the mystical temple of god 612 Something similar happened to Abimelech, the king of the Palestinians, when he saw Isaac abounding with riches and power. A renowned foreigner in his realm, he was stirred up by some Palestinians100 who were envious of Isaac; and moved him outside the country and ordered him to stay outside of his kingdom. “Depart from us,” (he said), “for you have become more powerful than we are” (Gen 26:16) [LV]. Yet a little later, when Isaac was living in Beersheba, and was not less powerful than in Palestine, Abimelech went up to him with two other friends and said: “We propose that there be a sworn agreement between our two sides—between you and us. Let us make a pact with you: you shall not act unkindly toward us” (Gen 26:28-29). Who inspired you, Abimelech, with fear of the power of Isaac? Who persuaded you to make an agreement with him to be reconciled forever? It was that courageous preacher Conscience; for thus thought the Bishop of the golden mouth:101 “Unjustly,” he says, “they had expelled Isaac from their land, and now, see, how driven by conscience they hurry to reproach themselves, since nobody else is forcing them and reproaching them with what they have done.”102 Isaac had scarcely set foot outside Palestine, and at once his household herald, having approached Abimelech, cried out: have you really wickedly driven a good man from your kingdom? Have you really unfairly expelled a just man from your borders? Do you believe that you will get away with this without punishment? Do you think that he is not shielded by God’s protection? But indeed, it may well be that this son of Abraham himself will not conceal the infamy received. By your audacity a new war will 100 This is according to the Vulgate, but according to the translation from the original language, instead of “Palestinians” we have “Philistines”; cf. Gen 26:14. 101 St. John Chrysostom, archbishop of Constantinople and Doctor of the Church (d. 407). He is called “Chrysostom,” that is, “goldenmouthed,” because of his acclaimed skills as an orator. There are around 700 homilies, exegetical for the most part, with commentaries on the books of the Old and New Testaments; Included in thises are his sermons on the book of Genesis. See: PB 47-64. Cf. Cataudella, Quintino, Giovanni Crisostomo, II, Works: ECat VI, 538-541. 102 John Chrysostom, Homilies, 52, in: On Chapter XXXVI of Genesis, PG 54, 462.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjI2Mw==