Last updated: 16 Aug 25 04:30:47 (UTC)

Genesis 21, 08/15/2025

📅 Date

08/15/2025

📖 Passage

Passage: Genesis 21

Initial Reading Notes (BibleGateway)

Summary of the Chapter

Summary: Genesis 21 narrates the birth of Isaac, the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham and Sarah. It also describes the expulsion of Hagar and Ishmael, God’s provision for them, and a covenant made between Abraham and Abimelech.

Key Characters

Character 1: Abraham, the father of Isaac and a key figure in God’s covenant.
Character 2: Sarah, the mother of Isaac and Abraham’s wife.
Character 3: Hagar, Sarah’s maidservant and the mother of Ishmael.
Character 4: Abimelech, the king of Gerar who makes a covenant with Abraham.
Character 5: Isaac, the promised son born to Abraham and Sarah.
Character 6: Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar, who is sent away with his mother.
Character 7: God, who fulfills His promises and provides for His people.

Key Themes

Theme 1: The fulfillment of God’s promises. The birth of Isaac is a direct fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham and Sarah.
Theme 2: God’s care for His people. Despite the expulsion of Hagar and Ishmael, God provides for them in the wilderness.
Theme 3: The importance of faith and obedience. Abraham and Sarah’s journey demonstrates the need for faith and obedience to God’s plan, even when it seems impossible.
Theme 4: The significance of covenants. The covenant between Abraham and Abimelech highlights the importance of agreements and relationships in fulfilling God’s promises.
Theme 5: God’s provision in difficult circumstances. The care shown to Hagar and Ishmael in the wilderness illustrates God’s compassion and provision for those in need.
Theme 6: The power of laughter and joy. The name Isaac, meaning “laughter,” signifies the joy and fulfillment that comes with God’s promises.
Theme 7: The complexity of human relationships. The dynamics between Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, and their children reveal the challenges and intricacies of familial relationships.
Theme 8: The role of divine intervention. God’s direct involvement in the lives of these characters underscores the theme of divine providence and intervention in human affairs.
Theme 9: The significance of names. The names given to the characters, especially Isaac, carry deep meanings and reflect their identities and roles in God’s plan.
Theme 10: The challenge of waiting on God’s timing. Abraham and Sarah’s long wait for Isaac illustrates the difficulty of trusting God’s timing in our lives.
Theme 11: The importance of prayer. Throughout the narrative, characters turn to God in prayer, highlighting the significance of seeking divine guidance and intervention.
Theme 12: The nature of God’s promises. The chapter emphasizes that God’s promises may take time to fulfill, but they are always kept.

Contextual Background

Historical Context: This chapter is set in the ancient Near East, a time when nomadic tribes were common, and land ownership was crucial for survival. The covenant between Abraham and God established a unique relationship that would shape the future of the Israelite people.
Cultural Context: During this time, it was customary for a man to have multiple wives or concubines, especially if his primary wife was unable to bear children. This practice is evident in the relationships between Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, and their children.
Literary Context: This passage fits into the broader narrative of Genesis, which focuses on the patriarchs and the establishment of God’s covenant with His people. The themes of faith, promise, and divine intervention are woven throughout the book, and this chapter highlights the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham and Sarah. The book of Genesis serves as the foundation for understanding the rest of the Bible, as it introduces key themes and characters that will reappear throughout Scripture.

Footnotes or Alternate Meanings (from BibleGateway)

Footnotes: Isaac means “he laughs”, reflecting the joy and disbelief of Abraham and Sarah at the promise of a son in their old age. When the NLT says Hagar sat a hundred yards away from her son, this is a bowshot, indicating the distance she felt from her son and her despairing situation. El-Olam means “the everlasting God”, emphasizing God’s eternal nature and faithfulness.

Key Verses That Stood Out

Verse Reference: Genesis 21:1-2
- Verse Text: The Lord kept his word and did for Sarah exactly what he had promised. She became pregnant, and she gave birth to a son for Abraham in his old age. This happened at just the time God had said it would.
Verse Reference: Genesis 21:12-13
- Verse Text: But God told Abraham, “Do not be upset over the boy and your servant. Do whatever Sarah tells you, for Isaac is the son through whom your descendants will be counted. But I will also make a nation of the descendants of Hagar’s son because he is your son, too.”
Verse Reference: Genesis 21:17-18
- Verse Text: But God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, “Hagar, what’s wrong? Do not be afraid! God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. Go to him and comfort him, for I will make a great nation from his descendants.”
Verse Reference: Genesis 21:22-23
- Verse Text: About this time, Abimelech came with Phicol, his army commander, to visit Abraham. “God is obviously with you, helping you in everything you do,” Abimelech said. “Swear to me in God’s name that you will never deceive me, my children, or any of my descendants. I have been loyal to you, so now swear that you will be loyal to me and to this country where you are living as a foreigner.”
Verse Reference: Genesis 21:33
- Verse Text: Then Abraham planted a tamarisk tree at Beersheba, and there he worshiped the Lord, the Eternal God.

What I Learned or Observed

Observation 1: God always keeps His promises, even when it seems impossible. It might not happen on our timeline, but His timing is perfect.
Observation 2: God provides for the needs of those who trust in Him, as seen in His care for Hagar and her son.
Observation 3: Worship is an important response to God’s faithfulness. Abraham’s act of planting a tree and worshiping God signifies gratitude and recognition of God’s provision.
Observation 4: If we’re faithful and try to live as God wants us to, He will guide and bless us, just as He did with Abraham.

Questions I Have

Question 1: No questions at this time.

Notes from Warren Wiersbe’s BE Series

Main Themes or Lessons

Lesson 1: In chapter 20, Abraham was a troublemaker, but here, he’s a peacemaker, demonstrating growth in his character. He makes peace with Abimelech, showing that God can transform us from troublemakers to peacemakers.
Lesson 2: Abraham reproved Abimelech for the wrong done to him when Abimelech’s servants took his well, demonstrating the importance of standing up for what is right and seeking justice. Abraham and Abimelech made a covenant, not just verbally, but actually killing animals. When they walked between the pieces, it symbolized their commitment to the agreement and the seriousness of their promises. Abraham went even further, though, setting aside 7 ewe lambs as a witness to the covenant, which was a common practice in that culture. THis covenant involved sacrifices, promises, and witnesses. These same elements are found in our covenant with God through Jesus Christ, where we have the sacrifice of Christ, the promises of God, and the witness of the Holy Spirit.
Lesson 3: The tree Abraham planted was another witness to the covenant he made with Abimelech. It served as a physical reminder of their agreement and the peace they established. It also witnessed of all God had done for Abraham and his descendants.
Lesson 4: It’s important that we learn more and more about God throughout our lives so we can worship Him better.
Lesson 5: Like Abraham and Sarah as they waited and raised Isaac, before he and Abraham went to Mount Moriah, we too must prepare our hearts and minds for the challenges ahead, trusting in God’s provision and faithfulness. God prepares us for the tests of faith that lie ahead, if we allow Him to work in our lives.

Quotes or Highlights

Quote 1: > God’s people cooperate with different people at different times for different purposes, and the discerning believer knows when any alliance is not in the will of God.
Quote 2: > Abraham’s covenant with Abimelech only guaranteed possession of a well that provides water to sustain life. God’s covenant with His people guarantees that we have the living water that gives everlasting life to all who will trust the Savior!
Quote 3: > This grove (or tamarisk tree) was also a part of the covenant, a witness to the promises Abraham and Abimelech had made. The tamarisk is a shrublike tree that has very hard wood and evergreen leaves. As he built an oasis, Abraham was certainly interested in ecology (water and trees), but even more, he was giving witness of what God had done for him. He had gone through a difficult experience in life and had left some blessings behind for others. He was like the pilgrims described in Psalm 84:6, who pass through the Valley of Baca (“weeping”) and make it a place of springs that will refresh others.
Quote 4: > What an encouragement to know “the Everlasting God”! Wells would disappear, trees would be cut down, ewe lambs would grow up and die, altars would crumble, and treaties would perish, but the Everlasting God would remain.

Reflection Questions & My Answers

Question: Why does the Bible describe the sins and failures of the people used by God? What can we learn from them?
- My Answer: I think God includes these accounts to show His grace and mercy. Despite their failures, He still used them for His purposes, which gives us hope that He can use us too, even when we fall short. He might also include them so we can learn from their mistakes and avoid repeating them in our own lives.
Question: When Abraham went to Gerar, how did he begin to “walk by sight and not by faith”?
- My Answer: Abraham began to rely on his own understanding and made decisions based on fear rather than trusting God’s promises. He lied about Sarah being his sister, which led to complications, showing that he was not fully trusting in God’s protection and provision at that moment.
Question: Charles Spurgeon said, “God does not allow His children to sin successfully.” What did he mean?
- My Answer: I think he meant that there will always be consequences for our sins, and God will not let us continue in sin without bringing it to our attention. He loves us too much to allow us to harm ourselves through disobedience. It might seem that we sin successfully in the moment, but there will be consequences that follow, whether in this life or the next.
Question: What did Abraham lose by telling a lie?
- My Answer: Abraham lost his integrity and the trust of those around him. By lying about Sarah, he put her in a vulnerable position and jeopardized their relationship. Ultimately, he also missed an opportunity to fully rely on God’s protection and provision. My Answer: Abraham’s lie not only affected his relationship with Sarah but also had wider implications for his witness to others about God’s faithfulness. It also could have caused problems for him when he and Abimelech met later, as it could have damaged their relationship and trust.
Question: What does Isaac’s repetition of Abraham’s lie years later teach us about parental responsibility?
- My Answer: It teaches us that our actions and choices can have a lasting impact on our children. They may imitate our behavior, both good and bad, so it’s important to model faithfulness and integrity. We should strive to set a positive example for them to follow, as they are likely to learn from our actions more than our words.
Question: How was Abraham a peacemaker in the episode of the well?
- My Answer: Abraham was a peacemaker by confronting Abimelech about the wrong done to him regarding the well. Instead of seeking revenge or holding a grudge, he sought to resolve the issue peacefully and establish a covenant of mutual respect and cooperation. This shows that he valued relationships and sought to maintain peace, even with those who had wronged him.
Question: Why did Abraham plant a tree after the matter of the well was settled?
- My Answer: Abraham planted a tree as a witness to the covenant he made with Abimelech. It served as a physical reminder of their agreement and the peace they established. Additionally, it symbolized God’s provision and faithfulness in providing for Abraham and his descendants, as well as a place for worship and remembrance of God’s blessings.
Question: How can Christians plant “trees of remembrance” to share what God has done for them?
- My Answer: Christians can plant “trees of remembrance” by creating physical or symbolic reminders of God’s faithfulness in their lives. This could include sharing testimonies with others, keeping a journal of answered prayers, or establishing traditions that commemorate significant moments of God’s provision. These acts serve to encourage others and remind ourselves of God’s goodness and faithfulness throughout our lives.
Question: How is God’s name “El Olam,” the Everlasting God, relevant to you?
- My Answer: God’s name “El Olam” reminds me that He is eternal and unchanging, providing a sense of stability and hope in my life. No matter the circumstances I face, I can trust that God is always present, faithful, and sovereign over all things. This gives me confidence to rely on Him in every situation, knowing that His promises endure forever. This also reminds me that He will always be there, even when I feel alone or uncertain. On days when I am not doing well because of my health issues, I can turn to Him for comfort and strength.
Question: What does the lesson in this chapter teach us about being good neighbors?
- My Answer: The lesson teaches us the importance of resolving conflicts peacefully and maintaining good relationships with those around us. It encourages us to be proactive in addressing issues and seeking reconciliation, rather than allowing misunderstandings to fester. Being a good neighbor means valuing others and working towards mutual respect and cooperation. It also shows how important it is to be honest and trustworthy in our dealings with others, as this builds a foundation for strong relationships, and even a seemingly small untruth can cause significant damage.

Word Study

Original Language

Word: El Olam Transliteration: El Olam Language: Hebrew

Meaning

Meaning: El Olam means “the Everlasting God” in Hebrew. This name signifies God’s eternal nature and His unchanging character. It emphasizes that God exists beyond time and is not bound by the limitations of the created world. It also reminds us that He is always present and aware of our circumstances, providing comfort and assurance in our lives. This word can be found in the footnotes of Genesis 21:33, where Abraham worships God as the Everlasting God after making a covenant with Abimelech. This is in the NLT, and may not be present in all translations.

Usage

Usage in context: El Olam is used in Genesis 21:33 when Abraham worships God as the Everlasting God after making a covenant with Abimelech. This highlights the significance of God’s eternal nature in the context of human relationships and agreements.

Life Application

How it applies to my life

Application 1: I want to be like Abraham, who recognized and worshiped God as the Everlasting God, acknowledging His eternal nature and faithfulness in my life, and who always came back to his faith, even after straying away.
Application 2: I need to get better about studying, or at least reading on low energy days, God’s word. This will help me stay connected to His truth and draw strength from His promises, even when I feel weak or overwhelmed.
Application 3: I want to cultivate a deeper awareness of God’s presence in my life, recognizing that He is the Everlasting God who is always with me, guiding and supporting me through every situation. I deal with a lot of chronic pain, fatigue, and anxiety, and it’s easy to forget to turn to Him when symptoms are overwhelming. I want to remember to pray and seek His comfort and strength during those times.
Application 4: I want to share the truth of God’s everlasting nature with others, helping them to see that He is a constant source of hope and strength in their lives as well. I often let my social anxiety and difficulty with finding words keep me from doing this, but I want to push through those barriers and be a voice of encouragement to those around me.

Prayer & Personal Response

Prayer Based on Today’s Study

Dear Lord,
Thank you for teaching me about Your everlasting nature and faithfulness. Help me to recognize and worship You as El Olam in my life, just as Abraham did. May I always return to my faith in You, even when I stray. Please help me remember to seek Your comfort and strength during difficult times. Help me overcome my anxiety so I can share Your truth with others. I’m concerned about my mom, who seems to have some ideas that are unbiblical. She doesn’t read the Bible, and I want to encourage her to seek Your truth. Help me reach out to her with love and grace, guiding her towards a deeper understanding of Your Word. Also, I know I haven’t said it, so thank you for helping me recover from the Methotrexate reaction that almost took my life. I’m grateful for Your healing and presence in my life. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.

Personal Reflection

Reflection 1: God truly is everlasting and unchanging, providing a solid foundation for my faith. I can turn to Him in every situation, knowing that He is always present and aware of my circumstances.
Reflection 2: Abraham is a powerful example of faith and worship. He recognized God’s eternal nature and responded with reverence and gratitude. I want to emulate his faith and trust in God’s promises. I suffer a lot because of my health issues, and it’s easy to start to doubt, or at least drift away from my faith. I want to remember to turn to God and seek His strength during those times.
Reflection 3: I am reminded of the importance of community and support in my faith journey. Just as Abraham had a relationship with God, I need to cultivate my relationship with Him and also seek out fellow believers who can encourage and uplift me. I want to be more intentional about connecting with others in my church and sharing our struggles and victories together. I need to look into local churches again, and in the meantime, I need to get better about attending my online church. I’ve missed a lot of the services lately since I’ve been sick.

Additional Thoughts

Thought 1: I learned a lot today. I was also convicted about some things I need to change in my life, especially regarding my relationship with God and how I prioritize my time with Him.
Thought 2: I think part of why I don’t always study is that reading, taking notes, and going through Warren Wiersbe’s material can take me a long time, and by the time I’m done, it feels like a few hours have gone by. I don’t always have that much time, especially when I’m in school, or that much energy. I realize, though, that I’m still new to the process, and I might get faster if I do it more often. Maybe when my time or energy are limited, I can read a chapter instead of doing a full study session. That would be better than not reading at all.
Thought 3: I want to be more consistent in my study habits and make it a priority, even when I’m busy or feeling low energy. I know that spending time in God’s Word is essential for my spiritual growth and well-being.