1 And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken.
2 For Sarah conceived, and bare 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 that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac.
4 And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac being eight days old, as God had commanded him.
5 And Abraham was an hundred years old, when his son Isaac was born unto him.
6 And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh, [so that] all that hear will laugh with me.
7 And she said, Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah should have given children suck? for I have born [him] a son in his old age.
8 And the child grew, and was weaned: and Abraham made a great feast the [same] day that Isaac was weaned.
9 And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking.
10 Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, [even] with Isaac.
11 And the thing was very grievous in Abraham’s sight because of his son.
12 And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.
13 And also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation, because he [is] thy seed.
14 And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread, and a bottle of water, and gave [it] unto Hagar, putting [it] on her shoulder, and the child, and sent her away: and she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba.
15 And the water was spent in the bottle, and she cast the child under one of the shrubs.
16 And she went, and sat her down over against [him] a good way off, as it were a bowshot: for she said, Let me not see the death of the child. And she sat over against [him], and lift up her voice, and wept.
17 And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he [is].
18 Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thine hand; for I will make him a great nation.
19 And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink.
20 And God was with the lad; and he grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer.
21 And he dwelt in the wilderness of Paran: and his mother took him a wife out of the land of Egypt.
22 And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God [is] with thee in all that thou doest:
23 Now therefore swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son’s son: [but] according to the kindness that I have done unto thee, thou shalt do unto me, and to the land wherein thou hast sojourned.
24 And Abraham said, I will swear.
25 And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water, which Abimelech’s servants had violently taken away.
26 And Abimelech said, I wot not who hath done this thing: neither didst thou tell me, neither yet heard I [of it], but to day.
27 And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech; and both of them made a covenant.
28 And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.
29 And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What [mean] these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set by themselves?
30 And he said, For [these] seven ewe lambs shalt thou take of my hand, that they may be a witness unto me, that I have digged this well.
31 Wherefore he called that place Beersheba; because there they sware both of them.
32 Thus they made a covenant at Beersheba: then Abimelech rose up, and Phichol the chief captain of his host, and they returned into the land of the Philistines.
33 And [Abraham] planted a grove in Beersheba, and called there on the name of the LORD, the everlasting God.
34 And Abraham sojourned in the Philistines’ land many days.
Summary of Genesis Chapter 21
Genesis Chapter 21 narrates the miraculous birth of Isaac, the son of Abraham and Sarah, and the subsequent events that unfold regarding Hagar and Ishmael. This chapter highlights themes of faith, fulfillment of promises, and the complexities of familial relationships.
Key Events
- The Birth of Isaac
- God fulfills His promise to Abraham and Sarah by allowing Sarah to conceive and bear a son, Isaac.
- Isaac’s name means “laughter,” reflecting both Abraham’s and Sarah’s initial disbelief and joy at the birth.
- Abraham’s Obedience
- Abraham circumcises Isaac on the eighth day, adhering to God’s covenant.
- Abraham is one hundred years old at the time of Isaac’s birth, emphasizing the miraculous nature of the event.
- Conflict with Hagar and Ishmael
- As Isaac grows, tensions arise between Sarah and Hagar, leading to Sarah demanding that Abraham send Hagar and Ishmael away.
- Abraham is distressed by Sarah’s request but is reassured by God, who tells him to listen to Sarah.
- Hagar and Ishmael’s Departure
- Abraham provides Hagar with provisions and sends her and Ishmael away into the wilderness.
- Hagar, in despair, places Ishmael under a bush and weeps, fearing for their survival.
- God’s Intervention
- God hears Ishmael’s cries and reassures Hagar, promising to make Ishmael a great nation.
- Hagar sees a well of water, which saves them from dying of thirst, symbolizing God’s provision.
- Isaac’s Growth and God’s Blessing
- Isaac grows and is weaned, leading to a celebration which highlights the joy in Abraham’s household.
- Abraham’s relationship with God is reinforced as he continues to receive divine guidance.
Thematic Analysis
- Fulfillment of Promises
- The chapter emphasizes God’s faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Abraham and Sarah.
- Isaac’s birth is a pivotal moment in the narrative, marking the beginning of the fulfillment of the covenant made with Abraham.
- Faith and Obedience
- Abraham’s actions demonstrate his faith and obedience to God, particularly in the circumcision of Isaac.
- God’s reassurance to Abraham regarding Hagar and Ishmael illustrates the importance of trusting divine guidance.
- Family Dynamics
- The chapter explores the complexities of family relationships, particularly the rivalry between Sarah and Hagar.
- It reflects on the emotional struggles and societal pressures faced by women in patriarchal contexts.
- Divine Provision
- God’s provision for Hagar and Ishmael in the wilderness signifies His care for all His creations, not just the chosen lineage.
- The well of water serves as a metaphor for spiritual sustenance and God’s ongoing support.
Conclusion
Genesis Chapter 21 is a profound narrative that encapsulates the themes of divine promise, faith, and the complexities of human relationships. It illustrates God’s unwavering commitment to His covenant with Abraham while also highlighting the broader implications of His grace and provision for all humanity.
