Isaac and Ishmael
The Congregational Pulpit
Genesis 21:8-13
And the child grew, and was weaned: and Abraham made a great feast the same day that Isaac was weaned.…


I. THE BIRTH OF ISAAC.Observe on this event —

1. That God has a fixed time for fulfilling his word (see v. Genesis 21:2.)

2. When the time comes he is always found faithful.

3. The birth of Isaac connects itself with a blessing imparted to his parents. Each renewed his or her youth.

II. THE CONTEST BETWEEN THE BROTHERS.

1. That which is carnal always hates and despises that which is spiritual.

2. The world seems to be much stronger than the children of promise.

3. But, in the end, Isaac prevails over Ishmael.

III. THE EPISODE. Hagar means "fugitive." First, she fled from Egypt, of which country she was a native; then, from her mistress (see ch. 16); and now from her master and husband. Ishmael means " God heareth." God heard Abraham's prayer for him (Genesis 17:18); and now he hears Hague's cry.

(The Congregational Pulpit.)



Parallel Verses
KJV: And the child grew, and was weaned: and Abraham made a great feast the same day that Isaac was weaned.

WEB: The child grew, and was weaned. Abraham made a great feast on the day that Isaac was weaned.




Abraham and the Promised Seed
Top of Page
Top of Page