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Commentary on Genesis 21 verses 14–21
Here is, I. The casting out of the bond-woman, and her son from the family of Abraham, Gen 21:14. Abraham's obedience to the divine command in this matter was speedy - early in the morning, we may suppose immediately after he had, in the night's visions, received orders to do this. It was also submissive; it was contrary to his judgment, at least to his own inclination, to do it; yet as soon as he perceives that it is the mind of God he makes no objections, but silently does as he is bidden, as one trained up to an implicit obedience. In sending them away without any attendants, on foot, and slenderly provided for, it is probable that he observed the directions given him. If Hagar and Ishmael had conducted themselves well in Abraham's family, they might have continued there; but they threw themselves out by their own pride and insolence, which were thus justly chastised. Note, By abusing our privileges we forfeit them. Those that know not when they are well off, in such a desirable place as Abraham's family, deserve to be cashiered, and to be made to know the worth of mercies by the want of them.
II. Their wandering in the wilderness, missing their way to the place Abraham designed them for a settlement.
1.They were reduced to great distress there. Their provisions were spent, and Ishmael was sick. He that used to be full fed in Abraham's house, where he waxed fat and kicked, now fainted and sunk, when he was brought to short allowance. Hagar is in tears, and sufficiently mortified. Now she wishes for the crumbs she had wasted and made light of at her master's table. Like one under the power of the spirit of bondage, she despairs of relief, counts upon nothing but the death of the child (Gen 21:15, Gen 21:16), though God had told her, before he was born, that he should live to be a man, a great man. We are apt to forget former promises, when present providences seem to contradict them; for we live by sense.
2.In this distress, God graciously appeared for their relief: he heard the voice of the lad, Gen 21:17. We read not of a word he said; but his sighs, and groans, and calamitous state, cried aloud in the ears of mercy. An angel was sent to comfort Hagar, and it was not the first time that she had met with God's comforts in a wilderness; she had thankfully acknowledged the former kind visit which God made his in such a case (Gen 16:13), and therefore God now visited her again with seasonable succours. (1.) The angel assures her of the cognizance God took of her distress: God has heard the voice of the lad where he is, though he is in a wilderness (for, wherever we are, there is a way open heaven-ward); therefore lift up the lad, and hold him in thy hand, Gen 21:18. Note, God's readiness to help us when we are in trouble must not slacken, but quicken, our endeavours to help ourselves. (2.) He repeats the promise concerning her son, that he should be a great nation, as a reason why she should bestir herself to help him. Note, It should engage our care and pains about children and young people to consider that we know not what God has designed them for, nor what great use Providence may make of them. (3.) He directs her to a present supply (Gen 21:19): He opened her eyes (which were swollen and almost blinded with weeping), and then she saw a well of water. Note, Many that have reason enough to be comforted go mourning from day to day, because they do not see the reason they have for comfort. There is a well of water by them in the covenant of grace, but they are not aware of it; they have not the benefit of it, till the same God that opened their eyes to see their wound opens them to see their remedy, Joh 16:6, Joh 16:7. Now the apostle tells us that those things concerning Hagar and Ishmael are allegoroumena (Gal 4:24), they are to be allegorized; this then will serve to illustrate the folly, [1.] Of those who, like the unbelieving Jews, seek for righteousness by the law and the carnal ordinances of it, and not by the promise made in Christ, thereby running themselves into a wilderness of want and despair. Their comforts are soon exhausted, and if God save them not by his special prerogative, and by a miracle of mercy open their eyes and undeceive them, they are undone. [2.] Of those who seek for satisfaction and happiness in the world and the things of it. Those that forsake the comforts of the covenant and communion with God, and choose their portion in this earth, take up with a bottle of water, poor and slender provision, and that soon spent; they wander endlessly in pursuit of satisfaction, and, at length, sit down short of it.
III. The settlement of Ishmael, at last, in the wilderness of Paran (Gen 21:20, Gen 21:21), a wild place, fittest for a wild man; and such a one he was, ch. 16. 12. Those that are born after the flesh take up with the wilderness of this world, while the children of the promise aim at the heavenly Canaan, and cannot be at rest till they are there. Observe, 1. He had some tokens of God's presence: God was with the lad; his outward prosperity was owing to this. 2. By trade he was an archer, which intimates that craft was his excellency and sport his business: rejected Esau was a cunning hunter. 3. He matched among his mother's relations; she took him a wife out of Egypt: as great an archer as he was, he did not think he could take his aim well, in the business of marriage, if he proceeded without his mother's advice and consent.
What loving kindness on the Lord’s part! Far from ignoring [Hagar] as a menial servant, he deigned to show her such wonderful concern for the reason that he had made the promise to the patriarch and the child was his. Hence the words “What is it, Hagar? Don’t worry: God heard the cry of the child. Get up, pick him up, and take him by the hand; after all, I am to make him grow into a mighty nation.” Don’t lose heart, he is saying, at being driven from home. He will enjoy such providence at my hands as to become a mighty nation, even he.
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SUMMARY
Records a profound moment of divine intervention, where God responds to the desperate cries of Hagar and her son Ishmael, who are facing certain death from thirst in the wilderness of Beersheba. An angel of God calls to Hagar from heaven, commanding her to "Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thine hand; for I will make him a great nation," thereby reaffirming a prior promise and powerfully demonstrating God's unwavering compassion and sovereign providence extending even beyond the primary covenant lineage.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Is a concise yet powerful declaration of divine intervention and promise. It pivots the narrative from a scene of despair to one of hope and future, underscoring God's active involvement in the lives of the vulnerable. The command to "Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thine hand" is not merely an instruction but an empowering call to action for Hagar, signifying an end to her resignation and the beginning of renewed hope. The subsequent declaration, "for I will make him a great nation," provides the divine rationale and assurance, shifting the focus from immediate survival to a grand, divinely ordained future.
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
The verse employs several potent literary devices. The most prominent is Divine Command, delivered directly by the angel of God, which serves as a turning point in the narrative, transforming a scene of imminent death into one of hope and future. There is also significant Repetition of the divine promise; the phrase "great nation" echoes God's earlier assurances to Abraham concerning Ishmael in Genesis 17:20 and to Hagar in Genesis 16:10, emphasizing God's unwavering faithfulness. Symbolism is present in the instruction to "hold him in thine hand," where the hand represents not only physical protection but also Hagar's renewed maternal agency and God's overarching power and provision. The entire passage also functions as a Contrast, juxtaposing Hagar's profound despair and the threat of death with God's intervention bringing life and a promising future.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Offers profound theological insights into the character of God and His relationship with humanity. It powerfully demonstrates God's universal compassion and sovereign care, extending His attentiveness and provision even to those outside the primary covenant lineage. Despite the human complexities and the painful separation from Abraham's household, God hears the cries of the distressed and intervenes with life-saving grace and a reaffirmation of His word. This passage underscores that God's faithfulness is not limited to one chosen people but is a fundamental aspect of His character, ensuring that every promise He makes, even those seemingly secondary, will be fulfilled according to His divine plan. It also highlights the transformative power of hope and divine intervention in moments of utter despair.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Serves as an enduring source of encouragement for believers navigating their own wilderness experiences. It reminds us that even in our deepest moments of despair, when circumstances seem insurmountable and hope is lost, God is not distant or indifferent. He hears our cries, sees our suffering, and is intimately acquainted with our needs. The command to "Arise" is a powerful call to action, urging us to step out of our resignation and embrace the future God has for us, trusting in His unwavering providence. Just as God provided for Hagar and Ishmael in their dire need, often in unexpected ways, He promises to sustain us and fulfill His purposes in our lives. This passage reinforces the profound truth that God's character is steadfastly faithful, and His promises are utterly reliable, providing a firm foundation for our faith even when our vision is clouded by hardship.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did God save Ishmael if the covenant was through Isaac?
Answer: God's salvation of Ishmael demonstrates His universal compassion and faithfulness to all His promises, not solely those concerning the primary covenant line through Isaac. While the covenant of redemption and the lineage of the Messiah would indeed continue through Isaac, God had previously made specific promises to Abraham and Hagar regarding Ishmael's descendants (e.g., Genesis 17:20), and God is faithful to every word He speaks. This act showcases God's mercy extending beyond the chosen people, affirming His care for all humanity.
What is the significance of the phrase "great nation" for Ishmael?
Answer: The phrase "great nation" (Hebrew: goy gadol) signifies that Ishmael would indeed have a significant lineage and future, fulfilling God's earlier promise. While distinct from the covenant nation of Israel, Ishmael's descendants would form numerous and powerful peoples, acknowledging God's sovereign plan for diverse nations. This echoes the same language used for Abraham in Genesis 12:2, highlighting God's grand design for humanity and His commitment to His word, even when the specific trajectory of the covenant shifts.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While directly concerns God's promise to Ishmael, it powerfully points to Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of divine compassion, provision, and faithfulness. Jesus Christ is the embodiment of God's attentive ear, the one who hears the cries of all humanity in their spiritual wilderness, offering not just physical sustenance but the living water that truly quenches spiritual thirst (as seen in John 4:10-14). Just as God intervened to bring hope and life to Hagar and Ishmael from the brink of death, Christ brings eternal life and hope to a world lost in spiritual barrenness and despair, rescuing humanity from the ultimate consequence of sin. Through His sacrificial work on the cross, the promise of blessing to "all the families of the earth" (reaffirmed in Genesis 12:3) finds its ultimate realization, extending God's compassionate salvation to all nations and peoples, including the descendants of Ishmael, who can find redemption and true belonging in the family of God through faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God and the Savior of the world (as proclaimed in John 3:16-17).