Skip to content
Journey Through the Bible

Genesis 21 The Birth of Isaac

1 The Birth of Isaac
Now the Lord was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did for Sarah what he had promised.

2 Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him.

3 Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore him.

4 When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God commanded him.

5 Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him.

6 Sarah said, “God has brought me laughter, and everyone who hears about this will laugh with me.”

7 And she added, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.”

8 Hagar and Ishmael Sent Away
The child grew and was weaned, and on the day Isaac was weaned Abraham held a great feast.

9 But Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham was mocking,

10 and she said to Abraham, “Get rid of that slave woman and her son, for that slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with my son Isaac.”

11 The matter distressed Abraham greatly because it concerned his son.

12 But God said to him, “Do not be so distressed about the boy and your maidservant. Listen to whatever Sarah tells you, because it is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned.

13 I will make the son of the maidservant into a nation also, because he is your offspring.”

14 Early the next morning Abraham took some food and a skin of water and gave them to Hagar. He set them on her shoulders and then sent her off with the boy. She went on her way and wandered in the desert of Beersheba.

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

16 Then she went off and sat down nearby, about a bowshot away, for she thought, “I cannot watch the boy die.” And as she sat there nearby, she began to sob.

17 God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there.

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

19 Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water. So she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink.

20 God was with the boy as he grew up. He lived in the desert and became an archer.

21 While he was living in the Desert of Paran, his mother got a wife for him from Egypt.

22 The Treaty at Beersheba
At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his forces said to Abraham, “God is with you in everything you do.

23 Now swear to me here before God that you will not deal falsely with me or my children or my descendants. Show to me and the country where you are living as an alien the same kindness I have shown to you.”

24 Abraham said, “I swear it.”

25 Then Abraham complained to Abimelech about a well of water that Abimelech’s servants had seized.

26 But Abimelech said, “I don’t know who has done this. You did not tell me, and I heard about it only today.”

27 So Abraham brought sheep and cattle and gave them to Abimelech, and the two men made a treaty.

28 Abraham set apart seven ewe lambs from the flock,

29 and Abimelech asked Abraham, “What is the meaning of these seven ewe lambs you have set apart by themselves?”

30 He replied, “Accept these seven lambs from my hand as a witness that I dug this well.”

31 So that place was called Beersheba, because the two men swore an oath there.

32 After the treaty had been made at Beersheba, Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his forces returned to the land of the Philistines.

33 Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba, and there he called upon the name of the Lord, the Eternal God.

34 And Abraham stayed in the land of the Philistines for a long time.

Analysis of Genesis Chapter 21

Genesis Chapter 21 is a pivotal chapter in the Book of Genesis, offering a wealth of profound insights and significant developments in the narrative of the Patriarchs. This chapter chronicles several key events: the birth of Isaac, the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham and Sarah, the dismissal of Hagar and Ishmael, and God’s continued faithfulness to His covenant. In this analysis, we’ll delve deeply into the verses of Genesis 21, interpreting and contextualizing the events to illuminate their importance within the broader Biblical narrative.

The Birth of Isaac: The Fulfillment of God’s Promise

The chapter opens with the long-awaited birth of Isaac:

The Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and the Lord did to Sarah as he had promised. And Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age at the time of which God had spoken to him. Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore him, Isaac. (Genesis 21:1-3 ESV)

This moment is monumental because it signifies the fulfillment of the divine promise made to Abraham and Sarah. God had promised Abraham descendants as numerous as the stars, and Isaac’s birth is the tangible beginning of that promise. Importantly, the text emphasizes that God “visited Sarah as He had said” and “did to Sarah as He had promised.” This repetition underscores God’s faithfulness and the reliability of His word. The birth of Isaac is not just a biological event, but a profound manifestation of divine intervention and covenant fulfillment.

Isaac’s name, which means “he laughs,” is also laden with significance. It hearkens back to both Abraham’s and Sarah’s initial reactions of incredulous laughter (Genesis 17:17 and Genesis 18:12) when they were told they would have a child in their old age. Now, their laughter is transformed from skepticism into joyous fulfillment. Isaac’s birth also injects hope and happiness into a narrative that often includes moments of trial and tribulation.

Obedience and Consecration: The Act of Circumcision

And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac when he was eight days old, as God had commanded him. Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. (Genesis 21:4-5 ESV)

Abraham’s immediate obedience in circumcising Isaac on the eighth day is significant. It demonstrates Abraham’s unwavering faith and adherence to God’s commands. Circumcision acts as a sign of the covenant between Abraham’s descendants and God (Genesis 17:10-14). By ensuring that Isaac is brought into this covenant through circumcision, Abraham is committing him to God’s promises and instructions from a very early age, thus embedding him within the divine narrative.

The precise mention of Abraham’s age, 100 years old, serves to highlight the miraculous nature of Isaac’s birth. It emphasizes that, despite the seeming impossibility from a human standpoint, nothing is beyond the power of God. The miraculous birth thus aligns with the broader theme of divine sovereignty and purpose overriding human limitations.

The Joy and Laughter of Sarah

And Sarah said, “God has made laughter for me; everyone who hears will laugh over me.” And she said, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.” (Genesis 21:6-7 ESV)

Sarah’s proclamation is brimming with joy and disbelief. Her statement, “God has made laughter for me,” echoes the earlier promised joy but now experienced firsthand. The laughter signifies more than just happiness; it is a testament to the transformative power of God’s promises. Sarah’s rhetorical question, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah would nurse children?” captures the essence of a divine miracle. The societal expectations and natural laws have been overturned by the intervention of God, reaffirming His sovereignty and ability to bring about His will against all odds.

Tensions in the Household: The Dismissal of Hagar and Ishmael

And the child grew and was weaned. And Abraham made a great feast on the day that Isaac was weaned. But Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, laughing. So she said to Abraham, “Cast out this slave woman with her son, for the son of this slave woman shall not be heir with my son Isaac.” And the thing was very displeasing to Abraham on account of his son. (Genesis 21:8-11 ESV)

The narrative then shifts to the growing tensions within Abraham’s household. The celebration of Isaac’s weaning, an important cultural moment indicating that the child had survived infancy, sets the stage for Sarah’s confrontation with Hagar and Ishmael. The text mentions that Ishmael was “laughing,” a term that carries connotations of mocking or scoffing in this context. Sarah interprets this as a threat to Isaac’s status as the primary heir.

Sarah’s demand to “cast out this slave woman with her son” reflects a protective maternal instinct but also indicates the complexities of human relationships, even among the chosen people of God. Abraham’s distress over Sarah’s request underscores his paternal affection for Ishmael. This moral dilemma, lay bare before us, reveals the vulnerabilities and frailties of human emotions amid divine plans.

God’s Assurance and the Fate of Hagar and Ishmael

But God said to Abraham, “Be not displeased because of the boy and because of your slave woman. Whatever Sarah says to you, do as she tells you, for through Isaac shall your offspring be named. And I will make a nation of the son of the slave woman also, because he is your offspring.” (Genesis 21:12-13 ESV)

God’s intervention provides a resolution to the internal conflict. By instructing Abraham to heed Sarah’s words, God reaffirms Isaac’s role as the primary heir through whom the covenant promises would be fulfilled. However, God also shows compassion and justice toward Hagar and Ishmael, promising to make a nation of Ishmael because he is Abraham’s offspring.

This duality demonstrates God’s ability to work through complex human situations while upholding His covenantal promises. Ishmael, though outside the primary line of promise, is not forsaken. God’s promise to make a nation of Ishmael highlights His inclusivity and recognition of all of Abraham’s descendants. This further emphasizes the diversity within God’s plans and the scope of His promises.

Hagar and Ishmael’s Journey: God’s Provision in the Wilderness

So Abraham rose early in the morning and took bread and a skin of water and gave it to Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, along with the child, and sent her away. And she departed and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba. When the water in the skin was gone, she put the child under one of the bushes. Then she went and sat down opposite him a good way off, about the distance of a bowshot, for she said, “Let me not look on the death of the child.” And as she sat opposite him, she lifted up her voice and wept. And God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What troubles you, Hagar? Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is. Up! Lift up the boy, and hold him fast with your hand, for I will make him into a great nation.” Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. And she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink. And God was with the boy, and he grew up. He lived in the wilderness and became an expert with the bow. He lived in the wilderness of Paran, and his mother took a wife for him from the land of Egypt. (Genesis 21:14-21 ESV)

Hagar and Ishmael’s departure into the wilderness of Beersheba forms a poignant narrative filled with struggle and divine intervention. The ordeal they face in the wilderness, running out of water and facing probable death, brings them to a point of desperation. Hagar’s decision to place Ishmael under a bush and distance herself, lamenting that she cannot bear to watch her child die, is a deeply human and maternal act of sorrow.

However, God’s response is immediate and compassionate. The phrase “God heard the voice of the boy” is significant. It indicates that God is attentive to human suffering and responsive to cries for help. The angel’s message brings comfort and a renewed promise of nationhood for Ishmael, highlighting God’s unwavering commitment to His word.

The subsequent provision of a well is symbolic of God’s providence and life-giving sustenance. Water, a fundamental necessity for life, becomes a tangible representation of God’s ability to sustain and nurture even in the most challenging circumstances. Ishmael’s growth and development in the wilderness, becoming an expert with the bow and eventually establishing his own family, signify the fulfillment of God’s promise and Ishmael’s place within God’s broader plan.

Abimelech’s Treaty with Abraham: Interactions and Integrity

At that time Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army said to Abraham, “God is with you in all that you do. Now therefore swear to me here by God that you will not deal falsely with me or with my descendants or with my posterity, but as I have dealt kindly with you, so you will deal with me and with the land where you have sojourned.” And Abraham said, “I will swear.” (Genesis 21:22-24 ESV)

The chapter concludes with a scene involving Abimelech and Phicol, reflecting Abraham’s interactions with his neighbors. Abimelech’s recognition of God’s presence with Abraham (“God is with you in all that you do”) speaks volumes about Abraham’s reputation and the visible manifestation of divine favor. This acknowledgment prompts Abimelech to seek a treaty to ensure fair and honest dealings.

The ensuing agreement shows Abraham’s integrity and willingness to live peacefully with those around him. However, a dispute over a well (an essential resource) soon arises, leading Abraham to address the issue directly with Abimelech.

When Abraham reproved Abimelech about a well of water that Abimelech’s servants had seized, Abimelech said, “I do not know who has done this thing; you did not tell me, and I have not heard of it until today.” So Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them to Abimelech, and the two men made a covenant. Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock apart. And Abimelech said to Abraham, “What is the meaning of these seven ewe lambs that you have set apart?” He said, “These seven ewe lambs you will take from my hand, that this may be a witness for me that I dug this well.” Therefore that place was called Beersheba, because there both of them swore an oath. So they made a covenant at Beersheba. Then Abimelech and Phicol the commander of his army rose up and returned to the land of the Philistines. (Genesis 21:25-32 ESV)

The resolution involving the seven ewe lambs ensures that both parties acknowledge Abraham’s rightful ownership of the well and solidifies trust between them. The naming of the place Beersheba, which means “Well of the Oath” or “Well of Seven,” signifies the importance of this pact and its recognition within the community. The act of establishing covenants and resolving disputes amicably is crucial for maintaining peace and harmony, a theme that resonates deeply within the biblical ethos.

Abraham’s Continued Worship and Faithfulness

Abraham planted a tamarisk tree in Beersheba and called there on the name of the Lord, the Everlasting God. And Abraham sojourned many days in the land of the Philistines. (Genesis 21:33-34 ESV)

The chapter closes with Abraham planting a tamarisk tree and calling on “the name of the Lord, the Everlasting God.” This act symbolizes permanence and rootedness. The tamarisk tree, known for its ability to flourish in arid conditions, reflects resilience and longevity. It serves as a living monument to Abraham’s continued faith and God’s enduring presence.

The invocation of God as “the Everlasting God” (El Olam) emphasizes the eternal nature of God’s covenant and His timeless sovereignty. Even as Abraham sojourns in the land of the Philistines, this act signifies that his ultimate allegiance remains with God, who transcends all temporal and geographical boundaries.

Conclusion

Genesis Chapter 21 is rich with themes of promise, faithfulness, and divine provision. The birth of Isaac stands as a testament to God’s unwavering faithfulness and the miraculous fulfillment of His promises. The subsequent events surrounding Hagar and Ishmael, although fraught with human complexities and emotional struggles, reveal God’s inclusive compassion and justice. The interactions with Abimelech exemplify the importance of integrity, peaceful coexistence, and resolute faith in God. Ultimately, Abraham’s enduring faith and acts of worship underscore the perpetual and unchanging nature of God’s covenant with His chosen people. This chapter, in its multifaceted narrative, offers profound insights into the nature of divine-human relationships and God’s overarching plan of redemption and promise.

Understanding the Key Messages in Genesis 21: Insights and Explanation

In Genesis 21, God fulfills His promise to Abraham and Sarah by giving them a son, Isaac. Offering a reflection of God's faithfulness and the consequences of Abraham's earlier actions, this chapter showcases the beginning of the fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham.

Notes

Genesis 21 serves as a reminder that God is faithful to His promises, even when circumstances seem impossible. It also highlights the importance of obeying God and the consequences that may arise from past actions.