Gen 26:8 | TNotes | STEP | 26:8 Abimelech ... saw Isaac caressing Rebekah: The word for “caressing” (Hebrew metsakheq ) is the same as the word used for Ishmael’s “making fun of” Isaac (21:9 ); the word is related to the name “Isaac” (Hebrew yitskhaq ). It is as though Isaac’s lapse of faith made fun of Abimelech and made a mockery of Rebekah and the great promise embodied in Isaac’s name.

‏ Genesis 26:8

26:8 ^a Abimelech ... saw Isaac caressing Rebekah: The word for “caressing” (Hebrew metsakheq) is the same as the word used for Ishmael’s “making fun of” Isaac (21:9 ^b); the word is related to the name “Isaac” (Hebrew yitskhaq). It is as though Isaac’s lapse of faith made fun of Abimelech and made a mockery of Rebekah and the great promise embodied in Isaac’s name.