She added, "Who would have told Abraham that Sarah would nurse children? Yet I have borne him a son in his old age." Who would have told AbrahamThis phrase reflects the incredulity and surprise at the fulfillment of God's promise. The Hebrew root for "told" is "נָגַד" (nagad), which means to declare or make known. This rhetorical question emphasizes the miraculous nature of Isaac's birth, highlighting that it was beyond human expectation or prediction. In the cultural and historical context, the birth of a child, especially a son, was a significant event, and the idea that Sarah, in her old age, could bear a child was astonishing. This underscores the theme of divine intervention and the fulfillment of God's promises against all odds. that Sarah would nurse children?
The focus here is on "nurse children," which in Hebrew is "הֵינִיקָה בָּנִים" (henikah banim). The act of nursing signifies not only the birth but the nurturing and sustaining of life. In ancient times, a woman's ability to nurse was a sign of her fertility and the continuation of her lineage. Sarah's ability to nurse Isaac is a testament to God's power to restore and renew, as she was well past the age of childbearing. This phrase also reflects the joy and fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and Sarah, as they not only have a son but Sarah is able to care for him in a way that seemed impossible. Yet I have borne him a son
The word "borne" comes from the Hebrew "יָלַד" (yalad), meaning to give birth. This is a declaration of the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and Sarah. The emphasis on "a son" is significant in the patriarchal society of the time, where sons were seen as heirs and carriers of the family name and legacy. This birth is not just a personal joy for Sarah but a pivotal moment in the unfolding of God's covenant with Abraham, marking the continuation of the lineage through which God would bless all nations. in his old age
The phrase "in his old age" highlights the miraculous nature of the event. Abraham was 100 years old when Isaac was born, as noted earlier in Genesis 21:5. The Hebrew word for "old age" is "זָקֵן" (zaqen), which denotes advanced age and the wisdom and experience that come with it. This underscores the theme of God's timing and sovereignty, as He fulfills His promises in ways that defy human limitations and expectations. It serves as a reminder that God's plans are not hindered by human constraints, and His purposes are accomplished in His perfect timing. Persons / Places / Events 1. SarahThe wife of Abraham, who miraculously bore a son, Isaac, in her old age. Her statement in Genesis 21:7 reflects her amazement and joy at God's fulfillment of His promise. 2. AbrahamThe patriarch of the Israelites, who was promised by God to be the father of many nations. At the time of Isaac's birth, he was 100 years old. 3. IsaacThe promised son of Abraham and Sarah, whose birth was a fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham. His name means "laughter," reflecting the joy and disbelief surrounding his birth. 4. God's PromiseThe event of Isaac's birth is a direct fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and Sarah, demonstrating God's faithfulness and power. 5. HebronThe region where Abraham and Sarah were living at the time of Isaac's birth, significant as a place of God's covenantal interactions with Abraham. Teaching Points God's FaithfulnessGod's promises are sure, and His timing is perfect. Even when circumstances seem impossible, God is able to fulfill His word. The Power of FaithBoth Abraham and Sarah's faith played a crucial role in the fulfillment of God's promise. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's promises, even when they seem delayed. Joy in God's PromisesSarah's joy and amazement at the birth of Isaac remind us to celebrate and give thanks for God's blessings and fulfilled promises in our lives. Miracles Beyond Human UnderstandingThe birth of Isaac serves as a reminder that God operates beyond human limitations and understanding, performing miracles that defy natural laws. Legacy of FaithIsaac's birth is a pivotal moment in the biblical account, setting the stage for the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through Abraham's descendants. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Sarah's reaction in Genesis 21:7 reflect her journey of faith, and what can we learn from her response to God's promise? 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 Abraham and Sarah challenge us to trust in God's timing, especially when His promises seem delayed? 4. What are some modern-day "impossible" situations where we can apply the faith demonstrated by Abraham and Sarah? 5. How does the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and Sarah connect to the broader account of God's redemptive plan in the Bible? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 17:19This verse records God's promise to Abraham that Sarah would bear a son, Isaac, through whom God's covenant would be established. It highlights the fulfillment seen in Genesis 21:7. Hebrews 11:11This New Testament verse commends Sarah's faith, acknowledging that she considered God faithful to His promise, which is evident in her statement in Genesis 21:7. Romans 4:19-21Paul reflects on Abraham's faith, emphasizing that despite his and Sarah's old age, he did not waver in unbelief but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God. People Abimelech, Abraham, Hagar, Isaac, Phichol, SarahPlaces Beersheba, Egypt, Gerar, ParanTopics Age, Born, Borne, Breast, Child, Nurse, Sarah, Sons, Suck, Suckle, Suckled, YetDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 21:7 5428 nurse
5726 old age, attainment Genesis 21:1-7 5076 Abraham, life of
5733 pregnancy Genesis 21:6-7 5724 offspring 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 21:7 NIVGenesis 21:7 NLTGenesis 21:7 ESVGenesis 21:7 NASBGenesis 21:7 KJV
Genesis 21:7 Commentaries
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