Genesis 21:14

KJV

¶ 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 Beersheba.

KJV (with Strong's)

And Abraham {H85} rose up early {H7925} in the morning {H1242}, and took {H3947} bread {H3899}, and a bottle {H2573} of water {H4325}, and gave {H5414} it unto Hagar {H1904}, putting {H7760} it on her shoulder {H7926}, and the child {H3206}, and sent her away {H7971}: and she departed {H3212}, and wandered {H8582} in the wilderness {H4057} of Beersheba {H884}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Avraham got up early in the morning, took bread and a skin of water and gave it to Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, and the child; then he sent her away. After leaving, she wandered in the desert around Be'er-Sheva.

Berean Standard Bible

Early in the morning, Abraham got up, took bread and a skin of water, put them on Hagar’s shoulders, and sent her away with the boy. She left and wandered in the Wilderness of Beersheba.

American Standard Version

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 gave her the child, and sent her away: and she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beer-sheba.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 21:14 records the heart-wrenching and pivotal moment when Abraham, in direct obedience to God's command and in response to Sarah's demand, sends Hagar and their son Ishmael away from his household. This act, a painful consequence of human attempts to hasten divine promises, underscores the immediate vulnerability of the exiled pair as they venture into the desolate wilderness, yet simultaneously sets the stage for God's sovereign and compassionate providence over Ishmael, affirming His faithfulness even amidst human failure and distress.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse marks a critical turning point in the Abrahamic narrative, immediately following the birth of Isaac, the promised heir. The joyous occasion of Isaac's weaning feast is marred by Sarah's observation of Ishmael "mocking" or "playing" with Isaac, an act she perceives as a threat to Isaac's inheritance and position as the sole heir ([Genesis 21:9](/genesis/21-9 "Ishmael's actions toward Isaac")). Her subsequent demand to Abraham to "cast out this slave woman with her son" ([Genesis 21:10](/genesis/21-10 "Sarah's demand to Abraham")) is deeply distressing to Abraham, as Ishmael is his firstborn. However, God intervenes, confirming Sarah's demand and instructing Abraham to comply, while simultaneously reaffirming His promise to make a nation of Ishmael because he is Abraham's offspring ([Genesis 21:12-13](/genesis/21-12-13 "God's instruction and promise concerning Ishmael")). Thus, Genesis 21:14 is the direct, painful execution of this divine-human decree, highlighting Abraham's difficult obedience and the immediate, desperate circumstances of Hagar and Ishmael.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, a slave woman's child, especially one acknowledged by the master, often held a recognized, though secondary, status within the household and could even inherit. However, the birth of a legitimate son from the primary wife would drastically alter this dynamic, often leading to the expulsion of the concubine and her children to secure the primary heir's position. Sarah's demand, while harsh, aligns with some legal codes of the time concerning inheritance and the status of children born to slave women. Abraham's provision of "bread, and a bottle of water" was a standard, albeit minimal, provision for a journey, particularly into the arid wilderness of Beersheba, a semi-arid region known for its scarcity of water sources. This meager supply underscores the precariousness of Hagar and Ishmael's situation, emphasizing their immediate dependence on external aid for survival.

* **Key Themes:** Genesis 21:14 powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. It illustrates the **consequences of human impatience and sin**, as Hagar's initial conception of Ishmael was a result of Abraham and Sarah's attempt to fulfill God's promise through human means rather than waiting on divine timing ([Genesis 16](/genesis/16 "Hagar and Ishmael's Origin")). The verse also highlights **Abraham's unwavering obedience to God**, even when faced with deeply painful and ethically challenging commands, demonstrating his profound faith ([Genesis 22](/genesis/22 "Abraham's Obedience in Sacrificing Isaac")). Crucially, it sets the stage for the theme of **divine providence and care for the vulnerable and outcast**, as God immediately intervenes to save Hagar and Ishmael in the wilderness, affirming His faithfulness to His promises even to those not in the direct covenant line of Isaac ([Genesis 21:17-20](/genesis/21-17-20 "God's Provision for Ishmael")). This narrative also subtly reinforces the **sovereignty of God** in establishing His covenant through Isaac, ensuring the purity of the promised lineage.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **early (Hebrew, _shâkam'_):** From H7925, meaning "to incline (the shoulder to a burden)" or "to start early in the morning." Here, it signifies Abraham's promptness and resolve in executing the difficult command. Rising early often indicates a weighty decision or an urgent task, suggesting Abraham had wrestled with God's instruction and was now determined to act, perhaps to avoid prolonged emotional distress or to fulfill the command swiftly.
* **bottle (Hebrew, _chêmeth'_):** From H2573, referring to a "skin bottle (as tied up)." This term specifies a leather waterskin, a common and practical vessel for carrying water in the ancient world. While such a skin could hold a decent quantity, the context of "wilderness" implies that even a full one would be insufficient for an extended journey without replenishment, emphasizing the immediate and severe vulnerability of Hagar and Ishmael.
* **child (Hebrew, _yeled'_):** From H3206, meaning "something born, i.e. a lad or offspring; boy, child, fruit, son, young man (one)." Though Ishmael was likely a teenager (around 13-16 years old, given Isaac's age and the timing of the mockery), the use of "child" underscores his dependence and vulnerability, particularly in the context of being cast out with only his mother and meager provisions into a harsh environment. It evokes pathos for his plight.
* **wandered (Hebrew, _tâʻâh'_):** From H8582, meaning "to vacillate, i.e. reel or stray (literally or figuratively); also causative of both; (cause to) go astray, deceive, dissemble, (cause to, make to) err, pant, seduce, (make to) stagger, (cause to) wander, be out of the way." This word powerfully conveys Hagar's desperate and disoriented state. It implies not merely walking but being lost, without direction, and in increasing distress, highlighting the immediate danger and the profound sense of abandonment she experienced.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Abraham rose up early in the morning,"**: This opening clause establishes the solemnity and urgency of Abraham's actions. His early rising suggests a decision made with firm resolve, likely after a night of deep anguish and prayer following God's difficult command. It implies a conscious, deliberate execution of a painful duty.
* **"and took bread, and a bottle of water, and gave [it] unto Hagar, putting [it] on her shoulder,"**: This details the meager provision Abraham supplied. The "bread" and "bottle of water" (a waterskin) were essential but limited supplies for survival in the wilderness. The act of "putting it on her shoulder" emphasizes Hagar's burden—not only the physical weight of the provisions but also the immense emotional and practical burden of her and her son's survival.
* **"and the child, and sent her away:"**: The inclusion of "the child" (Ishmael) immediately after the provisions underscores his vulnerability and Hagar's responsibility for him. Though Ishmael was no longer an infant, he was still dependent. Abraham's act of "sending her away" is a decisive and final expulsion, fulfilling God's command despite the profound personal grief it caused him.
* **"and she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba."**: This final clause describes Hagar and Ishmael's immediate fate. Their "departure" signifies their forced exile. The word "wandered" (Hebrew *tâʻâh*) conveys a sense of being lost, disoriented, and without clear direction, highlighting their desperate and perilous situation in the desolate "wilderness of Beersheba," a region known for its harsh, arid conditions and scarcity of resources.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its emotional and theological weight. **Pathos** is evident in the depiction of Hagar's and Ishmael's vulnerability, especially through the phrase "and the child" and their subsequent "wandering" in the desolate wilderness. The meager provision of "bread, and a bottle of water" serves as **Symbolism**, representing not only their physical needs but also the stark reality of their abandonment and their immediate dependence on divine intervention rather than sustained human provision. The detailed, almost clinical, description of Abraham's actions—"rose up early," "took bread," "gave it," "putting it on her shoulder," "sent her away"—creates a sense of **Irony** and **Tragedy**, as these seemingly ordinary actions carry the weight of a profound and painful family rupture, a direct consequence of earlier human attempts to circumvent God's perfect timing. The contrast between Abraham's structured, deliberate actions and Hagar's subsequent aimless "wandering" further highlights the stark shift in their circumstances and the immediate danger they face.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 21:14 stands as a poignant testament to the complex interplay of divine sovereignty, human responsibility, and the painful consequences of sin, even within the lives of God's chosen. The expulsion of Hagar and Ishmael, while divinely sanctioned, is a direct outcome of Abraham and Sarah's initial impatience and lack of faith in God's promise, leading to the birth of Ishmael through human contrivance. This narrative powerfully illustrates that even when God works through difficult circumstances to bring about His ultimate purposes, human choices have real, often tragic, repercussions. Yet, even in this moment of apparent abandonment, the subsequent narrative reveals God's unwavering faithfulness and compassion, demonstrating His care for all His creation, particularly the vulnerable and outcast.

* [Genesis 16:1-6](/genesis/16-1-6 "Hagar and Sarai's Conflict")
* [Galatians 4:21-31](/galatians/4-21-31 "Allegory of Hagar and Sarah")
* [Psalm 10:14](/psalms/10-14 "God Sees the Oppressed")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 21:14 offers profound lessons for believers today, serving as a stark reminder of the long-term consequences that can arise from impatience and attempts to manipulate divine plans through human effort. It challenges us to trust in God's perfect timing and methods, even when His promises seem delayed or impossible. In moments of personal distress, perceived abandonment, or when facing the bitter fruit of past mistakes, this narrative provides a powerful reassurance: God sees, hears, and provides for the vulnerable and marginalized, just as He did for Hagar and Ishmael in the wilderness. It reminds us that even when human provision is meager or absent, God's providence is boundless. Furthermore, Abraham's difficult obedience, though heartbreaking, teaches us that true faith often requires submission to God's will, even when it demands immense personal sacrifice and navigating ethically complex situations. We are called to obey God's voice, even when it leads us down painful paths, trusting that His ultimate purposes are good and righteous.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where in my life am I tempted to "help God out" rather than patiently waiting for His timing and method?**
* **How does the story of Hagar and Ishmael's expulsion challenge my understanding of God's justice and compassion, particularly towards those who are marginalized or outcast?**
* **What painful decisions have I had to make in obedience to God, and how did those experiences deepen my trust in Him?**
* **In what ways can I, like God, extend care and provision to those in my community who feel abandoned or are in desperate circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Why did Abraham send Hagar and Ishmael away?**

Answer: Abraham sent Hagar and Ishmael away in direct obedience to God's command, which came after Sarah demanded their expulsion. Sarah's demand was prompted by Ishmael's mocking of Isaac, her son and the child of promise. Although the decision was deeply grievous to Abraham, God assured him that He would also make a great nation of Ishmael because he was Abraham's offspring, affirming divine care even in this painful separation. This act ultimately cleared the way for the exclusive covenant line through Isaac, as God had promised.

**Was Abraham's provision for Hagar and Ishmael sufficient for their journey?**

Answer: Abraham's provision of "bread, and a bottle of water" was minimal for a journey into the arid wilderness of Beersheba. While a waterskin could hold a significant amount, it was a finite supply for an indefinite period in a desolate region, highlighting their immediate vulnerability and the precariousness of their situation. However, the narrative immediately following this verse ([Genesis 21:15-19](/genesis/21-15-19 "Hagar and Ishmael's Rescue")) reveals God's miraculous intervention, providing water and assuring Hagar of His continued care for Ishmael. This demonstrates that while human provision may be limited, God's providence is boundless and ultimately sufficient for those He sustains.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The painful expulsion of Hagar and Ishmael, a consequence of human sin and impatience, ultimately serves as a profound foreshadowing of God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant promises, which find their ultimate "yes" and fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Just as God heard the cry of Ishmael in the wilderness and miraculously provided for him ([Genesis 21:17-19](/genesis/21-17-19 "God Hears Ishmael's Cry")), Christ identifies with and provides for the marginalized, the outcast, and the vulnerable, offering living water to all who are spiritually parched and in need of redemption ([John 4:13-14](/john/4-13-14 "Jesus and the Samaritan Woman")). The narrative also allegorically foreshadows the spiritual separation between those who rely on human effort and the law (represented by Ishmael, born of the flesh) and those who are born of God's promise and grace (represented by Isaac, the child of promise), a distinction fully realized in the New Covenant through Christ ([Galatians 4:22-26](/galatians/4-22-26 "Hagar and Sarah as Allegories")). Through Christ's atoning work on the cross, the ultimate remedy for the painful consequences of human sin and impatience is provided, offering reconciliation, a new covenant of grace, and eternal life to all who believe, regardless of their past or perceived status ([Romans 5:8](/romans/5-8 "God Demonstrates His Love")). He is the ultimate provision in our spiritual wilderness, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John the Baptist Points to Jesus")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Proverbs 27:14

¶ He that blesseth his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him.

Genesis 26:31

And they rose up betimes in the morning, and sware one to another: and Isaac sent them away, and they departed from him in peace.

Psalms 107:4

They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in.

Genesis 21:31

Wherefore he called that place Beersheba; because there they sware both of them.

Genesis 16:7

¶ And the angel of the LORD found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur.

Ecclesiastes 9:10

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do [it] with thy might; for [there is] no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.

Psalms 119:60

I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.