And God was with the boy, and he grew up and settled in the wilderness and became a great archer. And God was with the boyThis phrase emphasizes the divine presence and favor upon Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar. The Hebrew word for "God" here is "Elohim," which signifies the supreme, powerful, and covenant-keeping nature of God. The phrase "was with" indicates God's providential care and guidance. In the broader biblical narrative, God's presence is a source of blessing and protection, as seen with other patriarchs like Joseph and Moses. This divine accompaniment assures the reader of God's faithfulness to His promises, even to those outside the primary covenant line through Isaac. and he grew up
The growth of Ishmael is both physical and symbolic. The Hebrew root "gadal" implies not only physical maturation but also an increase in strength and capability. This growth is under the watchful eye of God, suggesting that Ishmael's development is part of God's sovereign plan. Historically, this growth signifies the beginning of the fulfillment of God's promise to Hagar that Ishmael would become a great nation (Genesis 21:18). and settled in the wilderness
The wilderness, or "midbar" in Hebrew, is often a place of testing, transformation, and divine encounter in the Bible. Ishmael's settlement in the wilderness of Paran indicates a life of independence and resilience. This setting foreshadows the nomadic lifestyle of his descendants, the Ishmaelites, who are known for their survival and thriving in harsh environments. The wilderness also represents a place where God provides and sustains, as seen in the Israelites' journey through the desert. and became a great archer
The phrase highlights Ishmael's skill and identity as a warrior and hunter. The Hebrew word for "archer" is "rabah qashath," which denotes proficiency with the bow. This skill is significant in the ancient Near Eastern context, where archery was a valued and necessary ability for survival and defense. Ishmael's prowess as an archer symbolizes his strength and the fulfillment of God's promise that he would be a "wild donkey of a man" (Genesis 16:12), living freely and independently. This also prefigures the martial prowess of his descendants, who would become known for their skills in battle. Persons / Places / Events 1. GodThe divine presence and protector, ensuring the boy's growth and survival. 2. The Boy (Ishmael)The son of Abraham and Hagar, who grows up in the wilderness and becomes a skilled archer. 3. The WildernessA place of solitude and survival, where Ishmael matures and develops his skills. 4. ArcherA skill that Ishmael acquires, symbolizing his ability to provide for himself and his future independence. Teaching Points God's FaithfulnessGod keeps His promises, as seen in His care for Ishmael despite the circumstances of his birth. Divine Presence in IsolationEven in the wilderness, God is present. This encourages believers to trust in God's presence during their own "wilderness" experiences. Skill Development and IndependenceIshmael's growth into a skilled archer highlights the importance of developing skills and independence under God's guidance. God's ProvisionGod's provision for Ishmael in the wilderness is a reminder of His ability to provide for us in unexpected ways. Legacy and FutureIshmael's account is a testament to the legacy and future that God can create, even from challenging beginnings. Bible Study Questions 1. How does God's presence with Ishmael in the wilderness encourage you in your current life situation? 2. In what ways can you see God's faithfulness in your life, similar to His faithfulness to Ishmael? 3. What skills or abilities is God calling you to develop, and how can you rely on Him in that process? 4. How can the account of Ishmael inspire you to trust in God's provision during times of uncertainty? 5. Reflect on a time when you felt isolated or in a "wilderness." How did you experience God's presence and guidance during that time? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 16The background of Ishmael's birth and the promise God made to Hagar about her son becoming a great nation. Genesis 17God's covenant with Abraham, which includes blessings for Ishmael. Genesis 25The fulfillment of God's promise as Ishmael becomes the father of twelve princes and a great nation. Psalm 139The theme of God's presence and guidance, similar to how God was with Ishmael in the wilderness. Isaiah 41God's assurance of being with His people, paralleling His presence with Ishmael. People Abimelech, Abraham, Hagar, Isaac, Phichol, SarahPlaces Beersheba, Egypt, Gerar, ParanTopics Archer, Bow, Bowman, Boy, Desert, Dwelleth, Dwelt, Expert, Grew, Groweth, Lad, Strong, Tall, Waste, Wilderness, YouthDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 21:20 5206 archers 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 21:20 NIVGenesis 21:20 NLTGenesis 21:20 ESVGenesis 21:20 NASBGenesis 21:20 KJV
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