Genesis 21

The Birth of Isaac

As He had Promised

A. “as He had promised”

Genesis 18:10 ESV

10 The Lord said, “I will surely return to you about this time next year, and Sarah your wife shall have a son.” And Sarah was listening at the tent door behind him.

Hebrews 11:11 ESV

11 By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered him faithful who had promised.

B. Sarah conceived and named him Isaac as instructed in chapter 17

Ge 17:19 “19 God said, “No, but Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac. I will establish my covenant with him as an everlasting covenant for his offspring after him.”

C. God’s Blessing

Gen 18:11-12 “11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in years. The way of women had ceased to be with Sarah. 12 So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, “After I am worn out, and my lord is old, shall I have pleasure?””

The Joy of God IS Evident!

What of the other son?

A. Vs 8-21

B. Ishmael resented Isaac

Galatians 4:29 ESV

29 But just as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so also it is now.

Ishmael mocked Isaac. Their peoples are enemies to this day.

C. Sarah wanted Hagar and Ishmael to go away.

D. Abraham was grieved but God said to listen to Sarah because God would make a great nation of Ishmael too.

God Protects Hagar and Ishmael

A. Verse 18 says:

Gen 21:18 “18 Up! Lift up the boy, and hold him fast with your hand, for I will make him into a great nation.””

B. Hagar thought this was the end but God showed her different.

God opens the eyes for those to see truth.

In Numbers 22:31 The eyes of Balaam was opened when he saw an angel standing in front of him.

In 2 Kings 6 Elisha prayed for the eyes to be opened and wonderous things were seen. A firey army was visible!

C. Ishmael settled in the wilderness of Paran

A Treaty with Abimelech

A. Abraham and Abimelech make peace.