So the child grew and was weaned, and Abraham held a great feast on the day Isaac was weaned. The child grewThis phrase highlights the natural progression of life and the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and Sarah. The Hebrew word for "grew" is "גָּדַל" (gadal), which implies not only physical growth but also the development of character and spirit. In the context of Isaac, this growth signifies the unfolding of God's covenantal promise, as Isaac is the child through whom God would establish His covenant with Abraham's descendants. and was weaned
The weaning of a child in ancient Near Eastern cultures was a significant milestone, often occurring around the age of three. The Hebrew word "גָּמַל" (gamal) means to deal fully or adequately with, indicating a transition from dependence on the mother’s milk to more solid food. This event symbolizes a step towards independence and maturity, reflecting the nurturing care of God as He prepares Isaac for his future role in the divine plan. and Abraham held a great feast
Feasts in biblical times were not merely social gatherings but were often imbued with religious and covenantal significance. The Hebrew word for "feast" is "מִשְׁתֶּה" (mishteh), which denotes a banquet or a drinking feast. Abraham's celebration is an expression of joy and gratitude to God for His faithfulness. It also serves as a public acknowledgment of Isaac's special status as the child of promise. on the day Isaac was weaned
The specific mention of the day underscores the importance of marking significant life events with celebration and remembrance. In the Hebrew tradition, such days were often set apart to honor God's providence and blessings. This particular day not only celebrates Isaac's growth but also reaffirms God's ongoing commitment to His covenant with Abraham, as Isaac is the heir through whom the promises would be fulfilled. Persons / Places / Events 1. IsaacThe long-awaited son of Abraham and Sarah, whose birth was a fulfillment of God's promise. His name means "laughter," reflecting the joy and surprise of his parents at his birth. 2. AbrahamThe patriarch of the Israelites, chosen by God to be the father of many nations. He is a central figure in Genesis, known for his faith and obedience to God. 3. SarahAbraham's wife and Isaac's mother, who bore Isaac in her old age as a testament to God's miraculous power and faithfulness. 4. Weaning CeremonyA significant cultural event marking a child's transition from infancy to early childhood. In ancient times, this was often celebrated with a feast, as it signified the child's survival past the vulnerable early years. 5. FeastA celebratory meal hosted by Abraham to honor Isaac's weaning, symbolizing joy, community, and the fulfillment of God's promise. Teaching Points Celebrating MilestonesJust as Abraham celebrated Isaac's weaning, we should recognize and celebrate the milestones in our lives and the lives of others, acknowledging God's faithfulness and provision. Faith in God's PromisesIsaac's birth and subsequent weaning remind us of the importance of trusting in God's promises, even when they seem delayed or impossible. Community and FellowshipThe feast held by Abraham underscores the value of community and fellowship in celebrating God's blessings and sharing joy with others. Parental ResponsibilityThe weaning of Isaac signifies a new phase in parenting, reminding us of the responsibility to nurture and guide children in their growth and development. Symbolism of WeaningSpiritually, weaning can symbolize moving from dependence on basic teachings to deeper spiritual maturity, as encouraged in Hebrews 5. Bible Study Questions 1. What does the celebration of Isaac's weaning teach us about the importance of recognizing God's faithfulness in our lives? 2. How can we apply the concept of celebrating milestones in our spiritual journey and in the lives of those around us? 3. In what ways does the account of Isaac's weaning connect to the broader account of God's promises to Abraham and Sarah? 4. How does the cultural significance of weaning in biblical times enhance our understanding of this event in Genesis 21:8? 5. Reflect on a time when you experienced a "weaning" moment in your spiritual life. How did it lead to greater maturity and reliance on God? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 17God's covenant with Abraham, promising him a son through Sarah, which sets the stage for Isaac's birth and the subsequent celebration of his weaning. 1 Samuel 1The account of Hannah and Samuel, where Hannah dedicates Samuel to the Lord after weaning him, highlighting the significance of weaning in biblical times. Galatians 4Paul references Isaac as a child of promise, contrasting him with Ishmael, to illustrate the difference between living under the law and living by faith. People Abimelech, Abraham, Hagar, Isaac, Phichol, SarahPlaces Beersheba, Egypt, Gerar, ParanTopics Banquet, Breast, Child, Feast, Grew, Groweth, Held, Isaac, Isaac's, Lad, Maketh, WeanedDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 21:8 4410 banquets
5312 feasting Genesis 21:8-9 5661 brothers Genesis 21:8-10 5568 suffering, causes Genesis 21:8-12 5672 concubines Genesis 21:8-13 5657 birthright
5686 fathers, examples Genesis 21:8-14 5076 Abraham, life of 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 21:8 NIVGenesis 21:8 NLTGenesis 21:8 ESVGenesis 21:8 NASBGenesis 21:8 KJV
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