Get up, lift up the boy, and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation." Get up,God calls Hagar out of despair after the water is gone and she has withdrawn from Ishmael’s suffering. His command brings immediate hope because He has heard the boy’s cry and has not abandoned them in the wilderness. Mat 2:13 When the Magi had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared… lift up the boy, Hagar is to return to Ishmael with renewed strength, giving him the care and courage of a mother who trusts God’s provision. Ishmael remains under the Lord’s mercy despite the painful consequences of Abraham’s household conflict. Mrk 9:27 But Jesus took him by the hand and helped him to his feet… and take him by the hand, Hagar must lead Ishmael forward rather than surrender to fear. God’s promise does not remove her responsibility, but assures her that her care for her son rests beneath His faithful guidance. Isa 42:6 I, the LORD, have called you for a righteous purpose,… for I will make him into a great nation.” The Lord repeats His earlier promise concerning Ishmael, whom He had promised to bless and multiply through Abraham. Ishmael would become the father of twelve princes and a great people, demonstrating that God remembers His covenant commitments and extends His providential care beyond the line through which the promised Messiah would come. Gen 17:20 As for Ishmael, I have heard you, and I will surely bless him;… Persons / Places / Events 1. HagarAn Egyptian servant of Sarah, Abraham's wife, and the mother of Ishmael. She finds herself in the wilderness with her son, Ishmael, after being sent away by Abraham. 2. Ishmael The son of Abraham and Hagar. He is a key figure in this passage as God promises to make him into a great nation. 3. The Wilderness of Beersheba The location where Hagar and Ishmael find themselves after being sent away. It is a place of desolation and despair, yet also a place where God’s provision is revealed. 4. God's Promise The event of God reaffirming His promise to Hagar regarding Ishmael, ensuring her of His plans for Ishmael's future. 5. Divine Intervention The moment when God hears the boy's cries and provides guidance and reassurance to Hagar, demonstrating His faithfulness and care. Teaching Points God's Faithfulness to His PromisesDespite the circumstances, God remains faithful to His promises. He reassures Hagar of His plans for Ishmael, reminding us that God’s promises are steadfast. Divine Provision in Desperation In moments of despair, like Hagar's in the wilderness, God provides. This encourages believers to trust in God's provision even when situations seem hopeless. The Importance of Obedience Hagar is instructed to "get up" and take action. This highlights the importance of obedience and taking steps of faith in response to God’s guidance. God's Care for All People God’s promise to make Ishmael a great nation shows His care extends beyond the chosen line of Isaac, emphasizing His love and plans for all people. Bible Study Questions 1. How does God’s promise to Hagar in Genesis 21:18 reflect His character and faithfulness?2. In what ways can we see God’s provision in our own "wilderness" experiences, and how can we respond in faith? 3. How does the account of Hagar and Ishmael challenge or affirm your understanding of God’s care for all people, regardless of their background? 4. What steps of obedience might God be calling you to take in response to His promises in your life? 5. How can the account of Hagar and Ishmael inform our understanding of God’s promises in the New Testament, particularly in relation to Galatians 4:22-31? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 16This chapter provides background on Hagar and Ishmael's account, including the initial promise God made to Hagar about her son. Genesis 17 God’s covenant with Abraham, where He promises that Ishmael will be blessed and become a great nation, paralleling the promise in Genesis 21:18. Psalm 34:17 This verse speaks to God hearing the cries of the righteous, similar to how He hears Ishmael's cries in the wilderness. Galatians 4:22-31 Paul references Hagar and Sarah to illustrate the difference between living under the law and living under the promise, highlighting the spiritual significance of Ishmael and Isaac.
People Abimelech, Abraham, Hagar, Isaac, Phichol, SarahPlaces Beersheba, Egypt, Gerar, ParanTopics Arise, Arms, Boy, Child, Fast, Hold, Lad, Lay, Lift, Nation, Rise, YouthDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 21:14-19Library Compassion for SoulsBehold 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: 1871 Therefore, if we Compare the Things Themselves, we May no Way Doubt that The... The Gospel Feast Of Bearing the Cross --One Branch of Self-Denial. But if Moreover any not Having Charity, which Pertaineth to the Unity of Spirit... The Annunciation of Jesus the Messiah, and the Birth of his Forerunner. The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt The Holiness of God Genesis Links Genesis 21:18 NIVGenesis 21:18 NLT Genesis 21:18 ESV Genesis 21:18 NASB Genesis 21:18 KJV Genesis 21:18 Commentaries Bible Hub |
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