Five Wells

Genesis 25:11

Isaac was pre-eminently the man of the well. His life revolved around five wells. These five wells are named for us because, typically, they represent the experiences of God's elect in this world. Here are five wells from which all of God's people must drink in this world.

When Isaac came down from Mt. Moriah he dwelt by the well LAHAIROI (Gen. 25:11) in the presence of God. Lahairoi means "The Living One who sees me." At Mt. Moriah Isaac had been redeemed and saved from death by Jehovah-jireh. Now he dwelt in the presence of his great God. And every sinner redeemed by Christ at Calvary shall, at God's appointed time, be brought to live in the presence of God by faith.

While he dwelt in Gerar's dry valley he dug a well which the Philistines filled with sand. Isaac called that well ESEK (Gen. 26:20). Esek means "strife". As long as you and I live in this dry valley among the Philistines of this world, we will have to drink the bitter waters of Esek. "In the world ye shall have tribulation" (John 16:33).

Isaac left Esek and dug another well; but the Philistines were still around. Again there was strife. And Isaac called that well SITNAH (Gen. 26:21). Sitnah means "hatred".Our Lord Jesus told us plainly,"Ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake" (Matt. 10:22). It is impossible to confess Christ before his enemies and not be hated by those who hate him. If I am loved and embraced by those who hate my Lord, I have great reason to seriously question my faithfulness to him.

Isaac left Sitnah and dug the well REHOBOTH (Gen. 26:22), which means "spacious abundance". He was God's child and God made room for him, abundantly supplying his needs, according to his own riches in glory by Christ Jesus. And he will do the same for you and me (Phil. 4:19). We never have reason to fear the world or compromise with it. God our Savior will provide for his own!

At last, Isaac came to the place where he had worshipped God with his father Abraham and dug again the well SHEBAH (Gen. 26:33), which means "good fortune." Walking in the old paths, seeking the good way, looking to Christ, trusting Christ, obeying Christ, Isaac found good fortune. So will we!

Don Fortner