26 Then Abimelech came to him from Gerar with Ahuzzath his advisor and Phicol the head of his troops. 27 Isaac asked them, "Why did you come to me? You hate me; you threw me out of your country." 28 They said, "We've realized that God is on your side. We'd like to make a deal between us - a covenant 29 that we maintain friendly relations. We haven't bothered you in the past; we treated you kindly and let you leave us in peace. So - God's blessing be with you!" 30 Isaac laid out a feast and they ate and drank together. 31 Early in the morning they exchanged oaths. Then Isaac said good-bye and they parted as friends. 32 Later that same day, Isaac's servants came to him with news about the well they had been digging, "We've struck water!" 33 Isaac named the well Sheba (Oath), and that's the name of the city, Beersheba (Oath-Well), to this day.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 26:26-33
Commentary on Genesis 26:26-33
(Read Genesis 26:26-33)
When a man's ways please the Lord, he maketh even his enemies to be at peace with him, Proverbs 16:7. Kings' hearts are in his hands, and when he pleases, he can turn them to favour his people. It is not wrong to stand upon our guard in dealing with those who have acted unfairly. But Isaac did not insist on the unkindnesses they had done him; he freely entered into friendship with them. Religion teaches us to be neighbourly, and, as much as in us lies, to live peaceable with all men. Providence smiled upon what Isaac did; God blessed his labours.