But Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham was mocking her son, But Sarah sawThe phrase "But Sarah saw" indicates a pivotal moment of perception and realization. Sarah, the matriarch, is portrayed as observant and discerning. In the Hebrew context, the verb "saw" (רָאָה, ra'ah) often implies not just physical sight but also understanding or insight. This moment is crucial as it sets the stage for the subsequent actions and decisions. Sarah's observation is not merely passive; it is active and leads to a significant turning point in the narrative. the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham
This phrase identifies Ishmael, emphasizing his lineage and the complex family dynamics at play. Hagar, described as "the Egyptian," highlights her foreign status and the cultural tensions within the household. The mention of "borne to Abraham" underscores the legitimacy of Ishmael as Abraham's son, yet also foreshadows the tension between the promise given to Isaac and the reality of Ishmael's existence. Historically, this reflects the broader narrative of God's covenant with Abraham and the unfolding of His divine plan through Isaac, the child of promise. was mocking
The term "mocking" (מְצַחֵק, metzahek) is derived from the root צָחַק (tsachaq), which can mean to laugh, play, or mock. In this context, it suggests a negative connotation, possibly indicating ridicule or scorn. This behavior is significant as it triggers Sarah's protective instincts for Isaac, the child of promise. The act of mocking is not just a simple jest; it is perceived as a threat to the divine promise and the future of God's covenant people. This moment of conflict is emblematic of the broader spiritual battle between the flesh and the promise, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture. Persons / Places / Events 1. SarahThe wife of Abraham and mother of Isaac. She is a central figure in this passage, observing the behavior of Ishmael towards her son. 2. HagarAn Egyptian maidservant of Sarah who bore Abraham's first son, Ishmael. Her relationship with Sarah is complex and fraught with tension. 3. IshmaelThe son of Abraham and Hagar. In this passage, he is seen mocking Isaac, which leads to significant family conflict. 4. IsaacThe son of Abraham and Sarah, the child of promise. His birth is a fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham and Sarah. 5. AbrahamThe patriarch of the family, father to both Ishmael and Isaac. He is caught in the middle of the conflict between Sarah and Hagar. Teaching Points The Consequences of Human DecisionsThe tension between Sarah and Hagar, and the resulting conflict between Ishmael and Isaac, stem from earlier decisions made by Abraham and Sarah to have a child through Hagar. This highlights the long-term impact of our choices. God's Faithfulness to His PromisesDespite human failings and conflicts, God's promise to Abraham and Sarah is fulfilled in Isaac. This reassures believers of God's unwavering faithfulness. Handling Conflict in FamiliesThe account encourages believers to seek God's wisdom in resolving family disputes and to trust in His plans, even when situations seem difficult. The Importance of Spiritual HeritageThe mocking of Isaac by Ishmael can be seen as a spiritual conflict, reminding believers of the importance of nurturing and protecting their spiritual heritage. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the conflict between Sarah and Hagar in Genesis 21:9 reflect the earlier decisions made by Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 16? 2. In what ways does the account of Ishmael and Isaac illustrate the concept of God's faithfulness to His promises? 3. How can we apply the lessons from Sarah and Hagar's relationship to modern family dynamics and conflicts? 4. What does the mocking of Isaac by Ishmael teach us about the spiritual battles we may face in our own lives? 5. How does Paul's use of Sarah and Hagar's account in Galatians 4 help us understand the difference between living under the law and living under grace? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 16Provides background on Hagar and Ishmael's relationship with Sarah and Abraham, highlighting the initial conflict and God's promise to Hagar. Galatians 4:22-31Paul uses the account of Sarah and Hagar allegorically to contrast the old covenant of the law with the new covenant of grace. Genesis 17:19-21God's promise to establish His covenant with Isaac, while also blessing Ishmael, setting the stage for the events in Genesis 21. People Abimelech, Abraham, Hagar, Isaac, Phichol, SarahPlaces Beersheba, Egypt, Gerar, ParanTopics Born, Borne, Egyptian, Hagar, Isaac, Making, Mocking, Playing, Sarah, SportDictionary of Bible Themes 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 Genesis 21:9-14 5077 Abraham, character 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 21:9 NIVGenesis 21:9 NLTGenesis 21:9 ESVGenesis 21:9 NASBGenesis 21:9 KJV
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