John Calvin Commentary Genesis 26:23

"And he went up from thence to Beer-sheba." — Genesis 26:23 (ASV)

And he went up from thence to Beer-sheba. Next follows a more abundant consolation, one affording effectual refreshment to the mind of the holy man. In the tranquil enjoyment of the well, he acknowledges the favor God had shown him.

But since one word of God weighs more with the faithful than the accumulated mass of all good things, we cannot doubt that Isaac received this oracle more joyfully than if a thousand rivers of nectar had flowed to him. And truly, Moses intentionally commemorates in lofty terms this act of favor: that the Lord encouraged him by His own word (Genesis 26:24). From this we may learn that, while ascribing proper honor to each of God's other gifts, we should always give preeminence to that proof of His paternal love which He grants us in His word.

Food, clothing, health, peace, and other advantages give us a taste of the Divine goodness; but when He addresses us familiarly and expressly declares Himself to be our Father, then indeed He refreshes us to the full. Moses does not explain what had caused Isaac’s removal to Beer-sheba, the ancient dwelling place of his fathers.

It might be that the Philistines did not cease occasionally to annoy him; thus, the holy man, worn out with their implacable malice, moved to a greater distance. It is indeed probable, considering the circumstances at the time, that he was sorrowful and anxious, for as soon as he had arrived at that place, God appeared to him on the very first night. Here, then, something very opportune is noted. Moreover, whenever Moses previously related that God had appeared to Abraham, he also showed that the holy man was either tormented with grievous worries, held in suspense by some apprehension, plunged in sadness, or, after many distresses, nearly overcome by fatigue. This made it apparent that God's hand was extended to him at the opportune moment his necessity required, to prevent him from sinking under the evils that surrounded him. So now, as I interpret it, He came to Isaac to restore him, as Isaac was already wearied and broken down by various miseries.