Esek
עֵשֶׂק/EE-sek/
“Contention, quarrel, or strife”
Summary
A well dug by Isaac's servants in the valley of Gerar, named for the contention it caused with the local herdsmen.
☩The Dispute
Esek was a well containing a spring of water that Isaac's servants dug in the valley of Gerar. When the herdsmen of Gerar quarreled with Isaac's servants, claiming the water belonged to them, Isaac named the well Esek, meaning 'contention' or 'strife.' Isaac apparently relinquished this well rather than continue the conflict, moving on to dig another well (Sitnah), which also caused strife, before finally finding peace at Rehoboth. The site has not been positively identified but lies somewhere in the region near Gerar.
Key verses:Genesis 26:20
Related Verses1 mention
Genesis· 1 verse
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Esek," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. III (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Esek," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).