THEOSISJohn Chrysostom
In this passage, a name is given to the location to commemorate the significant occurrence. Those who excavated the well found it dry, according to the version from the LXX; however, since this happened on the same day they formed their covenant, Isaac designated the site as the well of the oath, establishing a reminder of the occasion. Observe how a righteous person, despite not having been schooled in the law, nor having a prior example to follow apart from his father, demonstrated remarkable wisdom through the guidance of his own conscience. The trials he faced showcased not only his humility but also indicated that he was already living out the commandments of Christ through his actions.
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Isaac embodied what Christ urged His followers to practice: not merely loving those who love them but also extending love to their adversaries. He exemplified this by exhibiting extraordinary hospitality towards those who despised him, thereby casting aside any resentment.
What measure of grace are we worthy of if, having received the gift of salvation and the teachings of our Savior, we fail to emulate this righteous man? Not only are we lacking in this regard, but our moral decay has reached such a level that it is rare for individuals to love those who are kind to them. If our actions are even less virtuous than those of tax collectors, as articulated by Christ: ‘If you love those who love you, what reward will you have? Do not the tax collectors also do the same’ (Matthew 5:46), how can we expect salvation? Christ calls us to aspire to the highest standards of goodness, surpassing that of publicans, yet we often settle for something less. In truth, we frequently fall short, becoming even worse than thieves or murderers, as these people will love those who are kind to them and often risk much for those they cherish.
It is a profound cause for sorrow that, despite being recipients of such immense divine love, we find ourselves inferior to those guilty of numerous transgressions. Therefore, I urge you: in light of the severe consequences and humiliation that await us, let us recognize our true dignity, embrace the teachings of Christ, and strive not only to reciprocate love to those who genuinely care for us—divesting our hearts of all malice and hatred—but also to extend love to those who bear us animosity. Without pursuing this path, our salvation becomes impossible. Let us endeavor to love even more those who provide us with manifold blessings than we do those who already care for us. By doing so, we can attain forgiveness for our sins and approach God with a humble heart and a contrite spirit. When the soul is released from enmity and the mind finds peace, it calls upon the Lord with fervor, drawing down great assistance from above, which we can all partake of through the compassion and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom be glory with the Father and the Holy Spirit, now and forever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.