John Calvin Commentary Genesis 26:16

"And Abimelech said unto Isaac, Go from us. For thou art much mightier than we." — Genesis 26:16 (ASV)

And Abimelech said unto Isaac. It is uncertain whether the king of Gerar expelled Isaac from his kingdom of his own accord, or whether he commanded him to settle elsewhere because he perceived that Isaac was envied by the people. He might possibly have advised him in this way as a friend, although it is more probable that his mind had become alienated from Isaac; for at the end of the chapter, Moses relates that the holy man complains strongly about the king as well as others.

But since we cannot be certain about the king’s real feelings, let it be enough to maintain what is more important: that as a consequence of the common wickedness of mankind, those who are most eminent fall under the suspicion of the common people. Satiety, indeed, produces ferocity.

Therefore, the rich are more prone to nothing than to boast proudly, to carry themselves more insolently than they ought, and to stretch every nerve of their power to oppress others. No such suspicion, indeed, could fall upon Isaac; but he had to bear the envy that was an accompaniment of a common vice.

From this we infer how much more useful and desirable it often is for us to be placed in a moderate condition, which is, at least, more peaceful, and is neither exposed to the storms of envy nor liable to unjust suspicions.

Moreover, how rare and unusual God’s blessing was in rendering Isaac prosperous may be inferred from the fact that his wealth had become formidable to both the king and the people. A large inheritance truly had descended to him from his father; but Moses shows that, from his first entrance into the land, he had prospered so greatly in a very short time that it seemed the inhabitants could no longer endure him.