Genesis 21:12

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 God {H430} said {H559} unto Abraham {H85}, Let it not be grievous {H3415} in thy sight {H5869} because of the lad {H5288}, and because of thy bondwoman {H519}; in all that Sarah {H8283} hath said {H559} unto thee, hearken {H8085} unto her voice {H6963}; for in Isaac {H3327} shall thy seed {H2233} be called {H7121}.

But God said to Avraham, "Don't be distressed because of the boy and your slave-girl. Listen to everything Sarah says to you, because it is your descendants through Yitz'chak who will be counted.

But God said to Abraham, โ€œDo not be distressed about the boy and your maidservant. Listen to everything that Sarah tells you, for through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.

And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy handmaid; in all that Sarah saith unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.

Commentary

Genesis 21:12 records a pivotal moment in the life of Abraham, as God directly intervenes to guide him through a deeply distressing family crisis. Abraham is torn between his love for his son Ishmael and Sarah's demand to cast out Hagar and Ishmael, a demand that seemed harsh and unfair to Abraham.

Context

This verse follows Sarah's observation of Ishmael "mocking" (or perhaps "playing" in a way that Sarah perceived as mocking or challenging Isaac's position) at the weaning feast for Isaac (Genesis 21:9). Sarah, fiercely protective of her son Isaac, the child of promise, demanded that Hagar and Ishmael be sent away. This command was "very grievous" (or "evil" - Hebrew: ra') in Abraham's sight because Ishmael was also his son. God's intervention here is crucial, validating Sarah's seemingly harsh request as part of His larger divine plan for the covenant lineage.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Direction in Difficult Decisions: God directly instructs Abraham to obey Sarah, even when it is personally painful. This highlights that God's plan often requires difficult choices and that His wisdom supersedes human sentimentality.
  • The Seed of Promise: The core message is encapsulated in the phrase, "for in Isaac shall thy seed be called." This reaffirms that God's covenant promises, first given to Abraham in Genesis 12:2, would continue exclusively through Isaac. This lineage is vital for understanding the unfolding of God's redemptive plan, ultimately leading to Christ (Galatians 3:16).
  • God's Sovereignty and Faithfulness: Despite the human complexities and distress, God is in control, ensuring His promises are fulfilled precisely as He intended. He also shows compassion for Ishmael, promising to make a nation of him too (Genesis 21:13), demonstrating His overarching care.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase "in Isaac shall thy seed be called" (ื›ึผึดื™ ื‘ึฐื™ึดืฆึฐื—ึธืง ื™ึดืงึผึธืจึตื ืœึฐืšึธ ื–ึธืจึทืข - ki v'Yitzchaq yiqqare' l'kha zara') is profound. The verb yiqqare' (to be called) implies more than just being named; it signifies the establishment of identity, status, and recognition through Isaac. It means that the true, designated descendants, the inheritors of the covenant blessings, would be identified through Isaac, not Ishmael or any other son Abraham might have had. This is a divine declaration of lineage and destiny.

Practical Application

Genesis 21:12 reminds believers that God's plans are often greater than our immediate understanding or comfort. It teaches us to trust God's direction, even when it involves painful goodbyes or counter-intuitive decisions. It underscores the importance of God's specific promises and how He faithfully brings them to pass, often through unexpected means. For those facing difficult family situations or feeling torn between competing loyalties, this verse offers solace that God sees, knows, and guides towards His ultimate purpose.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Hebrews 11:18 (8 votes)

    Of whom it was said, That in Isaac shall thy seed be called:

  • Romans 9:7 (7 votes)

    Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, [are they] all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called.

  • Romans 9:8 (7 votes)

    That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these [are] not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed.

  • Genesis 17:19 (5 votes)

    And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, [and] with his seed after him.

  • 1 Samuel 8:9 (3 votes)

    Now therefore hearken unto their voice: howbeit yet protest solemnly unto them, and shew them the manner of the king that shall reign over them.

  • 1 Samuel 8:7 (3 votes)

    And the LORD said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.

  • Isaiah 46:10 (2 votes)

    Declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times [the things] that are not [yet] done, saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure: