Genesis 21:5
Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him.
Now Abraham
The name "Abraham" means "father of a multitude" in Hebrew. This name was given to him by God as a covenant promise that he would be the father of many nations (Genesis 17:5). The use of "Now" indicates a continuation of the narrative, emphasizing the fulfillment of God's promise. Abraham's journey of faith is a testament to God's faithfulness and the importance of trusting in His timing.

was a hundred years old
The age of Abraham, "a hundred years old," underscores the miraculous nature of Isaac's birth. In the ancient Near Eastern context, reaching such an age was rare, and having a child at this age was even more extraordinary. This highlights the divine intervention and the power of God to fulfill His promises against all human odds. It serves as a reminder that God's plans often transcend human limitations and expectations.

when his son Isaac
The name "Isaac" means "he laughs" in Hebrew, reflecting both Abraham and Sarah's initial reactions to the promise of his birth (Genesis 17:17, 18:12). Isaac's birth is a pivotal moment in the Abrahamic covenant, as he is the child through whom God's promises to Abraham would be realized. The mention of "his son" emphasizes the personal and covenantal relationship between Abraham and Isaac, and the continuation of God's promise through Abraham's lineage.

was born to him
The phrase "was born to him" signifies the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and Sarah. It is a testament to God's faithfulness and the fruition of His word. In the broader scriptural context, Isaac's birth is a precursor to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise through Jesus Christ, a descendant of Abraham, who brings salvation to all nations. This birth narrative encourages believers to trust in God's promises, knowing that He is faithful to bring them to pass in His perfect timing.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Abraham
The patriarch of the Israelites, originally named Abram. God made a covenant with him, promising that he would be the father of many nations. At the age of 100, he becomes the father of Isaac, fulfilling part of God's promise.

2. Isaac
The long-awaited son of Abraham and Sarah, whose birth was promised by God. His name means "laughter," reflecting the joy and disbelief of his parents at his birth.

3. Sarah
Abraham's wife, who was barren for many years. She gave birth to Isaac at the age of 90, which was a miraculous event given her old age.

4. Canaan
The land where Abraham and his family were residing at the time of Isaac's birth. It is the land promised to Abraham's descendants.

5. God's Promise
The event of Isaac's birth is a direct fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham that he would have a son through Sarah, despite their old age.
Teaching Points
Faith in God's Promises
Abraham's account teaches us the importance of trusting in God's promises, even when circumstances seem impossible. Our faith should not be based on our understanding but on God's faithfulness.

God's Timing
The birth of Isaac at Abraham's old age reminds us that God's timing is perfect. We must learn to wait patiently for His plans to unfold in our lives.

Miracles in the Mundane
Isaac's birth is a reminder that God can bring about miraculous events in our everyday lives. We should remain open to seeing God's hand at work in unexpected ways.

Legacy of Faith
Abraham's faith set a foundation for future generations. Our faith and actions today can have a lasting impact on those who come after us.

Joy in Fulfillment
The joy that Isaac's birth brought to Abraham and Sarah encourages us to find joy in the fulfillment of God's promises, celebrating His goodness and faithfulness.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Abraham's faith in God's promise challenge or inspire your own faith journey?

2. In what areas of your life do you need to trust in God's timing, and how can you cultivate patience during the waiting period?

3. Reflect on a time when you experienced a "miracle in the mundane." How did it impact your relationship with God?

4. How can you ensure that your faith leaves a positive legacy for future generations?

5. What are some ways you can celebrate and find joy in the fulfillment of God's promises in your life today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 17:17
This verse highlights Abraham's initial reaction to God's promise of a son, where he laughs at the idea due to his and Sarah's old age, showing the miraculous nature of Isaac's birth.

Romans 4:19-21
Paul reflects on Abraham's faith, emphasizing that despite his old age, Abraham did not waver in his belief that God would fulfill His promise.

Hebrews 11:11-12
The writer of Hebrews commends Sarah's faith, noting that she received the power to conceive because she considered God faithful to His promise.
Isaac a Type of ChristJ. Burns, D. D.Genesis 21:1-5
Light in the Clouds; Or, Comfort for the DiscouragedW. Hoyt.Genesis 21:1-5
Prayer Sure to be AnsweredT. Guthrie.Genesis 21:1-5
The Birth of IsaacT. H. Leale.Genesis 21:1-5
Birth, Circumcision and Weaning of IsaacR.A. Redford Genesis 21:1-8
People
Abimelech, Abraham, Hagar, Isaac, Phichol, Sarah
Places
Beersheba, Egypt, Gerar, Paran
Topics
Birth, Born, Hundred, Isaac
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 21:5

     1655   hundreds and thousands

Genesis 21:1-5

     5686   fathers, examples

Genesis 21:1-7

     5076   Abraham, life of
     5733   pregnancy

Library
Compassion for Souls
Behold the compassion of a mother for her child expiring with thirst, and remember that such a compassion ought all Christians to feel towards souls that are perishing for lack of Christ, perishing eternally, perishing without hope of salvation. If the mother lifted up her voice arid wept, so also should we; and if the contemplation of her dying, child was all too painful for her, so may the contemplation of the wrath to come, which is to pass upon every soul that dies impenitent, become too painful
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

Therefore, if we Compare the Things Themselves, we May no Way Doubt that The...
28. Therefore, if we compare the things themselves, we may no way doubt that the chastity of continence is better than marriage chastity, whilst yet both are good: but when we compare the persons, he is better, who hath a greater good than another. Further, he who hath a greater of the same kind, hath also that which is less; but he, who only hath what is less, assuredly hath not that which is greater. For in sixty, thirty also are contained, not sixty also in thirty. But not to work from out that
St. Augustine—On the Good of Marriage

The Gospel Feast
"When Jesus then lifted up His eyes, and saw a great company come unto Him, He saith unto Philip, Whence shall we buy bread that these may eat?"--John vi. 5. After these words the Evangelist adds, "And this He said to prove him, for He Himself knew what He would do." Thus, you see, our Lord had secret meanings when He spoke, and did not bring forth openly all His divine sense at once. He knew what He was about to do from the first, but He wished to lead forward His disciples, and to arrest and
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

Of Bearing the Cross --One Branch of Self-Denial.
The four divisions of this chapter are,--I. The nature of the cross, its necessity and dignity, sec. 1, 2. II. The manifold advantages of the cross described, sec. 3-6. III. The form of the cross the most excellent of all, and yet it by no means removes all sense of pain, sec. 7, 8. IV. A description of warfare under the cross, and of true patience, (not that of philosophers,) after the example of Christ, sec. 9-11. 1. THE pious mind must ascend still higher, namely, whither Christ calls his disciples
Archpriest John Iliytch Sergieff—On the Christian Life

But if Moreover any not Having Charity, which Pertaineth to the Unity of Spirit...
23. But if moreover any not having charity, which pertaineth to the unity of spirit and the bond of peace whereby the Catholic Church is gathered and knit together, being involved in any schism, doth, that he may not deny Christ, suffer tribulations, straits, hunger, nakedness, persecution, perils, prisons, bonds, torments, swords, or flames, or wild beasts, or the very cross, through fear of hell and everlasting fire; in nowise is all this to be blamed, nay rather this also is a patience meet to
St. Augustine—On Patience

The Annunciation of Jesus the Messiah, and the Birth of his Forerunner.
FROM the Temple to Nazareth! It seems indeed most fitting that the Evangelic story should have taken its beginning within the Sanctuary, and at the time of sacrifice. Despite its outward veneration for them, the Temple, its services, and specially its sacrifices, were, by an inward logical necessity, fast becoming a superfluity for Rabbinism. But the new development, passing over the intruded elements, which were, after all, of rationalistic origin, connected its beginning directly with the Old Testament
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The First Chaldaean Empire and the Hyksos in Egypt
Syria: the part played by it in the ancient world--Babylon and the first Chaldaean empire--The dominion of the Hyksos: Ahmosis. Some countries seem destined from their origin to become the battle-fields of the contending nations which environ them. Into such regions, and to their cost, neighbouring peoples come from century to century to settle their quarrels and bring to an issue the questions of supremacy which disturb their little corner of the world. The nations around are eager for the possession
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 4

The Holiness of God
The next attribute is God's holiness. Exod 15:51. Glorious in holiness.' Holiness is the most sparkling jewel of his crown; it is the name by which God is known. Psa 111:1. Holy and reverend is his name.' He is the holy One.' Job 6:60. Seraphims cry, Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts, the whole earth is full of his glory.' Isa 6:6. His power makes him mighty, his holiness makes him glorious. God's holiness consists in his perfect love of righteousness, and abhorrence of evil. Of purer eyes than
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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