But I will also make a nation of the slave woman's son, because he is your offspring." But I will also make a nationThis phrase highlights God's sovereign promise and His ability to bring forth nations from individuals. The Hebrew word for "nation" is "goy," which often refers to a people or ethnic group. In the context of Genesis, it signifies God's intention to establish a distinct lineage and people group from Ishmael, the son of Hagar. This promise underscores God's faithfulness and His overarching plan that extends beyond the immediate circumstances of Abraham's family. It reflects the biblical theme of God's providence and His ability to fulfill His promises despite human limitations. of the slave woman’s son
The term "slave woman" refers to Hagar, an Egyptian maidservant of Sarah. The Hebrew word for "slave woman" is "amah," which denotes a female servant or maid. This phrase reminds us of Hagar's humble status and the complex family dynamics within Abraham's household. Despite her lowly position, God acknowledges Hagar and her son, Ishmael, demonstrating His care and concern for all individuals, regardless of their social status. This highlights the biblical principle that God sees and values every person, and His plans encompass all people, not just those of high status or privilege. because he is your offspring
The word "offspring" in Hebrew is "zera," meaning seed or descendants. This phrase emphasizes the covenantal relationship between God and Abraham. Ishmael, though born to a slave woman, is still Abraham's son, and thus, part of the promise God made to Abraham to make his descendants numerous. This reflects the biblical theme of God's covenant faithfulness and His commitment to His promises. It also illustrates the importance of lineage and heritage in the biblical narrative, where God's promises often extend through generations, impacting not just individuals but entire nations and peoples. Persons / Places / Events 1. AbrahamThe patriarch of the Israelites, chosen by God to be the father of many nations. In this passage, God reassures Abraham of His promise concerning Ishmael. 2. HagarThe Egyptian slave woman and mother of Ishmael. She was Sarah's maidservant and bore Abraham's first son. 3. IshmaelThe son of Abraham and Hagar. Although not the child of promise, God promises to make a nation of him because he is Abraham's offspring. 4. God's PromiseThe divine assurance given to Abraham that Ishmael will also become a great nation, highlighting God's faithfulness and mercy. Teaching Points God's Faithfulness to His PromisesDespite the circumstances of Ishmael's birth, God remains faithful to His promise to Abraham. This teaches us that God's promises are not limited by human actions or societal norms. God's Care for All PeopleGod's promise to make a nation of Ishmael shows His care and provision for all people, not just those who are part of the covenant line. This reminds us of God's universal love and mercy. The Importance of Obedience and TrustAbraham's life is a testament to the importance of trusting and obeying God, even when the path is unclear. We are encouraged to trust in God's plan and timing. The Consequences of Human DecisionsThe account of Hagar and Ishmael is a reminder of the long-term consequences of our decisions, especially when they are made outside of God's guidance. Bible Study Questions 1. How does God's promise to make a nation of Ishmael reflect His character and faithfulness? 2. In what ways can we see God's care for all people, regardless of their status or origin, in this passage? 3. How does the account of Hagar and Ishmael challenge us to trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem unfavorable? 4. What lessons can we learn from Abraham's obedience and trust in God, and how can we apply these lessons in our own lives? 5. How does the New Testament use the account of Hagar and Ishmael to illustrate spiritual truths, and what can we learn from these connections? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 16This chapter provides the background of Hagar and Ishmael, detailing Hagar's conception of Ishmael and the initial promise from God regarding Ishmael's future. Genesis 17:20God reiterates His promise to Abraham about Ishmael, stating that He will bless Ishmael and make him fruitful, multiplying him exceedingly. Galatians 4:22-31Paul uses the account of Hagar and Sarah allegorically to discuss the difference between the old covenant and the new covenant, highlighting the spiritual significance of being children of promise. People Abimelech, Abraham, Hagar, Isaac, Phichol, SarahPlaces Beersheba, Egypt, Gerar, ParanTopics Bondwoman, Bond-woman, Descendant, Handmaid, Maid, Nation, Offspring, Seed, Servant-woman, SlaveDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 21:8-13 5657 birthright
5686 fathers, examples Genesis 21:8-14 5076 Abraham, life of Genesis 21:9-14 5077 Abraham, character Library Compassion for Souls
Behold the compassion of a mother for her child expiring with thirst, and remember that such a compassion ought all Christians to feel towards souls that are perishing for lack of Christ, perishing eternally, perishing without hope of salvation. If the mother lifted up her voice arid wept, so also should we; and if the contemplation of her dying, child was all too painful for her, so may the contemplation of the wrath to come, which is to pass upon every soul that dies impenitent, become too painful …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871Therefore, if we Compare the Things Themselves, we May no Way Doubt that The...
28. Therefore, if we compare the things themselves, we may no way doubt that the chastity of continence is better than marriage chastity, whilst yet both are good: but when we compare the persons, he is better, who hath a greater good than another. Further, he who hath a greater of the same kind, hath also that which is less; but he, who only hath what is less, assuredly hath not that which is greater. For in sixty, thirty also are contained, not sixty also in thirty. But not to work from out that …
St. Augustine—On the Good of Marriage The Gospel Feast
"When Jesus then lifted up His eyes, and saw a great company come unto Him, He saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread that these may eat?"--John vi. 5. After these words the Evangelist adds, "And this He said to prove him, for He Himself knew what He would do." Thus, you see, our Lord had secret meanings when He spoke, and did not bring forth openly all His divine sense at once. He knew what He was about to do from the first, but He wished to lead forward His disciples, and to arrest and …
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII Of Bearing the Cross --One Branch of Self-Denial.
The four divisions of this chapter are,--I. The nature of the cross, its necessity and dignity, sec. 1, 2. II. The manifold advantages of the cross described, sec. 3-6. III. The form of the cross the most excellent of all, and yet it by no means removes all sense of pain, sec. 7, 8. IV. A description of warfare under the cross, and of true patience, (not that of philosophers,) after the example of Christ, sec. 9-11. 1. THE pious mind must ascend still higher, namely, whither Christ calls his disciples …
Archpriest John Iliytch Sergieff—On the Christian Life But if Moreover any not Having Charity, which Pertaineth to the Unity of Spirit...
23. But if moreover any not having charity, which pertaineth to the unity of spirit and the bond of peace whereby the Catholic Church is gathered and knit together, being involved in any schism, doth, that he may not deny Christ, suffer tribulations, straits, hunger, nakedness, persecution, perils, prisons, bonds, torments, swords, or flames, or wild beasts, or the very cross, through fear of hell and everlasting fire; in nowise is all this to be blamed, nay rather this also is a patience meet to …
St. Augustine—On Patience The Annunciation of Jesus the Messiah, and the Birth of his Forerunner.
FROM the Temple to Nazareth! It seems indeed most fitting that the Evangelic story should have taken its beginning within the Sanctuary, and at the time of sacrifice. Despite its outward veneration for them, the Temple, its services, and specially its sacrifices, were, by an inward logical necessity, fast becoming a superfluity for Rabbinism. But the new development, passing over the intruded elements, which were, after all, of rationalistic origin, connected its beginning directly with the Old Testament …
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
Syria: the part played by it in the ancient world--Babylon and the first Chaldaean empire--The dominion of the Hyksos: Ahmosis. Some countries seem destined from their origin to become the battle-fields of the contending nations which environ them. Into such regions, and to their cost, neighbouring peoples come from century to century to settle their quarrels and bring to an issue the questions of supremacy which disturb their little corner of the world. The nations around are eager for the possession …
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4 The Holiness of God
The next attribute is God's holiness. Exod 15:51. Glorious in holiness.' Holiness is the most sparkling jewel of his crown; it is the name by which God is known. Psa 111:1. Holy and reverend is his name.' He is the holy One.' Job 6:60. Seraphims cry, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of his glory.' Isa 6:6. His power makes him mighty, his holiness makes him glorious. God's holiness consists in his perfect love of righteousness, and abhorrence of evil. Of purer eyes than …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Genesis 21:13 NIVGenesis 21:13 NLTGenesis 21:13 ESVGenesis 21:13 NASBGenesis 21:13 KJV
Genesis 21:13 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
