And while he was dwelling in the Wilderness of Paran, his mother got a wife for him from the land of Egypt. And while he was dwelling in the Wilderness of ParanThe Wilderness of Paran is a desert region located in the northeastern part of the Sinai Peninsula. It is significant in biblical history as a place where the Israelites wandered during their exodus from Egypt ( Numbers 10:12). This area is associated with desolation and testing, reflecting Ishmael's own life journey. The wilderness setting underscores themes of survival and divine provision, as God had promised to make Ishmael a great nation ( Genesis 21:18). Paran's harsh environment also symbolizes the challenges Ishmael would face, yet it is here that he begins to establish his own identity apart from Abraham's household. his mother got a wife for him
In ancient Near Eastern culture, it was customary for parents to arrange marriages for their children. Hagar, Ishmael's mother, takes on this responsibility, indicating her continued role in his life and her concern for his future. This action also reflects the matriarchal influence in Ishmael's upbringing, as Hagar was an Egyptian and likely sought a wife who shared cultural and familial ties. The choice of a wife is crucial for establishing Ishmael's lineage and fulfilling God's promise of making him a great nation. from the land of Egypt
Egypt holds significant historical and cultural importance in the biblical narrative. It was a place of refuge and sustenance, as seen in Abraham's earlier journey there during a famine (Genesis 12:10). For Hagar, an Egyptian by birth, returning to her homeland to find a wife for Ishmael suggests a connection to her roots and heritage. This choice may also imply a strategic alliance, as Egypt was a powerful nation. Theologically, Egypt often represents a place of both refuge and bondage, foreshadowing future events in Israel's history. The marriage alliance with Egypt could be seen as a way to ensure Ishmael's prosperity and survival, aligning with God's promise to bless him. Persons / Places / Events 1. IshmaelThe son of Abraham and Hagar, who was sent away from Abraham's household. He is the central figure in this verse, living in the Wilderness of Paran. 2. HagarIshmael's mother, an Egyptian maidservant of Sarah, who finds a wife for Ishmael from her homeland, Egypt. 3. Wilderness of ParanA desert region where Ishmael settled. It is significant as a place of survival and growth for Ishmael. 4. EgyptThe land from which Hagar originates and where she finds a wife for Ishmael. It represents a connection to Ishmael's maternal heritage. 5. MarriageThe event of Ishmael taking a wife, which signifies the continuation of his lineage and the fulfillment of God's promise to make him a great nation. Teaching Points God's Provision in the WildernessJust as God provided for Ishmael in the wilderness, He provides for us in our times of need and isolation. Heritage and IdentityIshmael's marriage to an Egyptian woman highlights the importance of understanding and embracing one's heritage and identity. God's Faithfulness to His PromisesDespite being sent away, Ishmael's life and lineage are a testament to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Parental InfluenceHagar's role in securing a wife for Ishmael underscores the influence and responsibility of parents in guiding their children's future. Survival and Growth in AdversityIshmael's life in the wilderness is a reminder that growth often occurs in challenging circumstances. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Ishmael's experience in the Wilderness of Paran reflect God's provision in your own life during difficult times? 2. In what ways can understanding your heritage and identity in Christ influence your decisions and relationships? 3. How does the account of Ishmael and Hagar encourage you to trust in God's promises, even when circumstances seem unfavorable? 4. What role do you see for parental guidance in the spiritual and relational development of children, as illustrated by Hagar's actions? 5. How can the concept of thriving in adversity, as seen in Ishmael's life, be applied to current challenges you are facing? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 16Provides background on Hagar and Ishmael's origins, including God's promise to Hagar about Ishmael's future. Genesis 25:12-18Details the descendants of Ishmael, showing the fulfillment of God's promise to make him a great nation. Exodus 2:15Moses also finds refuge in the wilderness, drawing a parallel to Ishmael's experience in Paran. Galatians 4:22-31Paul uses the account of Hagar and Sarah allegorically to discuss the difference between living under the law and living under the promise. People Abimelech, Abraham, Hagar, Isaac, Phichol, SarahPlaces Beersheba, Egypt, Gerar, ParanTopics Dwelleth, Dwelt, Egypt, Got, Paran, Taketh, Waste, Wife, WildernessDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 21:21 4230 desert
5654 betrothal
5710 marriage, customs 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 21:21 NIVGenesis 21:21 NLTGenesis 21:21 ESVGenesis 21:21 NASBGenesis 21:21 KJV
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