Genesis 21:17

And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he [is].

And God {H430} heard {H8085} the voice {H6963} of the lad {H5288}; and the angel {H4397} of God {H430} called {H7121} to Hagar {H1904} out of heaven {H8064}, and said {H559} unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar {H1904}? fear {H3372} not; for God {H430} hath heard {H8085} the voice {H6963} of the lad {H5288} where he is.

God heard the boy's voice, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, "What's wrong with you, Hagar? Don't be afraid, because God has heard the voice of the boy in his present situation.

Then God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, “What is wrong, Hagar? Do not be afraid, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he lies.

And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is.

Commentary

Genesis 21:17 (KJV) marks a pivotal moment of divine intervention and compassion in the life of Hagar and her son, Ishmael. After being sent away from Abraham's household, they found themselves desperate and near death in the wilderness, having exhausted their water supply.

Context

This verse follows the heartbreaking scene where Abraham sent Hagar and Ishmael into the wilderness of Beersheba at Sarah's insistence. When their water was spent, Hagar laid Ishmael under a shrub, moving away because she could not bear to watch him die. It was in this moment of utter despair and the "voice of the lad"—likely his cries or groans—that God intervened. This passage highlights the extreme vulnerability of Hagar and Ishmael and sets the stage for God's miraculous provision, demonstrating God's attentiveness even in the direst of circumstances.

Key Themes

  • Divine Attentiveness and Compassion: The central message is that God hears the cries of the distressed, even those who might seem outside the immediate covenant line (though Ishmael was Abraham's son). His compassion extends to all who are suffering, demonstrating His universal care.
  • God's Faithfulness to His Promises: Despite the difficult circumstances, God remembers His earlier promise to Abraham concerning Ishmael, that he would make him into a great nation (Genesis 17:20 and Genesis 21:13). This divine intervention ensures the survival of Ishmael to fulfill that promise, highlighting God's steadfast character.
  • Divine Intervention in Despair: Just when all hope seemed lost, the Angel of God called out, bringing reassurance and directing Hagar to the means of their survival. This illustrates God's timely rescue when human efforts fail, providing a powerful example of divine providence.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "God heard the voice of the lad" is deeply significant. The Hebrew word for "heard" is shama (שָׁמַע), which implies much more than simply perceiving sound; it signifies understanding, paying attention, and most importantly, responding with action. It highlights God's active engagement with the suffering of Ishmael. The "angel of God" (מַלְאַךְ אֱלֹהִים, mal'akh Elohim) is a divine messenger, often understood as a manifestation of God Himself or a direct representative, conveying God's will and presence with authority.

Practical Application

Genesis 21:17 offers profound encouragement for anyone facing overwhelming trials. It reminds us that no cry goes unheard by God, regardless of our perceived status or the depth of our despair. When we feel abandoned, forgotten, or at the end of our resources, God is attentive to our silent groans and desperate prayers. This verse calls us to trust in God's unfailing compassion and His ability to intervene even in the most dire circumstances, providing hope and a way forward where none seems to exist. Just as God provided for Hagar and Ishmael, He is faithful to sustain His people and fulfill His purposes, offering comfort in our own wilderness experiences.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 16:11 (8 votes)

    And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold, thou [art] with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction.

  • Psalms 50:15 (6 votes)

    And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.

  • Exodus 3:7 (4 votes)

    ¶ And the LORD said, I have surely seen the affliction of my people which [are] in Egypt, and have heard their cry by reason of their taskmasters; for I know their sorrows;

  • Psalms 91:15 (3 votes)

    He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I [will be] with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

  • Isaiah 41:10 (2 votes)

    ¶ Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

  • Judges 18:23 (2 votes)

    And they cried unto the children of Dan. And they turned their faces, and said unto Micah, What aileth thee, that thou comest with such a company?

  • Psalms 107:4 (2 votes)

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