Genesis 21
“Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised. 2 Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him. 3 Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore him. 4 When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God commanded him. 5 Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him.
6 Sarah said, “God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.” 7 And she added, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.”
8 The child grew and was weaned, and on the day Isaac was weaned Abraham held a great feast. 9 But Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham was mocking, 10 and she said to Abraham, “Get rid of that slave woman and her son, for that woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with my son Isaac.”
11 The matter distressed Abraham greatly because it concerned his son. 12 But God said to him, “Do not be so distressed about the boy and your slave woman. Listen to whatever Sarah tells you, because it is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned. 13 I will make the son of the slave into a nation also, because he is your offspring.”
14 Early the next morning Abraham took some food and a skin of water and gave them to Hagar. He set them on her shoulders and then sent her off with the boy. She went on her way and wandered in the Desert of Beersheba.
15 When the water in the skin was gone, she put the boy under one of the bushes. 16 Then she went off and sat down about a bowshot away, for she thought, “I cannot watch the boy die.” And as she sat there, she began to sob.
17 God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. 18 Lift the boy up and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation.”
19 Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. So she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink.
20 God was with the boy as he grew up. He lived in the desert and became an archer. 21 While he was living in the Desert of Paran, his mother got a wife for him from Egypt.
22 At that time Abimelek and Phicol the commander of his forces said to Abraham, “God is with you in everything you do. 23 Now swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or my descendants. Show to me and the country where you now reside as a foreigner the same kindness I have shown to you.”
24 Abraham said, “I swear it.”
25 Then Abraham complained to Abimelek about a well of water that Abimelek’s servants had seized. 26 But Abimelek said, “I don’t know who has done this. You did not tell me, and I heard about it only today.”
27 So Abraham brought sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelek, and the two men made a treaty. 28 Abraham set apart seven ewe lambs from the flock, 29 and Abimelek asked Abraham, “What is the meaning of these seven ewe lambs you have set apart by themselves?”
30 He replied, “Accept these seven lambs from my hand as a witness that I dug this well.”
31 So that place was called Beersheba, because the two men swore an oath there.
32 After the treaty had been made at Beersheba, Abimelek and Phicol the commander of his forces returned to the land of the Philistines. 33 Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called on the name of the Lord, the Eternal God. 34 And Abraham stayed in the land of the Philistines for a long time.”
Genesis 21 Meaning
In Genesis 21, we read about the birth of Isaac, son of Abraham and Sarah. After years of waiting and doubting, God fulfills His promise to Abraham and Sarah, showing that nothing is impossible with Him. This chapter also highlights the faithfulness of God and His ability to provide for His people, even in the midst of challenging circumstances.
Genesis 21 Commentary and Explanation
In Genesis 21, we witness the fulfillment of God’s promise to Sarah and Abraham, a testament to His faithfulness and mercy. Sarah, in her old age, conceives and gives birth to Isaac, as God had foretold. This miraculous event exemplifies God’s sovereignty over human limitations and reinforces His covenant with Abraham to make him the father of many nations. We are reminded of God’s perfect timing, as Isaac is born precisely as God promised, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness throughout generations.
Upon Isaac’s eighth day, Abraham dutifully circumcises him according to God’s command, signifying their commitment to the covenant. This act symbolizes the separation of God’s chosen people from the world and their dedication to His will. It echoes the covenant established with Abraham in Genesis 17, emphasizing the continuity of God’s promises through generations.
Sarah’s joy over Isaac’s birth is palpable, as she declares, “God has brought me laughter.” Her laughter echoes the disbelief she expressed earlier (Genesis 18:12), now transformed into joyous gratitude for God’s faithfulness. This transformation serves as a reminder of God’s ability to turn our doubts into declarations of His glory and power.
However, tension arises as Sarah observes Ishmael mocking Isaac. Sarah, concerned for Isaac’s inheritance and well-being, urges Abraham to send Hagar and Ishmael away. Though Abraham is distressed, God reassures him, affirming that His covenant will be fulfilled through Isaac. This decision underscores the sovereignty of God’s plan over human emotions and familial ties, illustrating the necessity of obedience to His will even in difficult circumstances.
As Hagar and Ishmael wander in the wilderness, God hears Ishmael’s cry and comforts Hagar, promising to make Ishmael into a great nation. This encounter reveals God’s compassion towards the outcast and marginalized, emphasizing His sovereignty over all nations and peoples. It also echoes God’s promise to Abraham regarding Ishmael’s future (Genesis 16:10-12), reinforcing His faithfulness to His word despite human failings.
Abraham’s interactions with Abimelek highlight the importance of integrity and diplomacy in relationships. Despite past conflicts, Abraham seeks peace and makes a covenant with Abimelek, demonstrating his commitment to honoring God’s commandments and living harmoniously with others. This serves as a model for resolving disputes and fostering reconciliation through mutual respect and understanding.
The chapter concludes with Abraham’s continued residence in the land of the Philistines, where he worships the Eternal God. His planting of a tamarisk tree and calling upon the name of the Lord symbolize his commitment to God’s covenant and his acknowledgment of God’s everlasting presence. This serves as a reminder of the importance of faithfulness and worship in maintaining a relationship with God amidst life’s trials and uncertainties.
Genesis 21 thus offers profound insights into God’s faithfulness, sovereignty, and mercy, inviting us to trust in His promises, obey His commands, and seek reconciliation with others as we journey in faith.
Also Read: Genesis 20 Meaning and Commentary
Context of Genesis 21
Genesis 21 is part of the larger narrative of Abraham’s life. In previous chapters, God promises Abraham that he will have a son and become the father of many nations. However, Sarah, being barren, gives her maidservant Hagar to Abraham in order to bear a child on her behalf. This leads to the birth of Ishmael. Years later, as God had promised, Sarah conceives and gives birth to Isaac. The arrival of Isaac brings about tension and conflict within Abraham’s household.
This context is important because it reveals the consequences of taking matters into our own hands instead of waiting on God’s perfect timing. It also highlights the faithfulness and sovereignty of God in fulfilling His promises, even when circumstances seem impossible.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Genesis 21
The birth of Isaac: This event marks the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham and Sarah. It demonstrates that nothing is impossible with God and encourages us to trust in His faithfulness.
Conflict between Sarah and Hagar: Sarah’s jealousy and desire to protect Isaac lead to tension in the household. This reminds us of the consequences of trying to fulfill God’s promises in our own way. We should trust in God’s timing and surrender our desires to His will.
Abraham’s obedience: Abraham faithfully obeys God’s command to send away Hagar and Ishmael, trusting that God will provide for them. This act of faith teaches us the importance of surrender and obedience to God’s will, even when it seems difficult or painful.
Lessons From the Bible Verses
1. Trust in God’s timing: We can confidently trust that God’s promises will be fulfilled in His perfect timing. Even when it seems impossible, God is able to bring about the fulfillment of His word.
2. Surrender our desires to God: Instead of trying to manipulate circumstances to fulfill God’s promises, we should surrender our desires and plans to His will. God’s plans are always greater and more meaningful than what we can imagine.
3. Obedience and faithfulness: Just as Abraham obeyed God’s command, even when it was challenging, we should strive to be obedient and faithful to God’s instructions. Our acts of obedience demonstrate our trust and reliance on Him.
Final Thoughts
Genesis 21 reminds us of God’s faithfulness, even in the face of challenging circumstances. It shows us that God is able to bring about the fulfillment of His promises, no matter how impossible they may seem. Like Abraham and Sarah, we are called to trust in God’s timing, surrender our desires to His will, and be obedient to His commands. As we do so, we can have confidence that God will provide for us and fulfill His plans in our lives. Let us draw inspiration from the story of Isaac’s birth and the lessons it teaches us about the unwavering faithfulness of our Heavenly Father.