Then God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, "What is wrong, Hagar? Do not be afraid, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he lies. And God heardThe Hebrew root for "heard" is "שָׁמַע" (shama), which implies not just hearing but also understanding and responding. This indicates God's attentiveness and readiness to act. In the broader biblical narrative, God's hearing often precedes divine intervention, underscoring His active involvement in human affairs. This phrase reassures believers of God's omnipresence and His willingness to listen to the cries of those in distress. the voice of the boy
The "boy" refers to Ishmael, Abraham's son with Hagar. The Hebrew word for "voice" is "קוֹל" (qol), which can mean sound or cry. This highlights the innocence and vulnerability of Ishmael, emphasizing that God is attentive to the cries of the helpless. It serves as a reminder that God cares for all His creation, regardless of their status or circumstances. and the angel of God
The term "angel" comes from the Hebrew "מַלְאָךְ" (mal'akh), meaning messenger. In the Old Testament, angels often serve as intermediaries between God and humans, delivering messages or providing guidance. The presence of the angel signifies divine intervention and assurance, reinforcing the idea that God is actively involved in the lives of His people. called to Hagar from heaven
The act of calling from "heaven" signifies a divine communication that transcends earthly limitations. Heaven, in biblical terms, is the dwelling place of God, symbolizing His authority and power. This phrase emphasizes the direct and personal nature of God's communication with Hagar, highlighting His compassion and concern for her plight. and said to her, 'What is wrong, Hagar?'
This question is not for God's benefit, as He is omniscient, but rather to engage Hagar in a dialogue that acknowledges her distress. By addressing her by name, God affirms her identity and worth, demonstrating His personal care and attention. This interaction reflects God's desire for a personal relationship with each individual. Do not be afraid
This command is a common biblical reassurance, found throughout Scripture when God or His messengers appear to humans. Fear is a natural human response to the divine, but God's message is one of peace and assurance. This phrase encourages believers to trust in God's protection and provision, even in dire circumstances. for God has heard the voice of the boy where he lies
Reiterating that God has "heard" Ishmael's voice emphasizes His responsiveness and care. The phrase "where he lies" indicates God's awareness of Ishmael's specific situation and location, underscoring His intimate knowledge of our circumstances. This assurance of God's attentive presence provides comfort and hope, reminding believers that no situation is beyond His reach or concern. Persons / Places / Events 1. GodThe omniscient and compassionate deity who hears the cries of the afflicted and intervenes in their distress. 2. The Angel of GodA divine messenger who communicates God's message and assurance to Hagar. 3. HagarThe Egyptian maidservant of Sarah and mother of Ishmael, who finds herself in a desperate situation in the wilderness. 4. IshmaelThe son of Abraham and Hagar, whose cries are heard by God, leading to divine intervention. 5. The Wilderness of BeershebaThe desolate location where Hagar and Ishmael find themselves, symbolizing isolation and despair. Teaching Points God's Omniscience and CompassionGod is aware of our struggles and hears our cries, even when we feel isolated and abandoned. Divine InterventionGod's intervention often comes in unexpected ways and times, reminding us to trust in His timing and methods. Fear and FaithThe command "Do not be afraid" is a call to trust in God's provision and care, even in dire circumstances. The Value of Every LifeGod's response to Ishmael's cries underscores the value He places on every individual, regardless of their status or circumstances. Hope in DesolationEven in the wilderness of life, God provides hope and a future, encouraging us to look beyond our immediate circumstances. Bible Study Questions 1. How does God's response to Ishmael's cries in Genesis 21:17 reflect His character as seen throughout the Bible? 2. In what ways can we apply the assurance "Do not be afraid" to our own lives when facing difficult situations? 3. How does the account of Hagar and Ishmael encourage us to trust in God's provision and timing? 4. What are some modern-day "wilderness" experiences where we can see God's intervention and care? 5. How can we be attentive to the cries of others, following God's example of compassion and intervention? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 16The initial encounter between Hagar and the angel of the Lord, where she is promised numerous descendants, showing God's ongoing care and promise to her. Exodus 3God's hearing of the Israelites' cries in Egypt, demonstrating His consistent nature in responding to the suffering of His people. Psalm 34:17The assurance that God hears the cries of the righteous and delivers them from their troubles, paralleling His response to Ishmael's cries. Luke 1:13The angel's message to Zechariah about God hearing his prayer, illustrating God's attentiveness to human cries and prayers. Hebrews 13:5The promise of God's presence and help, echoing the reassurance given to Hagar in her time of need. People Abimelech, Abraham, Hagar, Isaac, Phichol, SarahPlaces Beersheba, Egypt, Gerar, ParanTopics Afraid, Aileth, Ails, Angel, Boy, Boy's, Calleth, Child's, Cry, Crying, Ears, Fear, Hagar, Heareth, Hearkened, Heaven, Heavens, Lad, Lies, Matter, Messenger, Sky, Troubles, Voice, Weeping, YouthDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 21:17 4140 angel of the Lord
5196 voice
5480 protection
9412 heaven, worship and service Genesis 21:14-19 4293 water 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 21:17 NIVGenesis 21:17 NLTGenesis 21:17 ESVGenesis 21:17 NASBGenesis 21:17 KJV
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