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Genesis 26:20 - Water rights spark conflict

Genesis 26:20 - בראשית 26:20

Hebrew Text

וַיָּרִיבוּ רֹעֵי גְרָר עִם־רֹעֵי יִצְחָק לֵאמֹר לָנוּ הַמָּיִם וַיִּקְרָא שֵׁם־הַבְּאֵר עֵשֶׂק כִּי הִתְעַשְּׂקוּ עִמּוֹ׃

English Translation

And the herdmen of Gerar did strive with Yiżĥaq’s herdmen, saying, The water is ours: and he called the name of the well ῾Eseq; because they strove with him.

Transliteration

Va'yarivu ro'ei Grar im-ro'ei Yitzhak leimor lanu hamayim va'yikra shem-habe'er Esek ki hit'aseku imo.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיָּרִ֜יבוּ רֹעֵ֣י גְרָ֗ר עִם־רֹעֵ֥י יִצְחָ֛ק לֵאמֹ֖ר לָ֣נוּ הַמָּ֑יִם וַיִּקְרָ֤א שֵֽׁם־הַבְּאֵר֙ עֵ֔שֶׂק כִּ֥י הִֽתְעַשְּׂק֖וּ עִמּֽוֹ׃
וַיָּרִ֜יבוּ רֹעֵ֣י גְרָ֗ר עִם־רֹעֵ֥י יִצְחָ֛ק לֵאמֹ֖ר לָ֣נוּ הַמָּ֑יִם וַיִּקְרָ֤א שֵֽׁם־הַבְּאֵר֙ עֵ֔שֶׂק כִּ֥י הִֽתְעַשְּׂק֖וּ עִמּֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bereshit 26:20) describes a dispute between the shepherds of Yitzchak (Isaac) and the shepherds of Gerar over ownership of a well. This incident occurs after Yitzchak reopens the wells his father Avraham had dug, which the Philistines had stopped up after Avraham's death (Bereshit 26:15-18). The naming of the well Eseq ("strife") reflects the contentious nature of the encounter.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the shepherds of Gerar falsely claimed the water belonged to them, despite Yitzchak having dug the well. The name Eseq is derived from the root עשק, meaning "to contend" or "to quarrel," emphasizing the unjust nature of their claim. Rashi further notes that this was the first of three wells Yitzchak dug, each representing a different stage in his relationship with the Philistines (Bereshit Rabbah 64:7).

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchot Gezeilah Va'aveidah 1:13) discusses the broader halachic principle derived from this episode: disputes over resources must be resolved justly. The Philistines' attempt to seize the well demonstrates the moral failing of coveting another's property, a violation of the prohibition lo tachmod ("do not covet," Shemot 20:14). Yitzchak's peaceful response—relocating rather than escalating the conflict—exemplifies the value of darchei shalom (ways of peace).

Midrashic Insights

  • Bereshit Rabbah 64:7: The Midrash compares the three wells to the three Temples: the first (Eseq) was destroyed due to strife, alluding to the sinat chinam (baseless hatred) that led to the Second Temple's destruction.
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Toledot 12): The dispute symbolizes the ongoing struggle between Yitzchak's descendants (the Jewish people) and the nations who contest their rightful inheritance in Eretz Yisrael.

Symbolism of the Wells

The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) explains that wells represent Torah and spiritual sustenance. The Philistines' opposition to Yitzchak mirrors the historical challenges faced by the Jewish people in preserving Torah wisdom against external hostility. Yitzchak's persistence in digging wells—despite opposition—teaches the importance of unwavering commitment to Torah study and mitzvot.

Halachic Implications

The Shulchan Aruch (Choshen Mishpat 155:21) cites this episode as a precedent for resolving water-rights disputes, ruling that one may not deny access to a resource vital for survival. Yitzchak's decision to name the well Eseq serves as a public record of the injustice, ensuring future generations learn from the incident.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does the name 'Eseq' mean in Genesis 26:20?
A: The name 'Eseq' (עֵשֶׂק) comes from the Hebrew root meaning 'strife' or 'contention.' In this verse, Yitzchak (Isaac) names the well 'Eseq' because the herdsmen of Gerar argued with his herdsmen, claiming the water belonged to them (Rashi on Genesis 26:20).
Q: Why did Yitzchak's herdsmen argue with the herdsmen of Gerar?
A: The herdsmen of Gerar claimed ownership of the water that Yitzchak's servants had dug. This reflects the challenges Yitzchak faced in a land where resources were scarce and disputes arose over ownership (Ramban on Genesis 26:20).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Yitzchak's response to the conflict in Genesis 26:20?
A: Yitzchak chose not to escalate the conflict but instead moved on and dug another well (as seen in later verses). This teaches the value of pursuing peace (דְּרִיכַת שָׁלוֹם) and avoiding unnecessary disputes (Midrash Tanchuma, Toledot 5).
Q: Why is water such an important theme in Yitzchak's story?
A: Water symbolizes sustenance and divine blessing. The wells Yitzchak dug represent his efforts to secure physical and spiritual nourishment, despite opposition. This mirrors the Jewish people's struggle to maintain their connection to Torah and mitzvot in difficult circumstances (Sforno on Genesis 26:20).
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish values today?
A: The story teaches that while conflicts over resources may arise, we should prioritize peace and trust in Hashem's providence. Yitzchak’s restraint serves as a model for resolving disputes with wisdom and patience (Pirkei Avot 1:12).