Early in the morning, Abraham got up, took bread and a skin of water, put them on Hagar's shoulders, and sent her away with the boy. She left and wandered in the Wilderness of Beersheba. Early in the morningThis phrase indicates promptness and obedience to God's will. In the Hebrew context, "early" (שָׁכַם, shakham) often signifies diligence and a readiness to act. Abraham's early rising reflects his commitment to God's instructions, even when they are difficult. It is a reminder of the importance of prioritizing God's commands in our daily lives. Abraham got up
The act of getting up signifies a transition from contemplation to action. Abraham, the patriarch, is portrayed as a man of faith who acts decisively. His actions are rooted in trust in God's promises, even when the path is not clear. This serves as an encouragement to believers to rise and act in faith, trusting in God's plan. took bread and a skin of water
Bread and water are basic sustenance, symbolizing God's provision even in times of trial. The Hebrew word for bread (לֶחֶם, lechem) is often associated with sustenance and life. The skin of water represents the necessity of life, highlighting God's care for Hagar and Ishmael even as they are sent away. This provision, though minimal, underscores God's faithfulness in providing for our needs. put them on Hagar's shoulders
This action signifies the burden Hagar must bear. In the ancient Near Eastern context, carrying a load on one's shoulders was a common practice, symbolizing responsibility and endurance. Hagar's journey is a testament to her strength and resilience, and it reminds us that God equips us to bear the burdens we face. and sent her away with the boy
The sending away of Hagar and Ishmael is a poignant moment of separation. The Hebrew verb "sent away" (שָׁלַח, shalach) can also mean to release or let go. This act, though painful, is part of God's larger plan for both Isaac and Ishmael. It teaches us about the necessity of letting go and trusting God's sovereignty in our relationships and circumstances. She left and wandered
The word "wandered" (תָּעָה, ta'ah) implies a lack of direction, yet it also sets the stage for divine intervention. Hagar's wandering in the wilderness is symbolic of life's uncertainties and trials. However, it is often in the wilderness that God meets us and provides guidance, as He later does for Hagar and Ishmael. in the wilderness of Beersheba
Beersheba, meaning "well of the oath" or "well of seven," is a significant location in biblical history. It represents a place of covenant and God's faithfulness. The wilderness, often a place of testing and revelation in Scripture, becomes a backdrop for God's miraculous provision and care. This setting reminds us that even in desolate places, God is present and faithful to His promises. Persons / Places / Events 1. AbrahamThe patriarch of the Israelites, who is obedient to God's command, even when it involves difficult decisions regarding his family. 2. HagarAn Egyptian maidservant of Sarah, who becomes the mother of Ishmael. She is sent away with her son into the wilderness, highlighting themes of trust and survival. 3. IshmaelThe son of Abraham and Hagar, who is part of God's promise to make a great nation, despite being sent away from his father's household. 4. Wilderness of BeershebaA desert region where Hagar and Ishmael wander, symbolizing a place of testing and divine encounter. 5. The Morning DepartureThe timing of the event signifies a new beginning and the start of a journey that requires faith and reliance on God's provision. Teaching Points Obedience in Difficult DecisionsAbraham's actions remind us that obedience to God can sometimes involve making hard choices that we may not fully understand. God's Provision in the WildernessJust as God provided for Hagar and Ishmael, He provides for us in our times of need and uncertainty. Faith in God's PromisesDespite being sent away, Ishmael is still part of God's promise, teaching us to trust in God's faithfulness even when circumstances seem dire. The Role of TestingThe wilderness experience is a time of testing and growth, where reliance on God is deepened. Compassion and ResponsibilityAbraham's provision of bread and water for Hagar and Ishmael shows the importance of caring for others, even when parting ways. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Abraham's obedience in sending Hagar and Ishmael away challenge us in our own faith journeys? 2. In what ways can we see God's provision in our own "wilderness" experiences, and how does this relate to His provision for Hagar and Ishmael? 3. How does the account of Hagar and Ishmael encourage us to trust in God's promises, even when our circumstances seem uncertain? 4. What can we learn from the wilderness as a place of testing and growth in our spiritual lives? 5. How can we apply the principle of compassion and responsibility in our relationships, as demonstrated by Abraham's actions towards Hagar and Ishmael? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 16Provides background on Hagar and Ishmael's relationship with Abraham and Sarah, including Hagar's initial flight into the wilderness and God's promise to her. Genesis 17:20God's promise to bless Ishmael and make him a great nation, showing that God's plans extend beyond the immediate circumstances. Exodus 16The provision of manna in the wilderness for the Israelites, paralleling God's provision for Hagar and Ishmael. Psalm 23The theme of God as a shepherd who provides and guides through difficult times, relevant to Hagar's experience in the wilderness. Galatians 4:22-31Paul’s allegory of Hagar and Sarah, illustrating the difference between living under the law and living under the promise of grace. People Abimelech, Abraham, Hagar, Isaac, Phichol, SarahPlaces Beersheba, Egypt, Gerar, ParanTopics Along, Astray, Beersheba, Beer-sheba, Bottle, Boy, Bread, Child, Departed, Desert, Early, Exodus, Flask, Giveth, Got, Hagar, Lad, Morning, Placing, Putting, Riseth, Rose, Shoulder, Shoulders, Skin, Strayed, Taketh, Wandered, Wandering, Waste, Water-skin, WildernessDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 21:14 4230 desert Genesis 21:8-14 5076 Abraham, life of Genesis 21:9-14 5077 Abraham, character Genesis 21:14-15 5234 bottle Genesis 21:14-19 4293 water 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 21:14 NIVGenesis 21:14 NLTGenesis 21:14 ESVGenesis 21:14 NASBGenesis 21:14 KJV
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