And Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore to him. And AbrahamThe name "Abraham" means "father of a multitude" in Hebrew. This name was given by God as a covenant promise that Abraham would be the father of many nations ( Genesis 17:5). Abraham's obedience and faith are central themes in his life, and here, his role as a father is emphasized. His actions are in direct response to God's promise, showcasing his faithfulness and trust in God's word. gave the name
Naming in the ancient Near Eastern context was a significant act, often reflecting the character, destiny, or circumstances of the individual. By naming his son, Abraham is exercising his paternal authority and acknowledging the fulfillment of God's promise. This act of naming is not just a cultural formality but a spiritual declaration of God's faithfulness. Isaac
The name "Isaac" means "he laughs" or "laughter" in Hebrew. This name is deeply symbolic, reflecting both Sarah's initial laughter of disbelief (Genesis 18:12) and the joy and fulfillment of God's promise. Isaac's birth is a testament to God's miraculous power and faithfulness, turning doubt into joy. The name serves as a perpetual reminder of the joy that comes from trusting in God's promises. to the son
The phrase "the son" emphasizes the fulfillment of God's specific promise to Abraham and Sarah. In a broader biblical context, the birth of Isaac is a pivotal moment in the Abrahamic covenant, as it marks the continuation of the lineage through which God would eventually bring forth the Messiah. This son is not just any child but the child of promise, integral to God's redemptive plan. Sarah bore to him
The mention of Sarah highlights the miraculous nature of Isaac's birth. Sarah, who was barren and advanced in age, bore a son as God had promised. This underscores the theme of divine intervention and the power of God to bring life where there was none. Sarah's role is crucial, as she is the matriarch through whom the covenant promises are realized. Her faith journey, from doubt to fulfillment, mirrors the transformative power of God's promises in the lives of believers. Persons / Places / Events 1. AbrahamThe patriarch of the Israelites, chosen by God to be the father of many nations. His faith and obedience are central themes in his account. 2. SarahAbraham's wife, who was barren for many years before God fulfilled His promise to give her a son in her old age. 3. IsaacThe promised son of Abraham and Sarah, whose name means "he laughs" in Hebrew, reflecting both Abraham and Sarah's initial reactions to God's promise. 4. The Birth of IsaacA pivotal event in the biblical account, marking the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and Sarah and the continuation of God's covenant with Abraham's descendants. Teaching Points Faith in God's PromisesAbraham and Sarah's account teaches us the importance of trusting in God's promises, even when circumstances seem impossible. Their faith was rewarded with the birth of Isaac, demonstrating that God is faithful to His word. The Significance of NamesIn biblical times, names often held prophetic or significant meanings. Isaac's name, meaning "he laughs," serves as a reminder of the joy and fulfillment that comes from God's promises. God's TimingThe birth of Isaac occurred in God's perfect timing, not according to human expectations. This teaches us to be patient and trust in God's timing for the fulfillment of His promises in our lives. Covenant ContinuationIsaac's birth signifies the continuation of God's covenant with Abraham, reminding us of the importance of generational faithfulness and the impact of God's promises on future generations. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the meaning of Isaac's name ("he laughs") reflect the reactions of Abraham and Sarah to God's promise, and what does this teach us about our responses to God's promises? 2. In what ways does the birth of Isaac demonstrate God's faithfulness, and how can this encourage us in our own faith journeys? 3. How does the account of Isaac's birth connect to the broader theme of God's covenant with Abraham, and what implications does this have for understanding God's promises to us today? 4. Reflect on a time when you had to wait for God's timing in your life. How does the account of Isaac's birth encourage you to trust in God's perfect timing? 5. How can we apply the lessons of faith and trust from Abraham and Sarah's account to our own lives, especially when facing seemingly impossible situations? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 17:19God specifically names Isaac as the child through whom His covenant will be established, highlighting the importance of Isaac's birth. Hebrews 11:11-12This passage in the New Testament reflects on the faith of Abraham and Sarah, emphasizing their trust in God's promise despite their old age. Romans 9:7-9Paul discusses the significance of Isaac as the child of promise, contrasting him with Ishmael to illustrate God's sovereign choice. People Abimelech, Abraham, Hagar, Isaac, Phichol, SarahPlaces Beersheba, Egypt, Gerar, ParanTopics Bare, Birth, Bore, Born, Calleth, Isaac, SarahDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 21:1-3 5720 mothers, examples 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: 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 21:3 NIVGenesis 21:3 NLTGenesis 21:3 ESVGenesis 21:3 NASBGenesis 21:3 KJV
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