Genesis | Reading Plan + Study QuestionsSample

GENESIS 21

SARAH GIVES BIRTH TO ISAAC

Just as God promised, Sarah gives birth to a son who is named Isaac. The name Isaac means laughter, symbolic of Abraham and Sarah laughing when God promised them a child. Isaac is circumcised at eight days old, according to God’s commands.

Sarah, who now has a son of her own, sees Hagar’s son Ishmael mocking Isaac and becomes upset. Sarah tells Abraham to cast out her servant Hagar and Ishmael, and God tells Abraham to follow her request.

Hagar wanders into the desert with her son, Ishmael, and they cry out to God. God, hearing their cries, provides a well for them and protects them.

Ishmael would later become the father of a great nation, just as God had promised (Genesis 21:18). Many believe that Islam traces its lineage back to Ishmael, while Judaism and Christianity trace theirs through Isaac. This reminds us that three major world religions all trace their roots to this one family.

Abraham promises to be loyal to Abimelech and they make a trade of animals.

STUDY QUESTIONS

How does the tension between Sarah and Hagar reflect the complexities of God working through imperfect people?