John Calvin Commentary Genesis 26:14

"And he had possessions of flocks, and possessions of herds, and a great household. And the Philistines envied him." — Genesis 26:14 (ASV)

And the Philistines envied him. We are taught by this history that the blessings of God which relate to the present earthly life are never pure and perfect, but are mixed with some troubles, to prevent quiet and indulgence from making us negligent. Therefore, let us all learn not to desire great wealth too ardently.

If the rich are harassed by any cause of unease, let them know that they are roused by the Lord, to prevent them from falling fast asleep in the midst of their pleasures. And let the poor enjoy this consolation: that their poverty is not without its advantages. For it is no small good to live free from envy, turmoil, and conflicts.

If anyone objects that God causing Isaac to abound in wealth—thereby exposing him to envy, disputes, and many troubles—can in no way be regarded as a favor, there is a ready answer. The answer is that the troubles with which God tests his people do not, in any degree, prevent the benefits he bestows upon them from retaining the taste of his paternal love.

Finally, he so tempers the favor he shows to his children in this world that he stirs them up, as with sharp goads, to the consideration of a celestial life.

It was not, however, a minor trial that the simple element of water, which is the common property of all animals, was denied to the holy patriarch. With how much greater patience, then, should we bear our less severe sufferings!

If, however, at any time we are angry at being unjustly harmed, let us remember that, at least, we are not so cruelly treated as holy Isaac was when he had to struggle for water.

Besides, not only was he deprived of the element of water, but the wells which his father Abraham had dug for himself and his descendants were filled up.

This, therefore, was the extreme of cruelty: not only to cheat a stranger of every service owed to him, but even to take from him what had been obtained by the labor of his own father, and what he possessed without inconveniencing anyone.