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Genesis 21

34 verses

TL;DR

Genesis 21 records the birth of Isaac, the expulsion of Hagar and Ishmael, and the covenant between Abraham and Abimelech at Beersheba.

Summary

The chapter opens with God fulfilling His promise to Abraham and Sarah by miraculously birthing Isaac in Abraham's old age, prompting Sarah's laughter at the impossible fulfillment. Isaac is circumcised eight days after birth, underscoring the covenantal sign. Tension arises when Sarah demands Hagar and Ishmael be cast out so that Isaac will remain the sole heir; Abraham reluctantly complies, and God reassures him that Ishmael will also become a great nation. Subsequently, Abraham encounters Abimelech, who seeks a covenant of peace and water rights; Abraham negotiates a formal agreement marked by a well and the placement of seven lambs, which leads to the naming of Beersheba. The chapter closes with Abraham planting a grove there and noting his sojourn among the Philistines, signifying his continued journey.

Outline
  1. Birth of Isaac and the fulfillment of God's promise
  2. Expulsion of Hagar and Ishmael and God's assurance of Ishmael's future
  3. Covenant with Abimelech at Beersheba and establishment of a new landmark
Themes
Faith in divine promiseCovenant fidelityProvision and protection
Keywords
promisecovenantlaughterexpulsionprovisioncircumcisionwell
People
AbrahamSarahIsaacHagarIshmaelAbimelechPhichol
Places
BeershebaParanPhilistine landWilderness of BeershebaWilderness of Paran
Things
CircumcisionWellCovenantSeven ewe lambsGroveBottle of water
Key Verses
  • Genesis 21:2: Shows the miraculous fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and Sarah.
  • Genesis 21:7: Highlights Sarah's astonishment and faith in God's power.
  • Genesis 21:20: God's assurance that Ishmael will also become a nation, countering Abraham's grief.
  • Genesis 21:22: Marks the beginning of the covenant negotiations with Abimelech.
  • Genesis 21:28: Describes the covenant at Beersheba, an enduring testament to divine and human agreements.
Questions
  • What does Sarah's laughter reveal about her understanding of God's power?
  • How does Abraham balance his obedience to God's command with his own emotional responses?
  • In what ways does the covenant with Abimelech reflect the themes of justice and mutual protection?
  • What significance does the naming of Beersheba hold for the narrative of Abraham?
  • How does God’s promise to Ishmael impact the dynamics within Abraham’s family?
Sentiment

mixed
Positive for divine promise and covenant, negative for the forced expulsion of Hagar and Ishmael.