Genesis 21

Genesis 21 details significant milestones in the life of Abraham and his family. It opens with the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and Sarah, as the long-awaited son, Isaac, is born. The chapter also touches on themes of faith, conflict, and God's intervention, specifically in the lives of Hagar and Ishmael. The chapter shows how God cares for His people and fulfills His promises, even amid human challenges and mistakes.

Genesis 21:1-3 (NKJV)
1 And the Lord visited Sarah as He had said, and the Lord did for Sarah as He had spoken.
2 For Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.
3 And Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him—whom Sarah bore to him—Isaac.

The long-promised son, Isaac, is finally born to Sarah and Abraham, demonstrating God's faithfulness. Despite their old age, God fulfills His word precisely at the time He had set. Sarah's barrenness is reversed, not by human intervention but by divine power. Abraham’s naming of Isaac reflects obedience to God's instructions and the joy of receiving the promised child. Isaac’s name, which means "laughter," highlights the joy and amazement of Sarah, who had previously laughed at the idea of bearing a child at her age.

Genesis 21:4-5 (NKJV)
4 Then Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him.
5 Now Abraham was one hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him.

Abraham demonstrates his faithfulness to God's covenant by circumcising Isaac on the eighth day, as commanded. This act shows his commitment to the covenant God made with him in Genesis 17. Abraham's age is mentioned again to underscore the miraculous nature of Isaac's birth and the importance of waiting on God's timing, regardless of human limitations. At 100 years old, Abraham experiences the fulfillment of God's promise, underscoring that nothing is impossible for God.

Genesis 21:6-7 (NKJV)
6 And Sarah said, “God has made me laugh, and all who hear will laugh with me.”
7 She also said, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? For I have borne him a son in his old age.”

Sarah’s words express her amazement and joy at what God has done. She acknowledges the miraculous nature of Isaac’s birth and the change in her circumstances. The laughter that Sarah mentions here is one of joyful surprise, contrasting with the doubtful laughter she expressed earlier in Genesis 18. She recognizes that others will also share in her joy when they hear the story of God's faithfulness. Her ability to nurse a child in her old age is a powerful testimony of God’s intervention and faithfulness to His promises.

Genesis 21:8-10 (NKJV)
8 So the child grew and was weaned. And Abraham made a great feast on the same day that Isaac was weaned.
9 And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, scoffing.
10 Therefore she said to Abraham, “Cast out this bondwoman and her son; for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, namely with Isaac.”

As Isaac grows, the weaning marks an important milestone, which Abraham celebrates with a feast. However, tensions resurface in the household when Sarah sees Ishmael, Hagar's son, mocking Isaac. Sarah’s protective instincts for Isaac and her recognition of God’s plan for him as the promised heir lead her to demand that Hagar and Ishmael be sent away. The situation illustrates the ongoing conflict between the descendants of Abraham through Hagar and Sarah, emphasizing Isaac's role as the chosen child through whom God’s covenant will continue.

Genesis 21:11-13 (NKJV)
11 And the matter was very displeasing in Abraham’s sight because of his son.
12 But God said to Abraham, “Do not let it be displeasing in your sight because of the lad or because of your bondwoman. Whatever Sarah has said to you, listen to her voice; for in Isaac your seed shall be called.
13 Yet I will also make a nation of the son of the bondwoman, because he is your seed.”

Abraham is deeply troubled by Sarah’s demand, as Ishmael is still his son. However, God reassures Abraham, affirming that Sarah’s request aligns with His plan. While Isaac is the chosen one through whom the covenant will be established, God promises to take care of Ishmael as well, acknowledging him as Abraham’s seed. God’s promise to make Ishmael a great nation shows His grace and care for all of Abraham’s descendants, even those not included in the covenant of promise. This passage highlights God's sovereign plans for both Isaac and Ishmael.

Genesis 21:14-16 (NKJV)
14 So Abraham rose early in the morning, and took bread and a skin of water; and putting it on her shoulder, he gave it and the boy to Hagar, and sent her away. Then she departed and wandered in the Wilderness of Beersheba.
15 And the water in the skin was used up, and she placed the boy under one of the shrubs.
16 Then she went and sat down across from him at a distance of about a bowshot; for she said to herself, “Let me not see the death of the boy.” So she sat opposite him, and lifted her voice and wept.

Abraham obediently follows God’s direction, though it is a difficult and emotional decision. He sends Hagar and Ishmael into the wilderness, giving them provisions for the journey. However, the water runs out, and Hagar, in her despair, places Ishmael under a bush, unwilling to witness her son’s death. Her weeping reveals her deep anguish and hopelessness in the face of imminent death. This scene highlights the fragility of human life and the seemingly dire circumstances that arise when individuals are left to fend for themselves in desolate places.

Genesis 21:17-19 (NKJV)
17 And God heard the voice of the lad. Then the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said to her, “What ails you, Hagar? Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the lad where he is.
18 Arise, lift up the lad and hold him with your hand, for I will make him a great nation.”
19 Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. And she went and filled the skin with water, and gave the lad a drink.

God intervenes at the point of Hagar’s deepest despair, hearing Ishmael’s cries. The angel's message offers comfort and hope, assuring Hagar that Ishmael’s life will be preserved, and he will become a great nation. This encounter emphasizes God’s care for those in distress and His attentiveness to the cries of the helpless. When God opens Hagar's eyes to the well, it represents both physical salvation and a spiritual renewal of hope. This divine provision symbolizes God’s ability to sustain life, even in the wilderness, and reminds us of His promises to care for all His children.

Genesis 21:20-21 (NKJV)
20 So God was with the lad; and he grew and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer.
21 He dwelt in the Wilderness of Paran; and his mother took a wife for him from the land of Egypt.

God’s presence with Ishmael ensures that he thrives despite the difficult circumstances. As Ishmael grows into adulthood in the wilderness, he becomes skilled as an archer, a survival skill in his harsh environment. Hagar, continuing to care for her son, finds a wife for him from her native land of Egypt, ensuring that Ishmael’s lineage continues. This passage underlines God's faithfulness to His promise to make Ishmael a great nation, even though he is not the child of the covenant. Ishmael’s story is a testament to God’s provision for all of Abraham’s descendants.

Genesis 21:22-24 (NKJV)
22 And it came to pass at that time that Abimelech and Phichol, the commander of his army, spoke to Abraham, saying, “God is with you in all that you do.
23 Now therefore, swear to me by God that you will not deal falsely with me, with my offspring, or with my posterity; but that according to the kindness that I have done to you, you will do to me and to the land in which you have dwelt.”
24 And Abraham said, “I will swear.”

Abimelech, recognizing God’s blessing and protection over Abraham, seeks a formal covenant to secure peaceful relations between them. He acknowledges that God’s presence with Abraham makes him a powerful and influential figure. Abimelech’s request for a promise not to be deceived or treated unjustly suggests that he is aware of Abraham’s past dealings (Genesis 20), yet he desires to establish mutual respect and goodwill. Abraham agrees to this covenant, marking an important moment of peace and cooperation between them. This interaction reflects the influence that Abraham’s relationship with God has on others, even kings.

Genesis 21:25-27 (NKJV)
25 Then Abraham rebuked Abimelech because of a well of water which Abimelech’s servants had seized.
26 And Abimelech said, “I do not know who has done this thing; you did not tell me, nor had I heard of it until today.”
27 So Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them to Abimelech, and the two of them made a covenant.

Abraham addresses a dispute over a well that Abimelech's servants had taken by force. This well represents a crucial resource, especially in the desert environment, where water is essential for survival. Abimelech, however, is unaware of the situation and immediately clarifies that he had no knowledge of the wrongdoing. Abraham offers livestock as part of their covenant agreement, symbolizing the peace and cooperation between them. This passage underscores the importance of resolving conflicts through peaceful negotiation and mutual understanding, especially when resources are involved.

Genesis 21:28-30 (NKJV)
28 And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.
29 Then Abimelech asked Abraham, “What is the meaning of these seven ewe lambs which you have set by themselves?”
30 And he said, “You will take these seven ewe lambs from my hand, that they may be my witness that I have dug this well.”

In addition to the livestock for the covenant, Abraham sets aside seven lambs as a symbolic witness to his ownership of the well. The seven ewe lambs serve as evidence that the well rightfully belongs to Abraham, and by accepting them, Abimelech acknowledges this claim. This transaction secures Abraham’s rights to the well, ensuring that future conflicts over the resource can be avoided. This act highlights the importance of clear agreements and visible signs of ownership in maintaining peace and order.

Genesis 21:31-32 (NKJV)
31 Therefore he called that place Beersheba, because the two of them swore an oath there.
32 Thus they made a covenant at Beersheba. So Abimelech rose with Phichol, the commander of his army, and they returned to the land of the Philistines.

The place where this covenant is made is named Beersheba, meaning “well of the oath” or “well of seven,” signifying the agreement between Abraham and Abimelech. This location becomes a significant landmark, associated with peace and a formal covenant. After the agreement is made, Abimelech and Phichol return to their land, signifying that their relationship with Abraham is now one of mutual respect and understanding. Beersheba becomes an enduring reminder of God’s provision and the importance of integrity and peace in human relationships.

Genesis 21:33-34 (NKJV)
33 Then Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there called on the name of the Lord, the Everlasting God.
34 And Abraham stayed in the land of the Philistines many days.

Abraham plants a tamarisk tree in Beersheba as a lasting symbol of his covenant with God and with Abimelech. The act of calling on the name of the Lord emphasizes Abraham’s acknowledgment of God’s eternal nature and his dependence on Him. The tamarisk tree, a slow-growing, enduring tree, symbolizes Abraham’s faith in the everlasting God. Abraham's continued stay in the region of the Philistines suggests that this covenant brought about lasting peace, allowing him to dwell securely in the land as he continued his journey of faith.