And there was a famine in the land, beside the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went unto Abimelech king of the Philistines unto Gerar. And the Lord appeared unto him, and said, Go not down into Egypt; dwell in the land which I shall tell thee of: Sojourn in this land, and I will be with thee, and will bless thee; for unto thee, and unto thy seed, I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath which I sware unto Abraham thy father; And I will make thy seed to multiply as the stars of heaven, and will give unto thy seed all these countries; and in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed; Because that Abraham obeyed my voice, and kept my charge, my commandments, my statutes, and my laws. And Isaac dwelt in Gerar. (Genesis 26:1-6)
God promised Abraham a large family and a specific land.
The country that is referenced in Genesis 26:1-6 includes the area of Garar. Garar is roughly 9 miles south of Gaza City. Usually, the Bible refers to this area as the land of Canaan. Originally, it was occupied by the Philistine people who worshiped false gods, and practiced sexual immorality and human sacrifice as a part of their worship experience. Not only did they have temple prostitutes who would perform sexual acts in their holy places, they would also sacrifice their firstborn sons and practice other horrible atrocities in the name of their religion.
God saw the atrocities committed by these people and purposed for men who had a relationship with Him to take over the land and bring it back to God’s purpose.
Notice the promise that God made. Gaza, Ashdod, Ashkelon, Ekron and Gath are all included in the area that God called Abraham to recover and bring into subjection. This land belongs to Abraham and his descendants by the promise of God.
Practical Application
Pray for Israel. Pray that they walk in the favor of God and for them to recover all that God promised them. Similarly, remember that whatever God has spoken to you will come to pass. Even if it seems held back by the enemy, do not give up. God has a plan for you to receive everything He has promised you.