King James Version
Genesis 21
34 verses with commentary
The Birth of Isaac
And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken.
View commentary (3 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken....</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
XXI.
**BIRTH OF ISAAC, AND REJECTION OF ISHMAEL.**
(1) **And the Lord (Jehovah)** **visited Sarah as he had said.**—See Genesis 17:19, where it is Elohim who gives the promise. So here in Genesis 21:2 the name Elohim is interchanged with Jehovah.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 21
Chapter Outline
Birth of Isaac, Sarah's joy.
(1-8)
Ishmael mocks Isaac.
(9-13)
Hagar and Ishmael are cast forth, They are relieved and comforted by an angel.
(14-21)
Abimelech's covenant with Abraham.
(22-34)
**Verses 1-8**
Few under the Old Testament were brought into the world with such expectations as Isaac. He was in this a type of Christ, t...
Read full commentary →For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken ...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 21
Chapter Outline
Birth of Isaac, Sarah's joy.
(1-8)
Ishmael mocks Isaac.
(9-13)
Hagar and Ishmael are cast forth, They are relieved and comforted by an angel.
(14-21)
Abimelech's covenant with Abraham.
(22-34)
**Verses 1-8**
Few under the Old Testament were brought into the world with such expectations as Isaac. He was in this a type of Christ, t...
Read full commentary →And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac....</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfil...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(3) **Abraham called the name of his son.**—Attention has been called to the fact that we have here two things contrary to subsequent usage: for, first, the father names the child, and not the mother; and, secondly, he names him at his birth, instead of waiting until his circumcision. It might be enough to answer that the child was really named by God (Genesis 17:19), and that Abraham only acknowl...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 21
Chapter Outline
Birth of Isaac, Sarah's joy.
(1-8)
Ishmael mocks Isaac.
(9-13)
Hagar and Ishmael are cast forth, They are relieved and comforted by an angel.
(14-21)
Abimelech's covenant with Abraham.
(22-34)
**Verses 1-8**
Few under the Old Testament were brought into the world with such expectations as Isaac. He was in this a type of Christ, t...
Read full commentary →And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac being eight days old, as God had commanded him.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac being eight days old, as God had commanded him....</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.<b...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 21
Chapter Outline
Birth of Isaac, Sarah's joy.
(1-8)
Ishmael mocks Isaac.
(9-13)
Hagar and Ishmael are cast forth, They are relieved and comforted by an angel.
(14-21)
Abimelech's covenant with Abraham.
(22-34)
**Verses 1-8**
Few under the Old Testament were brought into the world with such expectations as Isaac. He was in this a type of Christ, t...
Read full commentary →And Abraham was an hundred years old, when his son Isaac was born unto him.
View commentary (2 sources)
KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Abraham was an hundred years old, when his son Isaac was born unto him....</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.<br><br>Cent...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 21
Chapter Outline
Birth of Isaac, Sarah's joy.
(1-8)
Ishmael mocks Isaac.
(9-13)
Hagar and Ishmael are cast forth, They are relieved and comforted by an angel.
(14-21)
Abimelech's covenant with Abraham.
(22-34)
**Verses 1-8**
Few under the Old Testament were brought into the world with such expectations as Isaac. He was in this a type of Christ, t...
Read full commentary →And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me....</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.<br...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(6, 7) **God hath made me to laugh.**—Sarah’s laugh was one of mingled emotions. Joy was uppermost in her mind, but women do not laugh for joy at the birth of a child. Doubtless she called to mind the feelings with which she listened to the announcement of her bearing a son, made by those whom she then regarded as mere passing wayfarers (Genesis 18:12), but whom she had now long known to be the me...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 20 Ge 20:1-18. Abraham's Denial of His Wife.
**1. Abraham journeyed from thence ... and dwelled between Kadesh and Shur--**Leaving the encampment, he migrated to the southern border of Canaan. In the neighborhood of Gerar was a very rich and well-watered pasture land.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 21
Chapter Outline
Birth of Isaac, Sarah's joy.
(1-8)
Ishmael mocks Isaac.
(9-13)
Hagar and Ishmael are cast forth, They are relieved and comforted by an angel.
(14-21)
Abimelech's covenant with Abraham.
(22-34)
**Verses 1-8**
Few under the Old Testament were brought into the world with such expectations as Isaac. He was in this a type of Christ, t...
Read full commentary →And she said, Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah should have given children suck? for I have born him a son in his old age.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And she said, Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah should have given children suck? for I ha...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**2. Abraham said of Sarah his wife, She is my sister--**Fear of the people among whom he was, tempted him to equivocate. His conduct was highly culpable. It was deceit, deliberate and premeditated--there was no sudden pressure upon him--it was the second offense of the kind [see on Ge 12:13]--it was a distrust of God every way surprising, and it was calculated to produce injurious effects on the ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 21
Chapter Outline
Birth of Isaac, Sarah's joy.
(1-8)
Ishmael mocks Isaac.
(9-13)
Hagar and Ishmael are cast forth, They are relieved and comforted by an angel.
(14-21)
Abimelech's covenant with Abraham.
(22-34)
**Verses 1-8**
Few under the Old Testament were brought into the world with such expectations as Isaac. He was in this a type of Christ, t...
Read full commentary →Hagar and Ishmael Sent Away
And the child grew, and was weaned: and Abraham made a great feast the same day that Isaac was weaned.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the child grew, and was weaned: and Abraham made a great feast the same day that Isaac was weane...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(8) **The child grew, and was weaned.**—According to tradition, Isaac was two years old when weaned. Three years is the age mentioned in 2Chronicles 31:16, 2 Maccabees 7:27; and Samuel was old enough at his weaning to be left at the tabernacle with Eli (1Samuel 1:24). In Persia and India it is still the custom to celebrate the weaning of a child by an entertainment.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3. But God came to Abimelech in a dream--**In early times a dream was often made the medium of communicating important truths; and this method was adopted for the preservation of Sarah.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
Chapter 21
Chapter Outline
Birth of Isaac, Sarah's joy.
(1-8)
Ishmael mocks Isaac.
(9-13)
Hagar and Ishmael are cast forth, They are relieved and comforted by an angel.
(14-21)
Abimelech's covenant with Abraham.
(22-34)
**Verses 1-8**
Few under the Old Testament were brought into the world with such expectations as Isaac. He was in this a type of Christ, t...
Read full commentary →And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking....</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.<...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(9) **Mocking.**—The verb used here is the same as that rendered *to laugh *in Genesis 21:6, but in an intensive conjugation. What exactly Ishmael was doing is not said, but we may dismiss all those interpretations which charge him with abominable wickedness; for had he been guilty of any such criminal conduct, the sending him away would not have been so “very grievous in Abraham’s sight” (Genesis...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-13**
Let us not overlook the manner in which this family matter instructs us not to rest in outward privileges, or in our own doings. And let us seek the blessings of the new covenant by faith in its Divine Surety. Ishmael's conduct was persecution, being done in profane contempt of the covenant and promise, and with malice against Isaac. God takes notice of what children say and do...
Read full commentary →Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman ...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(10) **Bondwoman.**—Heb., *ammâh. *This word is rightly translated *handmaid *in Galatians 4:22, &c., Revised Version. It is rendered *maid *in Genesis 30:3, and in the plural, *maidservants, *in Genesis 20:17, where, as we have seen, it means Abimelech’s inferior wives. So also in 1Samuel 25:41, Abigail professes her willingness to descend from the position of an *ammâh *to that of a maidservant ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-13**
Let us not overlook the manner in which this family matter instructs us not to rest in outward privileges, or in our own doings. And let us seek the blessings of the new covenant by faith in its Divine Surety. Ishmael's conduct was persecution, being done in profane contempt of the covenant and promise, and with malice against Isaac. God takes notice of what children say and do...
Read full commentary →And the thing was very grievous in Abraham's sight because of his son.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the thing was very grievous in Abraham's sight because of his son....</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.<br><br>Central t...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(11) **The thing was very grievous in Abraham’s sight.**—Heb., *the word *(or matter) *was evil exceedingly in Abraham’s eyes. *It was not merely painful to him because of his natural affection for Ishmael (Genesis 17:18), but he also thought the proposal unjust.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-13**
Let us not overlook the manner in which this family matter instructs us not to rest in outward privileges, or in our own doings. And let us seek the blessings of the new covenant by faith in its Divine Surety. Ishmael's conduct was persecution, being done in profane contempt of the covenant and promise, and with malice against Isaac. God takes notice of what children say and do...
Read full commentary →And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of th...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(12) **In Isaac shall thy seed be called**—Heb., *in Isaac there shall be called to thee a seed: *that is, the seed that shall especially be accounted thine, and which, as such, shall inherit the promises, will be that sprung from Isaac.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-13**
Let us not overlook the manner in which this family matter instructs us not to rest in outward privileges, or in our own doings. And let us seek the blessings of the new covenant by faith in its Divine Surety. Ishmael's conduct was persecution, being done in profane contempt of the covenant and promise, and with malice against Isaac. God takes notice of what children say and do...
Read full commentary →And also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation, because he is thy seed.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation, because he is thy seed....</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.<br><...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(13) **The son of the bondwoman.**—Heb., *of the handmaid. *Hagar is never acknowledged as Abraham’s wife, though her child, as Abraham’s son, receives a noble promise for the father’s sake.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 9-13**
Let us not overlook the manner in which this family matter instructs us not to rest in outward privileges, or in our own doings. And let us seek the blessings of the new covenant by faith in its Divine Surety. Ishmael's conduct was persecution, being done in profane contempt of the covenant and promise, and with malice against Isaac. God takes notice of what children say and do...
Read full commentary →And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread, and a bottle of water, and gave it unto Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, and the child, and sent her away: and she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread, and a bottle of water, and gave it unto Ha...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(14) **And the child.**—Ishmael was now sixteen or seventeen years of age, but the word *yeled *used in this place has no reference to age, and in Genesis 4:23 is even translated “young man.” It literally signifies *one born, *and is applied in Genesis 42:22 to Joseph, when he was about Ishmael’s age. So the “children who mocked Elisha” (2Kings 2:23) were doubtless grown young men. In Genesis 21:1...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9. Then Abimelech called Abraham, and said ... What hast thou done?--**In what a humiliating plight does the patriarch now appear--he, a servant of the true God, rebuked by a heathen prince. Who would not rather be in the place of Abimelech than of the honored but sadly offending patriarch! What a dignified attitude is that of the king--calmly and justly reproving the sin of the patriarch, but r...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-21**
If Hagar and Ishmael had behaved well in Abraham's family, they might have continued there; but they were justly punished. By abusing privileges, we forfeit them. Those who know not when they are well off, will be made to know the worth of mercies by the want of them. They were brought to distress in the wilderness. It is not said that the provisions were spent, or that Abraha...
Read full commentary →And the water was spent in the bottle, and she cast the child under one of the shrubs.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And the water was spent in the bottle, and she cast the child under one of the shrubs....</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.<...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(15) **She cast the child under one of the shrubs.**—The act was one of despair. Ishmael, though seventeen years of age, had not yet come to his strength, and at a time when human life was so prolonged that forty was the usual age for marriage, was probably not as capable of bearing fatigue as a young man nearly grown up would be in our days. He thus became exhausted, and apparently fainted; and h...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-21**
If Hagar and Ishmael had behaved well in Abraham's family, they might have continued there; but they were justly punished. By abusing privileges, we forfeit them. Those who know not when they are well off, will be made to know the worth of mercies by the want of them. They were brought to distress in the wilderness. It is not said that the provisions were spent, or that Abraha...
Read full commentary →And she went, and sat her down over against him a good way off, as it were a bowshot : for she said, Let me not see the death of the child. And she sat over against him, and lift up her voice, and wept.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And she went, and sat her down over against him a good way off, as it were a bowshot: for she said, ...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(16) **Let me not see the death of the child.**—The whole story is most touching. Day after day the mother, with her child, had wandered in the wilderness, using the water in the skin sparingly, ever hoping to come to some spring, but with too little knowledge of the locality to guide her steps wisely. At last the water is spent, and the young life withers first, and the mother knows that soon the...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**11. And Abraham said ... I thought, Surely the fear of God is not in this place--**From the horrible vices of Sodom he seems to have taken up the impression that all other cities of Canaan were equally corrupt. There might have been few or none who feared God, but what a sad thing when men of the world show a higher sense of honor and a greater abhorrence of crimes than a true worshipper!
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-21**
If Hagar and Ishmael had behaved well in Abraham's family, they might have continued there; but they were justly punished. By abusing privileges, we forfeit them. Those who know not when they are well off, will be made to know the worth of mercies by the want of them. They were brought to distress in the wilderness. It is not said that the provisions were spent, or that Abraha...
Read full commentary →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.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unt...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(17) **The angel of God.**—In Genesis 16:7 it was “the angel of Jehovah” which appeared unto Hagar; here it is the angel of Elohim. It is impossible not to be struck with this exact use of the names of Deity. Hagar was then still a member of Abraham’s family; here she is so no longer; and it is Elohim, and not Jehovah, the covenant God of the chosen race, who saves her.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**12. yet indeed she is my sister--**(See on Ge 11:31). What a poor defense Abraham made. The statement absolved him from the charge of direct and absolute falsehood, but he had told a moral untruth because there was an intention to deceive (compare Ge 12:11-13). "Honesty is always the best policy." Abraham's life would have been as well protected without the fraud as with it: and what shame to hi...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-21**
If Hagar and Ishmael had behaved well in Abraham's family, they might have continued there; but they were justly punished. By abusing privileges, we forfeit them. Those who know not when they are well off, will be made to know the worth of mercies by the want of them. They were brought to distress in the wilderness. It is not said that the provisions were spent, or that Abraha...
Read full commentary →Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thine hand; for I will make him a great nation.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thine hand; for I will make him a great nation....</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment....
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(18) **Hold him in thine hand.**—Literally, *strengthen thine hand in him, *hold him firmly. As Jerome remarks, the boy thus going hand in hand with his mother must have been her companion in her journey, and not a burden upon her shoulder. We must add that the words do not refer to what she was to do immediately, but to the future. She was not simply to lead him to the water, but to be his brave ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-21**
If Hagar and Ishmael had behaved well in Abraham's family, they might have continued there; but they were justly punished. By abusing privileges, we forfeit them. Those who know not when they are well off, will be made to know the worth of mercies by the want of them. They were brought to distress in the wilderness. It is not said that the provisions were spent, or that Abraha...
Read full commentary →And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(19) **A well of water.**—Not a cistern, but a spring of living water. The mirage in the desert so wearies the traveller, that at last he turns in despair from what may be more truthful signs. But after her outburst of grief, Hagar would grow more calm, and, encouraged by the angel’s voice, she renews her search, and finds. As Abravanel notices, the well already existed, and was not created for Ha...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-21**
If Hagar and Ishmael had behaved well in Abraham's family, they might have continued there; but they were justly punished. By abusing privileges, we forfeit them. Those who know not when they are well off, will be made to know the worth of mercies by the want of them. They were brought to distress in the wilderness. It is not said that the provisions were spent, or that Abraha...
Read full commentary →And God was with the lad; and he grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer .
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And God was with the lad; and he grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer....</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillmen...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(20) **He grew.**—Literally, *became great, *that is, grew to manhood.
**And dwelt in the wilderness.**—He sought no refuge in Egypt, where so large a Semitic population was gathering, nor in any Canaanite town, but took to the wandering life in the desert, such as is still usual with the Arabs.
**An archer.**—Heb., *a shooter of bowshots. *Another explanation, from a verb signifying *to multiply,...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-21**
If Hagar and Ishmael had behaved well in Abraham's family, they might have continued there; but they were justly punished. By abusing privileges, we forfeit them. Those who know not when they are well off, will be made to know the worth of mercies by the want of them. They were brought to distress in the wilderness. It is not said that the provisions were spent, or that Abraha...
Read full commentary →And he dwelt in the wilderness of Paran: and his mother took him a wife out of the land of Egypt.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he dwelt in the wilderness of Paran: and his mother took him a wife out of the land of Egypt....</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fu...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(21) **A wife out of the land of Egypt.**—However natural this might be on Hagar’s part, it would never theless strengthen the heathen element in Ishmael and his descendants. We find, nevertheless, that he was subsequently on friendly terms with Isaac (Genesis 25:9; Genesis 28:8-9). For Paran, see Genesis 14:6.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 14-21**
If Hagar and Ishmael had behaved well in Abraham's family, they might have continued there; but they were justly punished. By abusing privileges, we forfeit them. Those who know not when they are well off, will be made to know the worth of mercies by the want of them. They were brought to distress in the wilderness. It is not said that the provisions were spent, or that Abraha...
Read full commentary →Abraham's Covenant with Abimelech
And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest:
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unt...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
ABIMELECH’S COVENANT WITH ABRAHAM.
(22) **Abimelech and Phichol.**—Abimelech, that is *Father-King, *was the title not only of the king of Gerar, but of the kings of the Philistines generally (Genesis 26:1; 1Samuel 21:10, marg.; Psalms 34, tit.). In like manner Phichol, *mouth of all, *seems to have been the official designation of the prime minister, and commander-in-chief. This visit of the king...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-34**
Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled to Abraham. It is wise to connect ourselves with those who are blessed of God; and we ought to requite kindness to those who have been kind to us. Wells of water are scarce and valuable in eastern countries. Abraham took care to have his title to the well allowed, to prevent disputes in future. No more can be expe...
Read full commentary →Now therefore swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son's son: but according to the kindness that I have done unto thee, thou shalt do unto me, and to the land wherein thou hast sojourned. that thou: Heb. if thou shalt lie unto me
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Now therefore swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, no...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(23) **Nor with my son, nor with my son’s son.**—The words are not those commonly used for son and grandson, but a Hebrew phrase signifying *my kith and kin. *They might be translated, “nor with mine offshoot nor mine offspring.” The words occur again in the same proverbial way in Job 18:19; Isaiah 14:22.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-34**
Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled to Abraham. It is wise to connect ourselves with those who are blessed of God; and we ought to requite kindness to those who have been kind to us. Wells of water are scarce and valuable in eastern countries. Abraham took care to have his title to the well allowed, to prevent disputes in future. No more can be expe...
Read full commentary →And Abraham said, I will swear.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Abraham said, I will swear....</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.<br><br>Central themes include God's unconditional coven...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-34**
Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled to Abraham. It is wise to connect ourselves with those who are blessed of God; and we ought to requite kindness to those who have been kind to us. Wells of water are scarce and valuable in eastern countries. Abraham took care to have his title to the well allowed, to prevent disputes in future. No more can be expe...
Read full commentary →And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water, which Abimelech's servants had violently taken away.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water, which Abimelech's servants had violently ...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
CHAPTER 21 Ge 21:1-13. Birth of Isaac.
**1. the Lord visited Sarah--**The language of the historian seems designedly chosen to magnify the power of God as well as His faithfulness to His promise. It was God's grace that brought about that event, as well as the raising of spiritual children to Abraham, of which the birth of this son was typical [Calvin].
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-34**
Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled to Abraham. It is wise to connect ourselves with those who are blessed of God; and we ought to requite kindness to those who have been kind to us. Wells of water are scarce and valuable in eastern countries. Abraham took care to have his title to the well allowed, to prevent disputes in future. No more can be expe...
Read full commentary →And Abimelech said, I wot not who hath done this thing: neither didst thou tell me, neither yet heard I of it, but to day.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Abimelech said, I wot not who hath done this thing: neither didst thou tell me, neither yet hear...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(26) **I** **wot** **not.**—This explains the reason of Abimelech’s visit. The king’s herdsmen had robbed Abraham of a well, a species of property jealously defended in the East because of its great value, and Abraham in some way had made his displeasure felt. Abimelech, ever friendly towards Abraham, by whose nobleness of character he had been greatly impressed, comes to learn the cause of the co...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-34**
Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled to Abraham. It is wise to connect ourselves with those who are blessed of God; and we ought to requite kindness to those who have been kind to us. Wells of water are scarce and valuable in eastern countries. Abraham took care to have his title to the well allowed, to prevent disputes in future. No more can be expe...
Read full commentary →And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech; and both of them made a covenant.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech; and both of them made a covenant....</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise ful...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3-4. Abraham called the name of his son ... Isaac ... and circumcised--**God was acknowledged in the name which, by divine command, was given for a memorial (compare Ge 17:19), and also in the dedication of the child by administering the seal of the covenant (compare Ge 17:10-12).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-34**
Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled to Abraham. It is wise to connect ourselves with those who are blessed of God; and we ought to requite kindness to those who have been kind to us. Wells of water are scarce and valuable in eastern countries. Abraham took care to have his title to the well allowed, to prevent disputes in future. No more can be expe...
Read full commentary →And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves....</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.<br><br>Central themes inclu...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(28) **Seven ewe lambs.**—The word in Hebrew for *swearing *is a passive verb, literally signifying “to be sevened,” that is, done or confirmed by seven. In this ancient narrative we see a covenant actually thus made binding. Seven ewe lambs are picked out and placed by themselves, and by accepting these Abimelech bound himself to acknowledge and respect Abraham’s title to the well. Apparently thi...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**3-4. Abraham called the name of his son ... Isaac ... and circumcised--**God was acknowledged in the name which, by divine command, was given for a memorial (compare Ge 17:19), and also in the dedication of the child by administering the seal of the covenant (compare Ge 17:10-12).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-34**
Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled to Abraham. It is wise to connect ourselves with those who are blessed of God; and we ought to requite kindness to those who have been kind to us. Wells of water are scarce and valuable in eastern countries. Abraham took care to have his title to the well allowed, to prevent disputes in future. No more can be expe...
Read full commentary →And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What mean these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set by themselves?
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What mean these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set by themselves?...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise ...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-34**
Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled to Abraham. It is wise to connect ourselves with those who are blessed of God; and we ought to requite kindness to those who have been kind to us. Wells of water are scarce and valuable in eastern countries. Abraham took care to have his title to the well allowed, to prevent disputes in future. No more can be expe...
Read full commentary →And he said, For these seven ewe lambs shalt thou take of my hand, that they may be a witness unto me, that I have digged this well.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And he said, For these seven ewe lambs shalt thou take of my hand, that they may be a witness unto m...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-34**
Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled to Abraham. It is wise to connect ourselves with those who are blessed of God; and we ought to requite kindness to those who have been kind to us. Wells of water are scarce and valuable in eastern countries. Abraham took care to have his title to the well allowed, to prevent disputes in future. No more can be expe...
Read full commentary →Wherefore he called that place Beersheba; because there they sware both of them. Beersheba: that is, The well of the oath
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Wherefore he called that place Beer-sheba; because there they sware both of them....</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.<br><b...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(31) **Beer-sheba.**—That is, *the well of seven, *but with a covert allusion to the seven lambs having been used for the ratification of an oath. Robinson found the exact site in the Wady-es-Seba, with its name still preserved as Bir-es-Seba. There are there two wells of solid construction, the first twelve and a half feet in diameter; the other, situated about 200 yards to the south, much smalle...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-34**
Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled to Abraham. It is wise to connect ourselves with those who are blessed of God; and we ought to requite kindness to those who have been kind to us. Wells of water are scarce and valuable in eastern countries. Abraham took care to have his title to the well allowed, to prevent disputes in future. No more can be expe...
Read full commentary →Thus they made a covenant at Beersheba: then Abimelech rose up, and Phichol the chief captain of his host, and they returned into the land of the Philistines.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>Thus they made a covenant at Beer-sheba: then Abimelech rose up, and Phichol the chief captain of hi...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**8. the child grew, and was weaned--**children are suckled longer in the East than in the Occident--boys usually for two or three years.
**Abraham made a great feast, &c.--**In Eastern countries this is always a season of domestic festivity, and the newly weaned child is formally brought, in presence of the assembled relatives and friends, to partake of some simple viands. Isaac, attired in...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-34**
Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled to Abraham. It is wise to connect ourselves with those who are blessed of God; and we ought to requite kindness to those who have been kind to us. Wells of water are scarce and valuable in eastern countries. Abraham took care to have his title to the well allowed, to prevent disputes in future. No more can be expe...
Read full commentary →And Abraham planted a grove in Beersheba, and called there on the name of the LORD, the everlasting God. grove: or, tree
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Abraham planted a grove in Beer-sheba, and called there on the name of the LORD, the everlasting...</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(33) **And Abraham planted a grove in Beer-sheba.**—Heb., *a tamarisk tree. *Under a noble tree of this kind, which grows to a great size in hot countries, Saul held his court at Gibeah, and under another his bones were laid at Jabesh (1Samuel 22:6; 1Samuel 31:13).
**And called there on the name of the Lord, the everlasting God.**—Heb., *on the name of Jehovah, El ‘olam *(comp. Genesis 4:26). In G...
Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**9. Sarah saw the son of Hagar ... mocking--**Ishmael was aware of the great change in his prospects, and under the impulse of irritated or resentful feelings, in which he was probably joined by his mother, treated the young heir with derision and probably some violence (Ga 4:29).
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-34**
Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled to Abraham. It is wise to connect ourselves with those who are blessed of God; and we ought to requite kindness to those who have been kind to us. Wells of water are scarce and valuable in eastern countries. Abraham took care to have his title to the well allowed, to prevent disputes in future. No more can be expe...
Read full commentary →And Abraham sojourned in the Philistines' land many days.
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KJV Study Commentary
<strong>And Abraham sojourned in the Philistines' land many days....</strong> This passage is part of the Abrahamic narratives which shift from universal human history to God's particular covenant people. The Abraham cycle (Genesis 12-25) demonstrates God's sovereign election, covenant faithfulness, and the development of faith through testing and promise fulfillment.<br><br>Central themes include...
Read full commentary →Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers
(34) **In the Philistines’ land**—In Genesis 21:32 Abimelech on returning to Gerar is said to have gone back “into the land of the Philistines!’ But Beer-sheba also in a general way belonged to his dominions, and Abraham dwelt there in peace by reason of the treaty which existed between him and the Philistine king.
**Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers
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Read full commentary →Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
**10. Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman--**Nothing but the expulsion of both could now preserve harmony in the household. Abraham's perplexity was relieved by an announcement of the divine will, which in everything, however painful to flesh and blood, all who fear God and are walking in His ways will, like him, promptly obey. This story, as the apostle tells us, in "an alleg...
Read full commentary →Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary
**Verses 22-34**
Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled to Abraham. It is wise to connect ourselves with those who are blessed of God; and we ought to requite kindness to those who have been kind to us. Wells of water are scarce and valuable in eastern countries. Abraham took care to have his title to the well allowed, to prevent disputes in future. No more can be expe...
Read full commentary →