portions for our lives, as we go on with our subject title: JACOB!

I believe that no matter how unpopular the preacher, book, or religious personality may be, we can always find something of value. Many may recall having heard the saying, “One man's garbage is another man's gold.” As I write this manuscript, I am finding gems for myself. If only I come to a closer relationship with God, then this book has filled the bill.

We have only just begun to scratch the surface of this book. We are still in the stages of looking at the reasons why Jacob was what he was: By this I do not mean we should only cover his bad points. The life of Jacob, includes much more than deception. Deception was not his best side. In the end we might have to agree in saying: Jacob's best suit was love. I see that Jacob cared deeply for his family. Oh, we will see many mistakes that he made, but that only makes him human: Like us.

In the next chapter we will explore more of the ladies’ part of the picture. Sometimes, I ladies must read books by men and think: Only men in the Bible were important to God. Much of what was in Isaac, and Jacob, and a host of others as well, came from the mother's side of the ledger.

This should be interesting: The man looking through the eyes of the woman: Well, maybe just trying. Let’s find out together how it turns out. Can you take it men? Are you ready ladies?


	\| Roots \| Preparing For Jacob \| Are The Wells All Dug? \| Presenting The Ladies. And Isaac digged again the wells of water, which they had digged in the days of Abraham his father; for the Philistines had stopped them after the death of Abraham: and he called their names after the names by which his father had called them. Genesis 26:18 Chapter 3 I have come to appreciate the value of a solid foundation. During my studies to prepare this manuscript, I knew that roots were important. If the roots of a plant or tree are rotten, it would take a considerable amount of work to salvage what, if any good there was left in the root. Not much growth is ever evident in a dry root. When I began this chapter, I realized some harsh realities on the matter of family heritage. I have navigated much of Abraham’s heritage. It is of unquestionable value. We touched a bit on the life of Isaac. His character building began in his early years. If one lives to be 180, 40 can be considered early years. Isaac was different from both his father Abraham, and his son Jacob. His life does not appear to have the same flair as that of his predecessor. I think of him as the man in the middle. When I think of a middle man, I see someone who will bring two sides together: Like a mediator in a labor dispute. Isaac latched onto some of what Abraham was, and connected it with Jacob. I believe that because of this, the trio could truly be all that God needed, to accomplish the work of the future. Although the bulk of Isaac’s life, did not seem to include the same excitement that was noticeable in the lives of Abraham and Jacob; I see him as an equal in value, in history. It is noticeable as we look at his strengths, and yes, his weaknesses. People like Abraham and Jacob, are generally considered the head liners of Christian history. Nevertheless, it is in the picture of Isaac, we see as a type of Christ. So tell me: “Where would you look for a foundation to lean on?” One Sunday morning, as my wife my son, and I, were preparing to church, my son made this remark: “Dad, you really look good!” As I thought about it for a second, I looked at him and said: “You're turning out to be some kind of handsome guy yourself.” After this bit of ego building he said: “I got good coaching: Just like you got from Grandpa Bergen.” (My dad) I began to marvel at the timing of God. It was this very morning that I began to write this chapter. The real life issue which I just mentioned, revealed exactly what I have been trying to say, in preparation for the appearance of Jacob. If I went back in time to ask Jacob of old: “To what area of your life, is your success attributed to?” I can almost hear him saying: “I got good coaching.” This pretty well says it all. Take for instance, someone who would otherwise have turned out no good: Now, come to being in a position where they turned out just fine, because of proper nourishment. I think that we all need timely helps, to give us a better chance of success. For the next little while, let us explore the importance of wells. Whenever any tribe of people settled in a given area, they established a new well. Abraham dug wells in his day. Because of hostilities between Abraham and other nations, sometimes the enemy filled Abraham's wells with earth. A person's well, was important. Wells supplied water for the livestock, and the people. Although they said that Abraham dug wells, I would like to concentrate on the fact that Isaac also made a few excavations of this nature. Although the following scripture does not relate to Isaac, I want to use it so that we can envision a bit of his life. It is a good idea to point out the following scripture and tack it on as a handle for Isaac: “And the LORD shall guide thee continually, and satisfy thy soul in drought, and make fat thy bones: and thou shalt be like a watered garden, and like a spring of water, whose waters fail not. And they that shall be of thee shall build the old waste places: thou shalt raise up the foundations of many generations; and thou shalt be called, The repairer of the breach, The restorer of paths to dwell in.” Isaiah 58:11-12 As I think about Isaac as a type of Christ, these words become rich resources. Christ came to link us with the God of our fathers: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. It is here, that we find our alignment to the one and only true God. We can clearly see Isaac beginning to make a major connection with his father. Isaac was now unstopping the wells that the Philistines stopped. Beersheba became one of the most favored dwelling places of Abraham and Isaac. When I searched for a meaning, I found that Beersheba means: “The place of seven wells.” From what I understand from recent historical accounts, seven wells still exist at Beersheba. As I research this area, I find that a few miles of ruins litter the landscape up to the north of it. With this thought in mind I can visualize the scenery that surrounds the life of Isaac. The ruins may not have covered the landscape then. It really doesn't matter. I am trying to compare that time with the present. I want to relate what Isaac was then, with what Christ is to us today. The word of God tells me that Abraham planted a grove at Beersheba. In my mind, the picture is that of a peaceful place. Historical account has it that Father Abraham called on the Everlasting God here. Most of the time, he built an altar when he came to a new place. For the most part Abraham always needed a place of communion with God. He built an altar before he roamed about in Egypt, and after he came out of that place. However, while he was in Egypt, Abraham never built an altar. Egypt was one of Abraham's greatest times of grief. As I look at the patriarchs, I can readily see they had weaknesses: Just like those we face regularly. Though Isaac obeyed God, and did not go to Egypt, he still faced the same temptation that his father did. He lied about his wife being his sister. Lying, was a trait of those thought of as having exceptionally beautiful wives. In fact, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Isaac was more of a home body. He was not as much of a traveler as his father, or his son Jacob. Maybe that is the reason he lived longer than his father, and his son. Maybe he just realized something that neither of the others did: It takes a lot less energy to stay planted, and enjoy life, than it does to be on the move and be restless. When a person stays in one place, they don’t always have to be digging new wells. Their water supply usually stays in tact. I like the definitions of the word well. I found the following in Roget's Thesaurus: “Source of supply, gold mine, bonanza, and resource.” These words sound so inviting. I wonder if Isaac somehow knew the meaning of the word “well?” He may not have had a dictionary, but his chief supplier made him aware of these blessings. God appeared to Isaac and told him: "Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, . . . ” Genesis 26:3 Isaac seems to have gotten a hold of that promise of provision. He let it satisfy him. If men and women today could just get a handle on that, we may have fewer problems in our world. Maybe, being satisfied with the good life is hard for us. Peace of mind, and less of the world should be an invitation to be able to grasp. In the midst of this kind of environment, Isaac still gained great wealth. God had promised, and provided: The well (His Provision). Well of Provision We face adversity more often than we care to realize. It is almost impossible to avoid. I have heard some people say that they have never faced adversity. It is not my intention to refute their statement. Nevertheless, I still believe that everyone, at some time or another, has had a time of adversity. Maybe, at the time this person made this declaration, they have come to the point where they have learned how to handle adversity, in the way God intended. Scripture speaks of this. Hear it with me: “Don’t get upset about anything, but as you pray for your needs, just be thankful for all that God has already done in the past; Then expect God to be faithful to His word again, in your present situation. Philippians 4:6, (J.B.T.) Philippians 4:6 While listening to the words, “Don’t get upset,” I think: How is that possible? I would say that is a reasonable thought. God’s word does not change. When God assures us that everything will be okay, we need to believe it. At some time, and in some manner, we are supposed to get a handle on that issue. As we continue to read that verse, we can hear the means by which we can accomplish this. Prayer and petition, are some keys to success. The Bible also makes it a prerequisite that we are to make these requests with thankful hearts. If we have this attitude, this intent as our goal, then God will give us something to replace the thing that has been the problem in our lives. I see something else in the passage of scripture in Philippians: The writer is telling us to give God a present. I put myself in the scenario of being the subject of a kingdom, and receiving an invitation to the birthday party of my King. When I come to the party, I would bring him a gift of some kind. His approval is the most important thing on my mind as I approach the throne. My gift is presented to Him on my knees. We have all seen enough movies to be able to picture the scene in our mind. As we wait for him to open our present, we do so with anticipation. When he finally opens it, a smile appears on his face. It is at this juncture that I, for one, am relieved. Now I know that my gift pleased him. In the verse we are looking at, I can see this picture: I can see us walking down the aisle, and giving God our fears and frustrations as a gift. I can see our Heavenly Father smiling, and saying thanks as He receives our presentation. Another relevant portion of scripture in relationship to this subject is this: “Cast all your cares (fears, anxiety) on him, because He does care for you.”. 1Peter 5:7 As we get back to Isaac, I recall something I eluded too earlier. The loss of his mother Sarah, has deeply affected Isaac. Read Genesis 24:67 Genesis 24:67 with me: “Isaac was comforted after his mother's death.” A period of about four years separated the death of Sarah and the marriage of Isaac to Rebekah. During this time it appears that Isaac suffered much, because of the passing of his mom. When Isaac began to love Rebekah, he finally let go the hurt of losing his mother. The story surrounding the meeting of Isaac and Rebekah is definitely archaic. It was an arranged marriage. The father of the groom sent his servant to find a wife for his son. Ever wonder what may have happened if your dad had sent someone to find a wife or a husband for you? It is an interesting thought. In some respects, we may see some merit to the idea of the choice of a mate being made for us. Here, they did not base the choice, on superficial characteristics such as beauty. It was very important for the chosen one to be from the right family. While the process of selection took place, the strength of the woman was considered very important. She needed to be strong enough to carry water from the well. I do not think that the servant of Abraham ( Eleizer), was so much interested in whether or not she was the local beauty pageant queen. Great importance is placed on the need for the woman to be of a good background: If in the overall picture, she was to be the mother of nations of people. The servant went and did as his master had requested him to do. He traveled back to the same area in which Abraham had first settled after his exodus from Ur. The servant goes on to capture the heart of a young woman. It is one thing to capture the heart of a person for yourself, yet an entirely different one to entice her to come back to marry your friend. This is tantamount to what is considered a blind date. Some of us can relate to that kind of situation. It might have been good, or it may have been like a bad dream. With Isaac, it was not a situation where he had a bad dream: At least not for some years. What I am insinuating, is that he may have had some reservations later, when Rebekah and Jacob perpetrated one of the biggest scams of all time. I am alluding to the time when Jacob stole his brother's birthright (inheritance). Much of this book will reveal itself from that point on. The central issue that I want to reflect on as I end this chapter, is this: Isaac’s Well of Provision Anxiety is a subject matter I referred to earlier. Sometime before that, I also referred to the fact that Isaac was not a traveler to the extent that his father was. Nor, did he trek as many miles as Jacob did. Apparently he waited for the timing of God to look after the need he had. The need he had was that of getting something to console him for the loss of his mother. Think back to the scenario we just looked at, where we were giving our anxiety to God as a gift. The provision, which he received from God, was the gift of having Rebekah presented to him. He could literally hang onto this provision. This did not mean that everything would be cookies and ice-cream for time and eternity. We are going to see that later. Nevertheless, what it does mean is that God looked after Isaac's biggee (his greatest need at the time). In the recess of my mind I see Father Abraham having sensed the hurt of his son, and in a spirit of compassion he says to his servant: “Go find consolation for my boy.” The name Rebekah does not mean consolation, though I may wish it did. In fact it means, a rope, or a noose. Maybe that will become apparent as we see her down the road, at another place, and another time. We can glean portions for our lives, as we go on with our subject title: JACOB! I believe that no matter how unpopular the preacher, book, or religious personality may be, we can always find something of value. Many may recall having heard the saying, “One man's garbage is another man's gold.” As I write this manuscript, I am finding gems for myself. If only I come to a closer relationship with God, then this book has filled the bill. We have only just begun to scratch the surface of this book. We are still in the stages of looking at the reasons why Jacob was what he was: By this I do not mean we should only cover his bad points. The life of Jacob, includes much more than deception. Deception was not his best side. In the end we might have to agree in saying: Jacob's best suit was love. I see that Jacob cared deeply for his family. Oh, we will see many mistakes that he made, but that only makes him human: Like us. In the next chapter we will explore more of the ladies’ part of the picture. Sometimes, I ladies must read books by men and think: Only men in the Bible were important to God. Much of what was in Isaac, and Jacob, and a host of others as well, came from the mother's side of the ledger. This should be interesting: The man looking through the eyes of the woman: Well, maybe just trying. Let’s find out together how it turns out. Can you take it men? Are you ready ladies? I am about to raise the curtain! Don't leave your seats!