So Isaac built an altar thereBuilding an altar was a common practice among the patriarchs, signifying worship, thanksgiving, and covenant with God. Altars were often constructed at significant locations where God revealed Himself or provided guidance. This act by Isaac echoes the actions of his father, Abraham, who also built altars to the Lord (
Genesis 12:7, 13:18). It demonstrates Isaac's commitment to maintaining the faith and practices of his forefathers. The altar signifies a place of sacrifice and communion with God, prefiguring the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
and called on the name of the LORD
Calling on the name of the LORD indicates a personal relationship and communication with God. It reflects a deep trust and reliance on God's promises and faithfulness. This phrase is reminiscent of earlier patriarchs, such as Abraham and Noah, who also called upon the Lord (Genesis 12:8, 4:26). It signifies worship, prayer, and the invocation of God's presence and blessing. This act of calling on the Lord is a precursor to the New Testament understanding of calling on the name of Jesus for salvation (Acts 2:21,Romans 10:13).
and he pitched his tent there
Pitching a tent symbolizes a temporary dwelling and a nomadic lifestyle, which was typical for the patriarchs. It reflects the transient nature of life on earth and the anticipation of a permanent home, as later emphasized inHebrews 11:9-10. This act also signifies Isaac's intention to settle in the land God promised to his descendants, showing obedience and trust in God's covenant. The tent can be seen as a type of the tabernacle, a temporary dwelling place for God's presence among His people.
His servants also dug a well there
Wells were vital for survival in the arid regions of the Near East, providing necessary water for people and livestock. Digging a well signifies establishing a permanent presence in the land and God's provision for Isaac and his household. Wells often became points of contention, as seen earlier inGenesis 26, symbolizing the struggle for resources and God's faithfulness in providing for His people. The well can also be seen as a type of the living water that Jesus offers, as mentioned inJohn 4:10-14, pointing to spiritual sustenance and eternal life.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
IsaacThe son of Abraham and Sarah, Isaac is a patriarch of the Israelite nation. In this passage, he demonstrates his faith and obedience to God by building an altar and calling on the name of the LORD.
2.
AltarA structure built for worship and sacrifice to God. In the Old Testament, altars were significant as places of communion with God and expressions of faith.
3.
TentRepresents Isaac's temporary dwelling, signifying his status as a sojourner in the land promised to his descendants.
4.
ServantsThe individuals who assist Isaac, reflecting his wealth and status. They play a role in establishing Isaac's presence in the land by digging a well.
5.
WellA source of water, essential for survival and prosperity in the arid regions of the Near East. The well signifies God's provision and blessing upon Isaac.
Teaching Points
Faith in ActionIsaac's building of an altar and calling on the name of the LORD demonstrates his active faith. Believers are encouraged to express their faith through tangible acts of worship and obedience.
God's ProvisionThe digging of the well signifies God's provision. Trusting in God's provision is essential, even when circumstances seem uncertain.
Legacy of FaithIsaac's actions reflect the faith of his father, Abraham. Believers are called to pass on a legacy of faith to future generations.
Worship as a PriorityIsaac prioritizes worship by building an altar before settling in the land. Worship should be central in the life of a believer, guiding decisions and actions.
Community and CooperationIsaac's servants play a crucial role in establishing his household. The Christian life involves community and cooperation with others in fulfilling God's purposes.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Genesis 26:25?
2.How does Genesis 26:25 demonstrate the importance of building an altar to God?
3.What can we learn from Isaac's actions about seeking God's presence in our lives?
4.How does Genesis 26:25 connect with other biblical instances of altar-building?
5.In what ways can we "pitch our tents" near God's presence today?
6.How can we apply Isaac's example of worship and prayer in our daily lives?
7.Why did Isaac build an altar in Genesis 26:25?
8.What is the significance of calling on the name of the LORD in Genesis 26:25?
9.How does Genesis 26:25 reflect Isaac's relationship with God?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Genesis 26?
11.Who were the believers in the Old Testament?
12.Why did Esau sell his birthright to Jacob?
13.Genesis 26:18 mentions Isaac re-digging Abraham's wells. Why is there no clear archaeological record of these wells or any direct mention outside the biblical text?
14.Micah 7:20 reaffirms the covenant with the patriarchs--where is the clear historical or external documentation of this unbroken promise?What Does Genesis 26:25 Mean
So Isaac built an altar there“Altars” in Genesis are tangible statements that the place and moment belong to God.
• InGenesis 12:7 Abram built an altar at Shechem after God’s promise; Isaac follows the same pattern of publicly recognizing divine covenant faithfulness.
• Noah marked a new beginning with an altar after the flood (Genesis 8:20); Isaac signals a new season of peace after years of conflict over wells (Genesis 26:15-22).
• The altar proclaims trust that the LORD—not local gods, not political alliances—controls the land and future.
and called on the name of the LORDTo “call on the name of the LORD” is the patriarchal way of worshiping and declaring allegiance.
•Genesis 4:26 records people first “calling on the name of the LORD,” showing continuity in genuine worship from the earliest generations.
• Abraham called on the LORD at Bethel (Genesis 13:4); now Isaac calls after God’s renewed covenant promise inGenesis 26:24, responding in gratitude and dependence.
• The phrase also carries a missionary tone: it publicly identifies Isaac’s household as servants of the one true God amid pagan neighbors (cf.1 Kings 18:24).
and he pitched his tent thereEveryday life is intentionally planted where worship is centered.
•Genesis 13:18 notes Abraham settling by the oaks of Mamre after building an altar, joining dwelling and devotion.
• “Pitched his tent” underscores a pilgrim lifestyle—present stability rests on God’s promise, not on permanent structures (Hebrews 11:9-10).
• By settling at Beersheba after the LORD’s reassurance, Isaac models confidence that God will safeguard his family despite previous hostility from the Philistines (Genesis 26:14-16).
His servants also dug a well thereA well means refreshment, provision, and a future for flocks and family.
• Earlier wells—Esek and Sitnah—were contested (Genesis 26:20-21). This one, like Rehoboth (Genesis 26:22), flows from God-given peace.
• Wells often bear covenant significance: Abraham’s treaty with Abimelech was sealed at Beersheba’s well (Genesis 21:25-31). Isaac’s new well reaffirms ownership granted by God.
• Worship (altar), identity (calling on the LORD), habitation (tent), and provision (well) form a complete picture of life ordered under divine blessing (Matthew 6:33).
summaryGenesis 26:25 shows Isaac responding to God’s covenant assurance with four deliberate actions: worshiping through an altar, proclaiming loyalty by calling on God’s name, rooting daily life nearby with his tent, and ensuring ongoing provision by digging a well. Together these acts display wholehearted trust that the LORD alone secures his place, purpose, and prosperity.
Verse 25. -
And he (
i.
e. Isaac, in grateful response to the Divine Promiser who had appeared to him)
builded an altar there, - the first instance of altar building ascribed to Isaac; "those erected by his father no doubt still remaining in the other places where he sojourned" (Inglis)
and called upon the name of the Lord, - i.e. publicly celebrated his worship in the midst of his household (
vide on Genesis 12:7, 8) -
and pitched his tent there (the place being now to him doubly hallowed by the appearance of the Lord to himself as well as to his father):
and there Isaac's servants digged a well - a necessary appendage to a flockmaster's settlement.
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
So he builtוַיִּ֧בֶן(way·yi·ḇen)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1129:To buildan altarמִזְבֵּ֗חַ(miz·bê·aḥ)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 4196:An altarthereשָׁ֣ם(šām)Adverb
Strong's 8033:There, then, thitherand calledוַיִּקְרָא֙(way·yiq·rā)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 7121:To call, proclaim, readon the nameבְּשֵׁ֣ם(bə·šêm)Preposition-b | Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 8034:A nameof the LORD,יְהוָ֔ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israeland he pitchedוַיֶּט־(way·yeṭ-)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 5186:To stretch out, spread out, extend, incline, bendhis tentאָהֳל֑וֹ(’ā·ho·lōw)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 168:A tentthere.שָׁ֖ם(šām)Adverb
Strong's 8033:There, then, thitherIsaac’sיִצְחָ֖ק(yiṣ·ḥāq)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3327:Isaac -- 'he laughs', son of Abraham and Sarahservantsעַבְדֵי־(‘aḇ·ḏê-)Noun - masculine plural construct
Strong's 5650:Slave, servantalso dugוַיִּכְרוּ־(way·yiḵ·rū-)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine plural
Strong's 3738:To dig, to plot, to bore, opena wellבְּאֵֽר׃(bə·’êr)Noun - feminine singular
Strong's 875:A pit, a wellthere.שָׁ֥ם(šām)Adverb
Strong's 8033:There, then, thither
Links
Genesis 26:25 NIVGenesis 26:25 NLTGenesis 26:25 ESVGenesis 26:25 NASBGenesis 26:25 KJV
Genesis 26:25 BibleApps.comGenesis 26:25 Biblia ParalelaGenesis 26:25 Chinese BibleGenesis 26:25 French BibleGenesis 26:25 Catholic Bible
OT Law: Genesis 26:25 He built an altar there and called (Gen. Ge Gn) 
