Genesis 21:18

KJV

Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thine hand; for I will make him a great nation.

KJV (with Strong's)

Arise {H6965}, lift up {H5375} the lad {H5288}, and hold {H2388} him in thine hand {H3027}; for I will make {H7760} him a great {H1419} nation {H1471}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Get up, lift the boy up, and hold him tightly in your hand, because I am going to make him a great nation."

Berean Standard Bible

Get up, lift up the boy, and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation.”

American Standard Version

Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thy hand; for I will make him a great nation.

Commentary

### 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
* **Literary Context:** This verse is the climax of a deeply emotional and pivotal scene in the narrative of Abraham's family. Immediately preceding it, Hagar, in utter despair, has placed her son Ishmael under a shrub, moving a bowshot away so she would not have to witness his death by thirst. Her own cries, along with Ishmael's, ascend to God, who hears their distress, as explicitly stated in [Genesis 21:17](/genesis/21-17 "God hears Ishmael's cry"). The divine command and promise in [Genesis 21:18](/genesis/21-18 "God's command and promise to Hagar") are God's direct, compassionate response to these cries, serving as a turning point from imminent death to miraculous provision. This intervention then leads to God opening Hagar's eyes to a well of water, saving their lives and setting the stage for Ishmael's future.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the wilderness of Beersheba, a semi-arid region in the Negev desert, where water sources were scarce and vital for survival. The desperate situation of Hagar and Ishmael reflects the harsh realities of desert life and the vulnerability of those without resources or support. The cultural context includes the practice of concubinage and the social implications of a barren wife (Sarah) giving her servant (Hagar) to her husband (Abraham) to bear children. While Ishmael was Abraham’s firstborn, he was born of Hagar, a slave, and was not the child of the covenant promise made to Sarah. His expulsion, though painful, was part of God's plan to establish the covenant line solely through Isaac, as seen in [Genesis 21:12](/genesis/21-12 "God's instruction to Abraham regarding Ishmael"). Despite this, God's continued care for Ishmael demonstrates His broader universal concern.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within [Genesis](/genesis "The Book of Genesis"). Firstly, it powerfully illustrates God's **sovereign providence and compassion**, showing that His care extends beyond the immediate covenant family to all who are in distress, even those seemingly outside the primary line of blessing. Secondly, it underscores God's **faithfulness to His promises**, as the declaration to make Ishmael a "great nation" echoes earlier divine assurances given to Abraham in [Genesis 17:20](/genesis/17-20 "God's blessing and promise for Ishmael") and even to Hagar herself in [Genesis 16:10](/genesis/16-10 "Angel's promise of numerous descendants to Hagar") before Ishmael's birth. Thirdly, it highlights the theme of **divine hearing and response**, affirming that God is attentive to the cries of the afflicted, a truth woven throughout the biblical narrative, from the cries of the Israelites in Egypt (e.g., [Exodus 2:23-25](/exodus/2-23-25 "God hears the Israelites' groaning")) to the prayers of the righteous.

### 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
* **lad (Hebrew, _naʻar'_):** H5288. This term refers to a boy, from infancy to adolescence, implying Ishmael's youth and vulnerability at this moment. The instruction to "lift up the lad" emphasizes his helplessness and Hagar's maternal responsibility, now divinely empowered. The use of "lad" highlights the tender age of the one for whom God has a great future.
* **hold (Hebrew, _châzaq'_):** H2388. This primitive root means "to fasten upon," "to seize," "to be strong," or "to strengthen." In this context, it is a command for Hagar to take firm, protective hold of Ishmael. It signifies not just a physical grasp but also a strengthening, securing, and perhaps even an encouragement for Hagar to be courageous and maintain her son's well-being.
* **nation (Hebrew, _gôwy'_):** H1471. This word, often translated as "nation" or "people," typically refers to a foreign nation or Gentile people. Its use here, especially in conjunction with "great" (H1419, _gâdôwl_), signifies that Ishmael's descendants would form a distinct, numerous, and significant people group. This promise, while separate from the covenant through Isaac, confirms God's intention to bring forth a substantial lineage from Ishmael, fulfilling His word.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Arise":** This is an imperative command, a call to action that directly counters Hagar's posture of despair and resignation. It signifies a divine summons to move from a state of helplessness and sorrow to one of renewed purpose and activity.
* **"lift up the lad":** This instruction is both literal and symbolic. Literally, Hagar is to pick up her son, who was lying helpless. Symbolically, it represents a lifting out of the shadow of death and into the light of divine provision and hope.
* **"and hold him in thine hand":** This command emphasizes Hagar's active role in protecting and nurturing Ishmael. The "hand" (H3027, _yâd_) often symbolizes power, means, and direction. By holding him in her hand, Hagar is to take secure possession and responsibility for him, empowered by God's promise.
* **"for I will make him a great nation":** This clause provides the divine rationale and assurance for the preceding commands. It is a powerful reaffirmation of God's prior promise concerning Ishmael's future, shifting the focus from the immediate threat of death to a grand, divinely ordained destiny. It underscores God's faithfulness and sovereign power to bring His plans to fruition.

#### 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](/genesis/17-20 "God's blessing and promise for Ishmael") and to Hagar in [Genesis 16:10](/genesis/16-10 "Angel's promise of numerous descendants to Hagar"), 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.

* [Genesis 17:20](/genesis/17-20 "God's blessing and promise for Ishmael"): God had previously promised Abraham that Ishmael would be blessed and made into a great nation, demonstrating His consistent faithfulness.
* [Psalm 34:17](/psalms/34-17 "The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them"): This verse illustrates the broader biblical truth that "The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles," a principle exemplified by God's response to Hagar and Ishmael.
* [Isaiah 41:10](/isaiah/41-10 "Do not fear, for I am with you"): The divine command to "Arise" and the promise of a future serve as an echo of God's comforting words to His people, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with your righteous right hand."

### 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
* **In what "wilderness" areas of your life do you feel most desperate or abandoned, similar to Hagar?**
* **How does God's immediate response to Hagar and Ishmael's cries encourage you to bring your own distress to Him?**
* **What "lad" or precious aspect of your life might God be calling you to "lift up and hold in your hand" with renewed faith, trusting in His future promise?**

### 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](/genesis/17-20 "God's blessing and promise for Ishmael")), 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](/genesis/12-2 "God's promise to make Abraham a great nation"), 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](/john/4-10-14 "Jesus offers living water to the Samaritan woman")). 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](/genesis/12-3 "God's promise to Abraham to bless all nations")) 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](/john/3-16-17 "God's love for the world through 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

Genesis 21:13

And also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation, because he [is] thy seed.

Genesis 16:10

¶ And the angel of the LORD said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.

1 Chronicles 1:29

These [are] their generations: The firstborn of Ishmael, Nebaioth; then Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam,

1 Chronicles 1:31

Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. These are the sons of Ishmael.

Genesis 17:20

And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.

Genesis 25:12

Now these [are] the generations of Ishmael, Abraham's son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah's handmaid, bare unto Abraham:

Genesis 25:18

And they dwelt from Havilah unto Shur, that [is] before Egypt, as thou goest toward Assyria: [and] he died in the presence of all his brethren.