Now this matter distressed Abraham greatly because it concerned his son Ishmael. Now this matterThe phrase "this matter" refers to the situation involving Hagar and Ishmael, as Sarah had asked Abraham to send them away. The Hebrew word for "matter" is "dabar," which can mean word, thing, or matter. It signifies the weight and seriousness of the situation. In the cultural and historical context, family matters were of utmost importance, and decisions regarding family members were not taken lightly. This phrase sets the stage for the emotional and spiritual struggle Abraham faces. distressed Abraham greatly
The Hebrew word for "distressed" is "ra'a," which means to be displeased or to be grieved. This word conveys a deep emotional turmoil within Abraham. The use of "greatly" emphasizes the intensity of his distress. Abraham's distress is not just a passing feeling but a profound inner conflict. As a patriarch, he is torn between his love for his son Ishmael and the command from God, reflecting the human struggle between personal desires and divine will. because it concerned his son
The phrase "his son" highlights the personal and familial aspect of the situation. Ishmael is Abraham's firstborn, and in the ancient Near Eastern context, the firstborn son held a special place in the family hierarchy. The Hebrew word for "son" is "ben," which signifies not only a biological relationship but also a covenantal and spiritual bond. Abraham's distress is compounded by the fact that Ishmael is not just any child but his own flesh and blood, whom he loves deeply. This phrase underscores the heart-wrenching decision Abraham faces, as it involves the future and well-being of his son, whom he has raised and cherished. Persons / Places / Events 1. AbrahamThe patriarch of the Israelites, chosen by God to be the father of many nations. In this passage, he is distressed over the situation involving his son. 2. IshmaelAbraham's first son, born to Hagar, Sarah's Egyptian maidservant. The situation concerning Ishmael is the source of Abraham's distress. 3. SarahAbraham's wife, who bore Isaac. She plays a crucial role in the events leading up to this verse, as she demands that Hagar and Ishmael be sent away. 4. HagarSarah's maidservant and the mother of Ishmael. Her relationship with Abraham and Sarah is complex and fraught with tension. 5. IsaacThe son of Abraham and Sarah, whose birth fulfills God's promise to Abraham. His presence in the family creates tension with Ishmael. Teaching Points The Complexity of Family DynamicsFamilies can be sources of great joy and deep distress. Abraham's situation reminds us that even the most faithful can face challenging family dynamics. Trusting God's PlanAbraham's distress over Ishmael shows the human struggle to understand God's plan. We are called to trust God, even when His plans are not clear to us. The Consequences of Human DecisionsThe situation with Hagar and Ishmael is a result of earlier decisions made by Abraham and Sarah. Our choices can have long-lasting impacts, and we must seek God's guidance in our decisions. God's Faithfulness to His PromisesDespite the distressing situation, God remains faithful to His promises to Abraham. This encourages us to hold onto God's promises in our lives. Handling Distress with FaithAbraham's distress is a natural human emotion. We are encouraged to bring our distress to God, trusting Him to provide wisdom and peace. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Abraham's distress in Genesis 21:11 reflect the complexities of family relationships, and how can we apply this understanding to our own family situations? 2. In what ways does the account of Hagar and Ishmael challenge us to trust in God's plan, even when it seems difficult or unclear? 3. How do the decisions made by Abraham and Sarah earlier in Genesis impact the events of Genesis 21:11, and what can we learn about the importance of seeking God's guidance in our decisions? 4. How does God's faithfulness to His promises to Abraham encourage us in our own faith journeys, especially when we face distressing situations? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced distress similar to Abraham's. How did your faith help you navigate that situation, and what scriptures provided you with comfort and guidance? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 16Provides background on Hagar and Ishmael's relationship with Abraham and Sarah, highlighting the origins of the conflict. Galatians 4:22-31Paul uses the account of Hagar and Sarah allegorically to discuss the difference between living under the law and living under the promise. Hebrews 11:17-19Reflects on Abraham's faith, which is tested in various ways, including his relationships with his sons. People Abimelech, Abraham, Hagar, Isaac, Phichol, SarahPlaces Beersheba, Egypt, Gerar, ParanTopics Abraham's, Account, Concerned, Displeasing, Distressed, Greatly, Grief, Grievous, Matter, Sake, Sight, Son's, WrongDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 21:11 5559 stress Genesis 21:8-12 5672 concubines Genesis 21:8-13 5657 birthright
5686 fathers, examples Genesis 21:8-14 5076 Abraham, life of Genesis 21:9-14 5077 Abraham, character Genesis 21:11-12 5745 women 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 21:11 NIVGenesis 21:11 NLTGenesis 21:11 ESVGenesis 21:11 NASBGenesis 21:11 KJV
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