Gen 26:28-29 | NET2full | STEP | They replied , “We could plainly see that the Lord is with you. So we decided there should be a pact between us — between us and you. Allow us to make a treaty with you

‏ Genesis 26:28-29

28 They replied, “We could plainly see ^{▼▼tn The infinitive absolute before the verb emphasizes the clarity of their perception.} that the Lord is with you. So we decided there should be ^{▼▼tn Heb “And we said, ‘Let there be.’” The direct discourse in the Hebrew text has been rendered as indirect discourse in the translation for stylistic reasons.} a pact between us ^{▼▼tn The pronoun “us” here is inclusive—it refers to the Philistine contingent on the one hand and Isaac on the other.} —between us ^{▼▼tn The pronoun “us” here is exclusive—it refers to just the Philistine contingent (the following “you” refers to Isaac).} and you. Allow us to make ^{▼▼tn The translation assumes that the cohortative expresses their request. Another option is to understand the cohortative as indicating resolve: “We want to make.’”} a treaty with you 29 so that ^{▼▼tn The oath formula is used: “if you do us harm” means “so that you will not do.”} you will not do us any harm, just as we have not harmed ^{▼▼tn Heb “touched.”} you, but have always treated you well ^{▼▼tn Heb “and just as we have done only good with you.”} before sending you away ^{▼▼tn Heb “and we sent you away.”} in peace. Now you are blessed by the Lord.” ^{▼▼tn The Philistine leaders are making an observation, not pronouncing a blessing, so the translation reads “you are blessed” rather than “may you be blessed” (cf. NAB).}