Genesis 21:14

¶ 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.

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}.

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.

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.

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

Genesis 21:14 describes the difficult and poignant moment when Abraham sends Hagar and their son Ishmael away into the wilderness, a direct consequence of Sarah's demand and God's instruction.

Context of Genesis 21:14

This verse follows a period of tension within Abraham's household. Sarah, having finally given birth to Isaac, saw Ishmael mocking (or playing roughly with) Isaac (Genesis 21:9) and demanded that Abraham cast out Hagar and Ishmael (Genesis 21:10). While this was grievous to Abraham because Ishmael was his son, God instructed him to listen to Sarah, assuring him that He would also make a nation of Ishmael (Genesis 21:13). Abraham's early rising and minimal provision (bread and a bottle of water) underscore the severity and finality of this expulsion, highlighting the immediate vulnerability of Hagar and the young Ishmael as they departed into the arid wilderness of Beersheba.

Key Themes in Genesis 21:14

  • Consequences of Human Imperfection: The entire situation stems from Abraham and Sarah's earlier decision to take matters into their own hands to fulfill God's promise of an heir through Hagar (Genesis 16:2). This verse painfully illustrates the long-term, often tragic, repercussions of such human interference with divine plans.
  • Abraham's Obedience to God: Despite his distress over sending his son away, Abraham obeys God's direct command. This act, though difficult, demonstrates his ongoing commitment to God's will, even when it involves personal pain and family conflict.
  • Divine Providence and Care: Although Abraham's provision is meager and the wilderness of Beersheba is harsh, the narrative immediately following this verse (Genesis 21:15-21) reveals God's faithfulness to His promise to Hagar and Ishmael, showing that even in moments of abandonment by humans, God's watchful eye remains. This foreshadows God's care for the marginalized and vulnerable.
  • Vulnerability and Desperation: Hagar and Ishmael are cast out into an unforgiving environment with limited resources, symbolizing a state of profound vulnerability and utter dependence on divine intervention.

Linguistic Insight

The "bottle of water" mentioned in the KJV text refers to a leather skin or waterskin (Hebrew: chemeth). This type of container, made from an animal hide, was common for carrying liquids in ancient times. While it could hold a significant amount, it was still a finite supply for a journey into the arid wilderness, emphasizing the precariousness of their situation and their immediate need for God's intervention.

Practical Application

Genesis 21:14 offers several profound lessons for believers today:

  • Trust God's Timing: This narrative serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of waiting on God's perfect timing and methods, rather than attempting to force outcomes through human means. Our impatience can lead to unforeseen and painful consequences.
  • God Sees and Provides: Even in moments of great hardship, perceived abandonment, or the consequences of past mistakes, God remains faithful. Hagar's experience (detailed in the verses immediately following this one, Genesis 21:17) reassures us that God hears the cries of the distressed and provides for those who are vulnerable, even in their deepest despair.
  • Difficult Obedience: Sometimes, obedience to God's will involves making incredibly difficult and painful decisions. Abraham's actions here, though heartbreaking, were in direct response to God's command, demonstrating a commitment to faith even when it hurts.
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Cross-References

  • Proverbs 27:14 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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

  • Genesis 21:31 (3 votes)

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

  • Genesis 16:7 (3 votes)

    ¶ 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 (3 votes)

    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 (3 votes)

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