Matthew Henry Commentary Genesis 26:18-25

"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. And Isaac`s servants digged in the valley, and found there a well of springing water. And the herdsmen of Gerar strove with Isaac`s herdsmen, saying, The water is ours. And he called the name of the well Esek, because they contended with him. And they digged another well, and they 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 Jehovah hath made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land. And he went up from thence to Beer-sheba. And Jehovah appeared unto him the same night, and said, I am the God of Abraham thy father. Fear not, for I am with thee, and will bless thee, and multiply thy seed for my servant Abraham`s sake. And he builded an altar there, and called upon the name of Jehovah, and pitched his tent there. And there Isaac`s servants digged a well." — Genesis 26:18-25 (ASV)

Isaac met with much opposition in digging wells. Two were called Contention and Hatred. See the nature of worldly things: they cause quarrels and are occasions of strife. This is often the lot of the most quiet and peaceable people; those who avoid striving, yet cannot avoid being contended with.

And what a mercy it is to have plenty of water; to have it without striving for it! The more common this mercy is, the more reason to be thankful for it.

At length, Isaac dug a well for which they did not strive. Those who endeavor to be quiet seldom fail to be so.

When men are false and unkind, God is still faithful and gracious; and His time to show Himself so is when we are most disappointed by men.

The same night that Isaac came weary and uneasy to Beer-sheba, God brought comforts to his soul. Those may move with comfort who are sure of God's presence.