Genesis 21: The Fulfillment of Promise, Conflict, and Covenant
And the Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did unto Sarah as he had spoken.
For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.
And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac.
And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac being eight days old, as God had commanded him.
And Abraham was an hundred years old, when his son Isaac was born unto him.
And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me.
And she said, Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah should have given children suck? for I have born him a son in his old age.
And the child grew, and was weaned: and Abraham made a great feast the same day that Isaac was weaned.
And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking.
Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac.
And the thing was very grievous in Abraham’s sight because of his son.
And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.
And also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation, because he is thy seed.
And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread, and a bottle of water, and gave it unto Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, and the child, and sent her away: and she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beer–sheba.
And the water was spent in the bottle, and she cast the child under one of the shrubs.
And she went, and sat her down over against him a good way off, as it were a bowshot: for she said, Let me not see the death of the child. And she sat over against him, and lift up her voice, and wept.
And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is.
Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thine hand; for I will make him a great nation.
And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink.
And God was with the lad; and he grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer.
And he dwelt in the wilderness of Paran: and his mother took him a wife out of the land of Egypt.
And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest:
Now therefore swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son’s son: but according to the kindness that I have done unto thee, thou shalt do unto me, and to the land wherein thou hast sojourned.
And Abraham said, I will swear.
And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water, which Abimelech’s servants had violently taken away.
And Abimelech said, I wot not who hath done this thing: neither didst thou tell me, neither yet heard I of it, but to day.
And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech; and both of them made a covenant.
And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.
And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What mean these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set by themselves?
And he said, For these seven ewe lambs shalt thou take of my hand, that they may be a witness unto me, that I have digged this well.
Wherefore he called that place Beer–sheba; because there they sware both of them.
Thus they made a covenant at Beer–sheba: then Abimelech rose up, and Phichol the chief captain of his host, and they returned into the land of the Philistines.
And Abraham planted a grove in Beer–sheba, and called there on the name of the Lord, the everlasting God.
And Abraham sojourned in the Philistines’ land many days.
Genesis 21 marks a pivotal moment in the Abraham narrative. After years of waiting, the long-awaited heir is born, yet this chapter also unveils the complexities of human relationships, the consequences of past decisions, and God's unwavering faithfulness. This chapter serves as a powerful reminder that God fulfills His promises, even amidst human failings and relational strife. It also highlights the importance of faith, obedience, and seeking peaceful coexistence with others.
The Birth of Isaac: Laughter Fills the Tent (Genesis 21:1-7)
The chapter opens with the resounding declaration that "the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did to Sarah as he had promised" (Genesis 21:1). After twenty-five years of waiting, amidst moments of doubt and even laughter born of disbelief (Genesis 17:17, Genesis 18:12), Abraham and Sarah finally conceive a son in their old age – Abraham at 100 and Sarah at 90. This miraculous birth underscores God's power and faithfulness to His covenant promises (Genesis 17:6-7).
They name him Isaac, meaning "he laughs," a name divinely ordained (Genesis 17:19). The laughter associated with Isaac transforms from the scoffing and doubt of the past into the unbridled joy of fulfillment. Sarah proclaims, "God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh with me" (Genesis 21:6). This is not merely personal joy, but an invitation for all to rejoice in God's hilariously generous grace. The sheer absurdity of a couple in their nineties having their first child highlights the extraordinary nature of God's intervention. It is a testament to His power to do what seems impossible.
Conflict and Departure: Seeds of Jealousy (Genesis 21:8-21)
However, the joy surrounding Isaac's birth is soon overshadowed by conflict. At Isaac's weaning, Sarah observes Ishmael, Abraham's son through Hagar, "mocking" (Genesis 21:9). While the exact nature of this mocking is not specified, Sarah perceives it as a threat to Isaac's inheritance. The tension between Sarah and Hagar, dormant since Hagar's first expulsion, resurfaces, now manifesting in their sons.
Driven by jealousy and a desire to secure Isaac's future, Sarah demands that Abraham send Hagar and Ishmael away (Genesis 21:10). This request deeply troubles Abraham, who loves Ishmael (Genesis 21:11). Yet, God intervenes, instructing Abraham to heed Sarah's request, assuring him that He will make a nation of Ishmael as well (Genesis 21:13). This divine guidance highlights God's concern for both Isaac, the child of promise, and Ishmael, Abraham's firstborn.
Paul the Apostle uses the separation of Ishmael and Isaac in Galatians 4:21-31 to illustrate the difference between flesh and Spirit, law and grace. Just as the legitimate heir (Spirit and grace) cannot coexist with the illegitimate (flesh and law), believers must remove the influence of the flesh to fully experience freedom and the enjoyment of God's promises.
Abraham obeys, sending Hagar and Ishmael into the wilderness with limited provisions (Genesis 21:14). As their water runs out, Hagar, in despair, places Ishmael under a bush, unable to bear witness to his death (Genesis 21:15). But God hears the boy's cries (Genesis 21:17) – his name Ishmael literally means "God hears." An angel appears, directing Hagar to a well of water (Genesis 21:19) and reaffirming the promise to make Ishmael a great nation (Genesis 21:18). This demonstrates God's compassion for the vulnerable, particularly a single mother in distress. Ishmael grows up in the wilderness, becoming an archer and marrying an Egyptian woman (Genesis 21:20-21).
Covenant and Coexistence: Seeking Peace with Neighbors (Genesis 21:22-34)
The final section of Genesis 21 shifts focus to Abraham's relationship with Abimelech, the king of Gerar. Abimelech, recognizing God's blessing on Abraham, seeks to formalize their relationship through a covenant (Genesis 21:22-24). He has witnessed God’s presence with Abraham and respects God's power.
Abraham agrees, but insists on resolving a dispute over a well that his servants had dug but Abimelech's servants had seized (Genesis 21:25). Abraham presents seven lambs to Abimelech as a testimony to his ownership of the well (Genesis 21:28-30). This agreement gives the place its name, Beersheba, meaning "well of the oath" or "well of seven" (Genesis 21:31).
Abraham's blessings continued to increase, which led to a new covenant with the powerful King Abimelech. Abimelech would receive some of Abraham’s flocks and herds (21:27). In return, Abraham would retain rights to the well in Beer-sheba (21:30-31), which means “Well of the Oath.”
Abraham then plants a tamarisk tree in Beersheba and calls on the name of the LORD, the Eternal God (Genesis 21:33). Planting trees, as Abraham did here (Genesis 21:33), was not a common part of most Old Testament covenants. But the symbol was an important one, as it signified that Abraham intended to coexist in the land with other nations. This tamarisk tree in Beer-sheba (Genesis 21:33) would be a sign of peace, security, and the appropriate kind of godly compromise. Abraham was doing what all believers should do: pursuing peace with his unbelieving neighbors without compromising his kingdom principles. The tree would also be a symbol of longevity, as Abraham anticipated that he (and his descendants) would stay on the land. This is why he refers to God as the Everlasting God (21:33) in this context. This act symbolizes his commitment to a long-term, peaceful presence in the land, acknowledging God as the source of his provision and security. The chapter concludes with Abraham dwelling in the land of the Philistines for many days (Genesis 21:34).
Genesis 21 presents a multifaceted picture of faith, family, and covenant. While celebrating the fulfillment of God's promise in the birth of Isaac, it also acknowledges the complexities of human relationships and the challenges of living in a world marked by conflict. Ultimately, the chapter underscores God's faithfulness, compassion, and desire for His people to live in peace with one another, trusting in His provision and promises.
And the Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did unto Sarah as he had spoken.
For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.
And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac.
And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac being eight days old, as God had commanded him.
And Abraham was an hundred years old, when his son Isaac was born unto him.
And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me.
And she said, Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah should have given children suck? for I have born him a son in his old age.
And the child grew, and was weaned: and Abraham made a great feast the same day that Isaac was weaned.
And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking.
Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac.
And the thing was very grievous in Abraham’s sight because of his son.
And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.
And also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation, because he is thy seed.
And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread, and a bottle of water, and gave it unto Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, and the child, and sent her away: and she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beer–sheba.
And the water was spent in the bottle, and she cast the child under one of the shrubs.
And she went, and sat her down over against him a good way off, as it were a bowshot: for she said, Let me not see the death of the child. And she sat over against him, and lift up her voice, and wept.
And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is.
Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thine hand; for I will make him a great nation.
And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink.
And God was with the lad; and he grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer.
And he dwelt in the wilderness of Paran: and his mother took him a wife out of the land of Egypt.
And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest:
Now therefore swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son’s son: but according to the kindness that I have done unto thee, thou shalt do unto me, and to the land wherein thou hast sojourned.
And Abraham said, I will swear.
And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water, which Abimelech’s servants had violently taken away.
And Abimelech said, I wot not who hath done this thing: neither didst thou tell me, neither yet heard I of it, but to day.
And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech; and both of them made a covenant.
And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.
And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What mean these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set by themselves?
And he said, For these seven ewe lambs shalt thou take of my hand, that they may be a witness unto me, that I have digged this well.
Wherefore he called that place Beer–sheba; because there they sware both of them.
Thus they made a covenant at Beer–sheba: then Abimelech rose up, and Phichol the chief captain of his host, and they returned into the land of the Philistines.
And Abraham planted a grove in Beer–sheba, and called there on the name of the Lord, the everlasting God.
And Abraham sojourned in the Philistines’ land many days.
Genesis 21 marks a pivotal moment in the Abraham narrative. After years of waiting, the long-awaited heir is born, yet this chapter also unveils the complexities of human relationships, the consequences of past decisions, and God's unwavering faithfulness. This chapter serves as a powerful reminder that God fulfills His promises, even amidst human failings and relational strife. It also highlights the importance of faith, obedience, and seeking peaceful coexistence with others.
The Birth of Isaac: Laughter Fills the Tent (Genesis 21:1-7)
The chapter opens with the resounding declaration that "the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did to Sarah as he had promised" (Genesis 21:1). After twenty-five years of waiting, amidst moments of doubt and even laughter born of disbelief (Genesis 17:17, Genesis 18:12), Abraham and Sarah finally conceive a son in their old age – Abraham at 100 and Sarah at 90. This miraculous birth underscores God's power and faithfulness to His covenant promises (Genesis 17:6-7).
They name him Isaac, meaning "he laughs," a name divinely ordained (Genesis 17:19). The laughter associated with Isaac transforms from the scoffing and doubt of the past into the unbridled joy of fulfillment. Sarah proclaims, "God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh with me" (Genesis 21:6). This is not merely personal joy, but an invitation for all to rejoice in God's hilariously generous grace. The sheer absurdity of a couple in their nineties having their first child highlights the extraordinary nature of God's intervention. It is a testament to His power to do what seems impossible.
Conflict and Departure: Seeds of Jealousy (Genesis 21:8-21)
However, the joy surrounding Isaac's birth is soon overshadowed by conflict. At Isaac's weaning, Sarah observes Ishmael, Abraham's son through Hagar, "mocking" (Genesis 21:9). While the exact nature of this mocking is not specified, Sarah perceives it as a threat to Isaac's inheritance. The tension between Sarah and Hagar, dormant since Hagar's first expulsion, resurfaces, now manifesting in their sons.
Driven by jealousy and a desire to secure Isaac's future, Sarah demands that Abraham send Hagar and Ishmael away (Genesis 21:10). This request deeply troubles Abraham, who loves Ishmael (Genesis 21:11). Yet, God intervenes, instructing Abraham to heed Sarah's request, assuring him that He will make a nation of Ishmael as well (Genesis 21:13). This divine guidance highlights God's concern for both Isaac, the child of promise, and Ishmael, Abraham's firstborn.
Paul the Apostle uses the separation of Ishmael and Isaac in Galatians 4:21-31 to illustrate the difference between flesh and Spirit, law and grace. Just as the legitimate heir (Spirit and grace) cannot coexist with the illegitimate (flesh and law), believers must remove the influence of the flesh to fully experience freedom and the enjoyment of God's promises.
Abraham obeys, sending Hagar and Ishmael into the wilderness with limited provisions (Genesis 21:14). As their water runs out, Hagar, in despair, places Ishmael under a bush, unable to bear witness to his death (Genesis 21:15). But God hears the boy's cries (Genesis 21:17) – his name Ishmael literally means "God hears." An angel appears, directing Hagar to a well of water (Genesis 21:19) and reaffirming the promise to make Ishmael a great nation (Genesis 21:18). This demonstrates God's compassion for the vulnerable, particularly a single mother in distress. Ishmael grows up in the wilderness, becoming an archer and marrying an Egyptian woman (Genesis 21:20-21).
Covenant and Coexistence: Seeking Peace with Neighbors (Genesis 21:22-34)
The final section of Genesis 21 shifts focus to Abraham's relationship with Abimelech, the king of Gerar. Abimelech, recognizing God's blessing on Abraham, seeks to formalize their relationship through a covenant (Genesis 21:22-24). He has witnessed God’s presence with Abraham and respects God's power.
Abraham agrees, but insists on resolving a dispute over a well that his servants had dug but Abimelech's servants had seized (Genesis 21:25). Abraham presents seven lambs to Abimelech as a testimony to his ownership of the well (Genesis 21:28-30). This agreement gives the place its name, Beersheba, meaning "well of the oath" or "well of seven" (Genesis 21:31).
Abraham's blessings continued to increase, which led to a new covenant with the powerful King Abimelech. Abimelech would receive some of Abraham’s flocks and herds (21:27). In return, Abraham would retain rights to the well in Beer-sheba (21:30-31), which means “Well of the Oath.”
Abraham then plants a tamarisk tree in Beersheba and calls on the name of the LORD, the Eternal God (Genesis 21:33). Planting trees, as Abraham did here (Genesis 21:33), was not a common part of most Old Testament covenants. But the symbol was an important one, as it signified that Abraham intended to coexist in the land with other nations. This tamarisk tree in Beer-sheba (Genesis 21:33) would be a sign of peace, security, and the appropriate kind of godly compromise. Abraham was doing what all believers should do: pursuing peace with his unbelieving neighbors without compromising his kingdom principles. The tree would also be a symbol of longevity, as Abraham anticipated that he (and his descendants) would stay on the land. This is why he refers to God as the Everlasting God (21:33) in this context. This act symbolizes his commitment to a long-term, peaceful presence in the land, acknowledging God as the source of his provision and security. The chapter concludes with Abraham dwelling in the land of the Philistines for many days (Genesis 21:34).
Genesis 21 presents a multifaceted picture of faith, family, and covenant. While celebrating the fulfillment of God's promise in the birth of Isaac, it also acknowledges the complexities of human relationships and the challenges of living in a world marked by conflict. Ultimately, the chapter underscores God's faithfulness, compassion, and desire for His people to live in peace with one another, trusting in His provision and promises.