After receiving a divine promise of peace, Isaac relocates to Beersheba to establish his permanent home. The order of his actions upon arriving reveals his core priorities and his deep commitment to his father's legacy. By emphasizing the specific location repeatedly throughout these events, the narrative highlights that Isaac followed exactly in Abraham's footsteps [ברכת אשר].
His very first act is to build an altar. Just like Abraham, he establishes a dedicated space for offerings and prayer, leading a public ceremony to proclaim the name of God [רד״ק, מלבי״ם, ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Only after fulfilling these spiritual duties does Isaac attend to his physical needs. He sets up his tent to mark his permanent residence, and finally, his servants begin preparing a well to ensure a comfortable and spacious living environment [העמק דבר].
The method used to create this well is significant. While some view it as the standard digging of a hole [אבן עזרא], the primary approach among commentators distinguishes between the initial breaking of the ground and the deep, labor-intensive excavation usually required to find water. The servants are described as only beginning the surface work, demonstrating that Isaac delayed even the most basic preparations for water until his altar was completely finished.
In the past, Isaac had to search tirelessly and fight over water sources. Now, firmly established and trusting in God, such struggle is unnecessary. Water is found in the exact spot where his servants strike their first blow into the earth. The timing of this discovery is perfectly orchestrated. Just as the servants begin their work, Abimelech arrives from Gerar to negotiate a peace treaty. While he is still there, the servants return with the news that they have reached the proper depth and found water. Isaac does not name the well immediately; he waits until the treaty oath with Abimelech is concluded, naming the location after that very oath. This seamless sequence of events illustrates how God loved Isaac, granted him success, and caused the surrounding leaders to recognize his greatness and stand in awe of him [רשב״ם, רד״ק].