Now the LORD attended to Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what He had promised. NowThe use of "Now" signifies a transition and fulfillment of a previous narrative. It marks a pivotal moment in the account of Abraham and Sarah, indicating the unfolding of God's divine plan. This word connects the past promises with their present fulfillment, emphasizing God's faithfulness and the continuity of His covenant. the LORD
The term "LORD" is translated from the Hebrew "YHWH," the sacred and personal name of God, often rendered as Yahweh. This name signifies God's eternal presence and unchanging nature. It underscores His sovereignty and the personal relationship He maintains with His people. In this context, it highlights God's direct involvement and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Sarah and Abraham. attended to
The phrase "attended to" is derived from the Hebrew word "paqad," which can mean to visit, attend to, or take action on behalf of someone. This indicates God's active intervention in Sarah's life, fulfilling His promise. It reflects God's intimate care and attention to His covenant people, ensuring that His word comes to pass. Sarah
Sarah, originally named Sarai, is a central figure in the Abrahamic narrative. Her name, meaning "princess," signifies her role in the unfolding of God's covenant. Despite her initial doubt and laughter at the promise of a child, Sarah becomes a testament to God's power and faithfulness. Her account is a reminder of God's ability to bring life and hope where there seems to be none. as He had said
This phrase emphasizes the reliability and truthfulness of God's word. It refers back to God's promise to Abraham and Sarah that they would have a son, as recorded in Genesis 17:16 and 18:10. It underscores the theme of divine faithfulness and the certainty that what God speaks, He will accomplish. and the LORD did for Sarah
Here, the repetition of "the LORD" reinforces the idea that it is God Himself who acts on behalf of Sarah. This action is not attributed to human effort but to divine intervention. It highlights the miraculous nature of Isaac's birth and God's direct involvement in fulfilling His promises. what He had promised
The word "promised" is rooted in the Hebrew "dabar," meaning to speak or declare. This underscores the power and authority of God's word. His promises are not mere possibilities but assured realities. This phrase encapsulates the fulfillment of God's covenant promise to Abraham and Sarah, demonstrating His unwavering faithfulness and the certainty of His word. Persons / Places / Events 1. The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant-keeping God who fulfills His promises. In this verse, He is the central figure who acts according to His word. 2. SarahThe wife of Abraham, who had been barren for many years. Her account is one of faith and waiting on God's promise for a son. 3. AbrahamAlthough not directly mentioned in this verse, he is Sarah's husband and the recipient of God's covenant promises, including the promise of a son through Sarah. 4. Promise of a SonThe event of God fulfilling His promise to give Abraham and Sarah a son, Isaac, despite their old age. 5. Fulfillment of God's WordThe overarching event in this verse is the fulfillment of God's promise, highlighting His faithfulness and power. Teaching Points God's FaithfulnessGod is faithful to His promises, even when circumstances seem impossible. Believers can trust in His timing and His word. The Power of God's WordJust as God fulfilled His promise to Sarah, His word will not return void. We should hold fast to His promises in our lives. The Role of FaithSarah's account encourages us to have faith in God's promises, even when they seem delayed. Faith involves trusting God's character and timing. Patience in WaitingWaiting on God's promises requires patience and perseverance. Sarah's experience teaches us to remain steadfast in hope. God's SovereigntyGod's ability to fulfill His promises demonstrates His sovereignty over all circumstances. We can rest in His control over our lives. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the fulfillment of God's promise to Sarah encourage you in your own faith journey? 2. In what ways can you relate to Sarah's experience of waiting on God's promises? How does this shape your understanding of patience? 3. How does the faithfulness of God in Genesis 21:1 inspire you to trust Him with the promises He has made in your life? 4. What are some promises from God’s Word that you are holding onto, and how can you apply the lessons from Sarah’s account to your situation? 5. How can the account of Sarah and the fulfillment of God's promise to her encourage you to support others who are waiting on God's promises? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 17:19This verse connects to the promise God made to Abraham that Sarah would bear a son, Isaac, establishing the covenant through him. Hebrews 11:11This New Testament verse highlights Sarah's faith, emphasizing that she considered God faithful who had promised. Romans 4:19-21These verses discuss Abraham's faith in God's promise, despite the seeming impossibility due to their old age. Isaiah 55:11This verse speaks to the certainty of God's word and promises, reinforcing the theme of divine faithfulness. People Abimelech, Abraham, Hagar, Isaac, Phichol, SarahPlaces Beersheba, Egypt, Gerar, ParanTopics Note, Promised, Remembered, Sarah, Spoken, Undertaken, VisitedDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 21:1-2 1035 God, faithfulness
1055 God, grace and mercy
5724 offspring Genesis 21:1-3 5720 mothers, examples Genesis 21:1-5 5686 fathers, examples Genesis 21:1-7 5076 Abraham, life of
5652 babies
5658 boys
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: 1871Therefore, 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 Links Genesis 21:1 NIVGenesis 21:1 NLTGenesis 21:1 ESVGenesis 21:1 NASBGenesis 21:1 KJV
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