So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised. So Sarah conceivedThe Hebrew word for "conceived" is "הָרָה" (harah), which signifies the miraculous nature of Sarah's pregnancy. In the context of ancient Near Eastern culture, conception was often seen as a divine blessing, especially given Sarah's previous barrenness. This moment marks the fulfillment of God's promise, emphasizing His sovereignty and faithfulness. Sarah's conception is a testament to God's power to bring life where there was none, symbolizing hope and divine intervention. and bore a son
The act of bearing a son, "יָלַד" (yalad), is significant in the Hebrew tradition, as sons were often seen as carriers of the family lineage and covenant promises. This birth is not just a personal joy for Sarah and Abraham but a pivotal moment in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. The birth of Isaac is a precursor to the nation of Israel and ultimately to the coming of the Messiah, highlighting the continuity of God's promises through generations. to Abraham
Abraham, originally named Abram, is a central figure in the Bible, known as the father of faith. His name, meaning "father of many," is fulfilled through the birth of Isaac. This phrase underscores the personal nature of God's covenant with Abraham, a man chosen to be the patriarch of a great nation. Abraham's faith journey, marked by obedience and trust in God's promises, serves as an enduring example for believers. in his old age
The phrase "in his old age" highlights the miraculous nature of Isaac's birth. Abraham was 100 years old when Isaac was born, an age well beyond natural childbearing years. This underscores the theme of divine intervention and the idea that nothing is impossible for God. It serves as a reminder that God's timing often defies human expectations, and His plans are accomplished in ways that bring Him glory. at the very time
The phrase "at the very time" indicates the precision of God's timing. The Hebrew concept of time is often linked with divine purpose and fulfillment. God's promises are not only sure but are fulfilled at the exact moment He determines. This reassures believers that God's timing is perfect, even when it seems delayed from a human perspective. God had promised him
The promise of God is central to the narrative of Abraham and Sarah. The Hebrew word for "promised" is "דָּבַר" (dabar), which also means "to speak." This highlights the power and reliability of God's word. God's promises are not mere possibilities but certainties that shape the course of history. This phrase reinforces the theme of faithfulness, encouraging believers to trust in God's promises, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill them. Persons / Places / Events 1. SarahThe wife of Abraham, who was initially barren but conceived Isaac as God had promised. Her account is a testament to God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. 2. AbrahamThe patriarch of the Israelites, who was promised by God to be the father of many nations. His faith and obedience are central themes in his account. 3. IsaacThe son born to Abraham and Sarah in their old age, representing the fulfillment of God's promise and the continuation of Abraham's lineage. 4. God's PromiseThe event of Isaac's birth is a direct fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and Sarah, showcasing God's faithfulness and timing. 5. Old AgeThe advanced age of Abraham and Sarah highlights the miraculous nature of Isaac's birth and underscores the power of God to accomplish His will against all odds. Teaching Points God's FaithfulnessGod's promises are sure and will be fulfilled in His perfect timing, regardless of human limitations or circumstances. The Power of FaithAbraham and Sarah's account encourages believers to maintain faith in God's promises, even when situations seem impossible. Divine TimingGod's timing is perfect, and His plans are often beyond human understanding. Trusting in His timing is crucial for spiritual growth. Miracles and God's SovereigntyThe birth of Isaac is a reminder of God's sovereignty and His ability to perform miracles, reinforcing the belief in His omnipotence. Legacy of FaithIsaac's birth is not just a personal blessing to Abraham and Sarah but a pivotal moment in the history of God's people, showing how individual faithfulness can impact future generations. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 21:2 encourage you in your personal faith journey? 2. In what ways can you relate the concept of divine timing in Genesis 21:2 to situations in your own life where you are waiting on God? 3. How does the account of Abraham and Sarah challenge you to trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem impossible? 4. What other biblical accounts or characters demonstrate God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, and how do they inspire you? 5. How can the birth of Isaac in Genesis 21:2 serve as a reminder of God's sovereignty and power in your daily life? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 17:19This verse details God's promise to Abraham that Sarah will bear a son, Isaac, through whom God's covenant will be established. It connects directly to the fulfillment seen in Genesis 21:2. Hebrews 11:11-12These verses in the New Testament reflect on Sarah's faith and the miraculous nature of Isaac's birth, emphasizing the power of faith in God's promises. Romans 4:19-21Paul discusses Abraham's unwavering faith despite his and Sarah's old age, highlighting the importance of trusting in God's promises. People Abimelech, Abraham, Hagar, Isaac, Phichol, SarahPlaces Beersheba, Egypt, Gerar, ParanTopics Age, Appointed, Bare, Beareth, Bore, Child, Conceived, Conceiveth, Named, Pregnant, Promised, Sarah, SpokenDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 21:2 1348 covenant, with Abraham
4903 time
5668 children, responsibilities to parents Genesis 21:1-2 1035 God, faithfulness
5724 offspring Genesis 21:1-3 5720 mothers, examples Genesis 21:1-5 5686 fathers, examples Genesis 21:1-7 5076 Abraham, life of
5733 pregnancy 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 21:2 NIVGenesis 21:2 NLTGenesis 21:2 ESVGenesis 21:2 NASBGenesis 21:2 KJV
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