Genesis 21:15

KJV

And the water was spent in the bottle, and she cast the child under one of the shrubs.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the water {H4325} was spent {H3615} in {H4480} the bottle {H2573}, and she cast {H7993} the child {H3206} under one {H259} of the shrubs {H7880}.

Complete Jewish Bible

When the water in the skin was gone, she left the child under a bush,

Berean Standard Bible

When the water in the skin was gone, she left the boy under one of the bushes.

American Standard Version

And the water in the bottle was spent, and she cast the child under one of the shrubs.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 21:15 profoundly captures the desperate plight of Hagar and her son, Ishmael, abandoned in the desolate wilderness of Beersheba. With their meager water supply completely depleted, they face the imminent threat of death by thirst. In an act of wrenching maternal despair, Hagar places her child under a small shrub, unable to endure the agony of witnessing his final moments, a scene that vividly underscores their extreme vulnerability and sets the precarious stage for a dramatic divine intervention.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This poignant verse is situated immediately after Abraham's agonizing decision to send Hagar and Ishmael away. This expulsion, though painful, was not arbitrary; it was prompted by Sarah's insistence regarding Ishmael's inheritance and, critically, affirmed by God's explicit command to Abraham in [Genesis 21:12](/genesis/21-12 "God's instruction to Abraham regarding Hagar and Ishmael"). God reassured Abraham that He would make a nation of Ishmael as well, because he was Abraham's offspring ([Genesis 21:13](/genesis/21-13 "God's promise concerning Ishmael")). The narrative then swiftly transitions from God's promise to the harsh reality of their immediate survival. Verse 15 marks the nadir of their physical resources, setting up the divine rescue that follows in verses 16-19, where God hears Ishmael's cry and provides water, reaffirming His covenantal care even for those outside the direct line of Isaac.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Life in the ancient Near Eastern wilderness was unforgiving, defined by extreme heat, scarcity of water, and dangerous conditions. Water was not merely a commodity but the very essence of survival; its depletion meant certain death. The "bottle" mentioned (Hebrew: *chêmeth*) would have been a skin-bottle, typically made from an animal hide, the standard vessel for carrying liquids in such arid environments. The act of "casting" the child, as translated, must be understood within the context of a mother's profound anguish. In this culture, a mother's bond with her child was paramount, and the inability to provide for or save her child was a devastating experience, often leading to extreme expressions of grief and despair. Hagar's action reflects the absolute limits of human endurance when confronted with the imminent death of a loved one, especially a child, in a desolate landscape.
* **Key Themes:** Genesis 21:15 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Genesis and biblical theology. It powerfully illustrates **human vulnerability and dependence** on divine provision, particularly in the face of overwhelming natural forces. It also foreshadows God's **divine providence amidst despair**, demonstrating that His watchful eye extends beyond the immediate covenant family of Isaac to include Ishmael, as promised to Abraham. This episode echoes Hagar's earlier encounter with the Angel of the Lord in [Genesis 16:7-14](/genesis/16-7 "Hagar's first encounter with the Angel of the Lord"), where she named God "El Roi" (the God Who Sees), reinforcing the theme of God's omnipresent and compassionate gaze, even in the wilderness. Furthermore, it subtly underscores God's **faithfulness to His promises**, as the earlier divine assurance concerning Ishmael's future nation ([Genesis 21:13](/genesis/21-13 "God's promise concerning Ishmael")) remains active despite the immediate suffering depicted.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **spent (Hebrew, _kâlâh'_):** From a primitive root, this word signifies to "end," "cease," "be finished," or "perish." It can also mean to "consume" or "fail." In this context, it powerfully conveys the absolute depletion of the water supply, emphasizing that the resource has not merely diminished but has reached its complete end, leaving no hope of further sustenance. It highlights the finality and severity of their predicament.
* **bottle (Hebrew, _chêmeth'_):** This term refers to a "skin bottle," typically made from animal hide. It was the standard, practical vessel for carrying water in the ancient Near East. The mention of the "bottle" being empty underscores the tangible and immediate nature of their crisis, as their only means of carrying life-sustaining liquid is now useless.
* **cast (Hebrew, _shâlak'_):** This primitive root means "to throw out, down, or away." While it can imply a forceful action, in this context, it conveys Hagar's desperate act of laying or placing Ishmael down. It is not an act of abandonment in the sense of neglect, but a profound expression of a mother's despair, unable to bear watching her child die. It communicates a final, agonizing gesture of resignation and sorrow.
* **child (Hebrew, _yeled'_):** Derived from the verb "to be born," this noun refers to "something born," specifically a "lad" or "offspring." The use of "child" here emphasizes Ishmael's vulnerability and dependence, highlighting the tragic irony of a mother, whose primary role is to nurture and protect, being utterly powerless to save her own offspring from the clutches of death.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the water was spent in the bottle":** This clause immediately establishes the dire circumstances. The phrase "the water was spent" (Hebrew: *kâlâh*) signifies not just a low supply, but a complete and utter depletion. In the arid wilderness, water is synonymous with life, and its absence means certain death. The "bottle" (Hebrew: *chêmeth*), a skin-bottle, was their only means of carrying this vital resource. Its emptiness marks the absolute nadir of their physical provisions, underscoring their complete vulnerability and the severity of their abandonment. This is the point of no return for human self-sufficiency.
* **"and she cast the child under one of the shrubs":** This second clause describes Hagar's heartbreaking response to their desperate situation. The Hebrew verb *shâlak*, translated as "cast," carries a range of meanings from "throw" to "lay down." In this context, it conveys a desperate, almost resigned act of placing Ishmael. It is not an act of cruelty or abandonment, but rather a profound expression of maternal anguish and despair. Hagar positions him "under one of the shrubs" (Hebrew: *sîyach*), seeking a minimal measure of shade or a secluded spot, not to abandon him, but to spare herself the unbearable agony of witnessing her beloved son's slow, agonizing death. This poignant gesture reveals the depth of her sorrow and helplessness, as she reaches the absolute limit of her human endurance and ability to cope with the unfolding tragedy.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several powerful literary devices to convey its profound emotional and theological weight. **Imagery** is central, painting a stark picture of the parched wilderness and the empty water bottle, immediately immersing the reader in the scene of desolation. The act of Hagar "casting" or laying her child under a shrub evokes strong **pathos**, eliciting deep sympathy for her desperate situation and the tender, yet agonizing, love of a mother forced to confront the imminent death of her child. The seemingly simple declarative sentences belie a profound sense of **despair** and **helplessness**, which are palpable throughout the verse. Furthermore, the verse serves as a moment of **foreshadowing**, as this extreme human extremity sets the stage for the miraculous divine intervention that immediately follows, demonstrating God's sovereign care in moments of utter human powerlessness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 21:15 serves as a profound theological statement on the limits of human endurance and the boundless nature of divine providence. It highlights that even in moments of absolute despair and apparent abandonment, God's watchful eye and providential care are actively engaged. Hagar and Ishmael, though outside the direct covenant line of Isaac, are not beyond the scope of God's compassion and prior promises. This scene powerfully illustrates that human extremity often precedes God's miraculous intervention, demonstrating His faithfulness to sustain life and fulfill His word, even when all human resources are exhausted. It reminds us that God hears the cries of the afflicted and provides for the vulnerable, regardless of their immediate standing within a covenant, extending His mercy to all who are in distress.

* [Psalm 107:4-9](/psalm/107-4-9 "God's deliverance in the wilderness") This psalm speaks of those who wandered in the wilderness, hungry and thirsty, whose soul fainted within them, and how they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them from their distress, satisfying the thirsty soul and filling the hungry soul with good things.
* [Isaiah 41:17-18](/isaiah/41-17-18 "God provides water in the wilderness") This prophetic passage promises that when the poor and needy seek water and there is none, and their tongue is parched with thirst, the Lord will answer them and open rivers on the bare heights and fountains in the midst of the valleys.
* [Matthew 10:29-31](/matthew/10-29-31 "God's care for sparrows and humans") Jesus assures His disciples that not one sparrow falls to the ground apart from the Father's will, and that even the hairs of their head are numbered, emphasizing God's meticulous and compassionate care for even the smallest of His creatures, and certainly for His human children.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 21:15 offers a stark, yet ultimately hopeful, mirror for our own lives. It vividly portrays a moment when all human resources are exhausted, and hope seems to vanish, leaving only the raw anguish of impending loss. Hagar's desperate act of placing Ishmael under a shrub, unable to bear the sight of his death, resonates deeply with the universal human experience of profound grief and helplessness when faced with circumstances beyond our control. For us, this verse serves as a powerful reminder that our breaking point is often precisely where God's intervention begins. It encourages us to cultivate a posture of radical dependence on God, especially when our "bottles" are empty and our strength is spent. It challenges us to persevere in prayer and faith, even when circumstances appear bleak, trusting that the God who saw and heard Hagar and Ishmael in their wilderness will also see, hear, and respond to our cries in our moments of deepest need, demonstrating His unwavering presence and provision.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you currently feel your "water bottle" is empty, and you are at the limits of your own resources?**
* **How does Hagar's despair challenge or affirm your understanding of God's presence and care in moments of extreme suffering?**
* **What practical steps can you take to lean more fully on God's provision when you feel helpless or overwhelmed by circumstances?**

### FAQ
**Why did Hagar "cast" Ishmael under a shrub, and what does this imply about her character?**

Answer: The King James Version's translation "cast" (from the Hebrew *shâlak*) might initially suggest a harsh or violent action, but in this specific context, it is better understood as "to lay down" or "to place." Hagar's action was not one of abandonment or cruelty, but rather a desperate act born of profound maternal anguish and utter helplessness. Facing the unbearable reality of her son's slow, agonizing death by thirst, she moved him a short distance away, seeking to spare herself the excruciating pain of witnessing his final moments. This reveals her deep love and despair, highlighting her character as a grieving mother pushed to the absolute limits of human endurance by her dire circumstances. It underscores her profound sorrow and the depth of her maternal bond, rather than any lack of care.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Genesis 21:15 depicts a moment of physical death and despair in the wilderness, it ultimately sets the stage for God's life-giving intervention, profoundly prefiguring Christ as the ultimate source of life and hope in our spiritual wilderness. Just as Hagar and Ishmael faced certain death from physical thirst, humanity faces spiritual death and desolation apart from God. Jesus, the "living water" ([John 4:10](/john/4-10 "Jesus offers living water to the Samaritan woman")), offers true and eternal sustenance, rescuing us from the spiritual barrenness of sin and the ultimate death it brings. His invitation, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink" ([John 7:37-38](/john/7-37-38 "Jesus invites all who are thirsty")), echoes God's compassionate provision for Hagar and Ishmael, pointing to Christ as the one who fully satisfies our deepest spiritual needs. The empathy God shows for the vulnerable in this passage foreshadows Christ's own identification with the needy and suffering, reminding us that He is present even in our most desperate moments, offering not just temporary relief but eternal life and hope ([Matthew 25:35-40](/matthew/25-35-40 "Christ's identification with the needy")).

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

Jeremiah 14:3

And their nobles have sent their little ones to the waters: they came to the pits, [and] found no water; they returned with their vessels empty; they were ashamed and confounded, and covered their heads.

Exodus 15:22

¶ So Moses brought Israel from the Red sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur; and they went three days in the wilderness, and found no water.

Exodus 15:25

And he cried unto the LORD; and the LORD shewed him a tree, [which] when he had cast into the waters, the waters were made sweet: there he made for them a statute and an ordinance, and there he proved them,

Psalms 63:1

¶ A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, thou [art] my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;

2 Kings 3:9

So the king of Israel went, and the king of Judah, and the king of Edom: and they fetched a compass of seven days' journey: and there was no water for the host, and for the cattle that followed them.

Exodus 17:1

¶ And all the congregation of the children of Israel journeyed from the wilderness of Sin, after their journeys, according to the commandment of the LORD, and pitched in Rephidim: and [there was] no water for the people to drink.

Exodus 17:3

And the people thirsted there for water; and the people murmured against Moses, and said, Wherefore [is] this [that] thou hast brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst?