Genesis 21:14-21
Summary for Gen 21:14-21: 21:14-21 a God again rescued Hagar in the wilderness and guaranteed her future (cp. 16:7-14 b). This passage is similar to ch 16 c, but the differences are great. Here, Hagar and Ishmael are rescued, but there is no commemorative naming. God’s earlier promise to Hagar is reiterated, but this time Hagar is not told to return to Sarah. The repeated motifs on the two occasions confirm God’s sovereign plan for Hagar and Ishmael. As Joseph later told Pharaoh, a twofold event demonstrated God’s confirmation (41:32 d). God did not abandon Hagar and Ishmael but met them in their despair (cp. 16:7 e), provided sustenance for them, and promised again that Ishmael would found a great nation (21:13 f; cp. 16:11-12 g). Paul uses this event in his letter to the Galatians to illustrate how God’s people must relinquish all that threatens the fulfillment of God’s promise (Gal 4:21-31 h).21:16 i a hundred yards (literally a bowshot): This description connects with Ishmael’s vocation (21:20 j).
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