Scripture Study with Bibi - Genesis 21:1-34

"From one end of the Bible to the other, God assures us that He will never go back on His promises."  - Billy Graham

How strong is your faith in God's promises? Faith in God's promises may be tested in different ways. We never know when, where, how, or why it will be so, but it will happen at some point. As you know, faith, like iron, needs to be held to the fire if it is to strengthen.

Last time, in Genesis 20, we saw Abraham stumble in his faith as he once again sought his way out of a familiar predicament without God's guidance (Genesis 20:2). His flawed strategy did not work the first time in Genesis 12, nor did it work the second time.

Sarah (Abraham's wife), was 75 years old when, due to her lack of faith in God's promise, she decided to allow Hagar, her Egyptian servant, to conceive and bear a child with her husband. This was Sarah's own way of fulfilling God's promise to Abraham (Genesis 12:1-3; chapter 15).

After Hagar discovered she was pregnant with Abraham's child, she became arrogant toward Sarah. Naturally, Sarah complained to Abraham who then permitted her to discipline Hagar. Hagar then fled into the wilderness to escape Sarah's harsh treatment.

While there, she encountered the angel of God who told her to go back and submit to Sarah. As an incentive, the angel promised that her son, Ishmael, would have countless descendants. Hagar returned and gave birth (Genesis 16:4-15).

Remember the opening question..? God had indeed promised Abraham an heir, but he had to place his trust in God's promise. Around the time Ishmael turned 13, God came to Abraham to tell him that Ishmael wasn't the promised son, Isaac was!

The covenant that God made with Abraham was really meant to be carried through Isaac's descendants, who would be conceived by Sarah the next year. But, because of Abraham's love for Ishmael, God promised to bless him, as well (Genesis 17:19-20).

There's an important difference between Isaac and his half-brother, Ishmael. Ishmael was Abraham's son "born by the flesh" as per his relations with Hagar, the Egyptian slave. Isaac, on the other hand, was the child "born by the promise" and the heir.

One son stood for the symbol of bondage at Sinai. The other as freedom when the promise finally arrived. That is, when Christ (the seed) came, the old was finished. By adoption through God's grace, believers are now co-heirs with the promised Seed. This would all unravel if we were to go back under the Law.

As you can see, life can take many different paths, with as many outcomes. The important thing to remember is that God's promises are nothing to fluff off. He does things in His own way and time. It's up to us to remain steadfast and faithful, and not jump the gun!

This week in Genesis, chapter 21, we shall see, among many other things, Isaac's birth, Hagar and Ishmael being driven out from Abraham's family, and the covenant between Abraham and Abimelech, the king of Gerar.

As always, I highly recommend that you first read through the material before completing the questions. By doing so, you will find that it will greatly increase comprehension, thereby making the lesson more meaningful and enjoyable.

Let's begin with prayer: Dear LORD, as we meet together to learn, grow, and change in study, help us move into a deeper understanding of Your truth. Amen.

Now, this week's study...

In the L.M. Montgomery classic, Anne of Green Gables, there's a passage in which Anne expresses one of her defining characteristics: optimism in the face of uncertainty. God's promises also require optimistic faith that all will be as He says.

“When I left Queen’s my future seemed to stretch out before me like a straight road. I thought I could see along it for many a milestone. Now there is a bend in it. I don’t know what lies around the bend, but I’m going to believe that the best does.”

1.) Sarah, the wife of Abraham had always wanted to provide her husband with an heir. She was about to finally have her hopes and dreams fulfilled by God. What important event occurred? (Genesis 21:1-2).

2.) God had promised Abraham a son, who definitely was a long time in coming! He named his son according to God's promise in Genesis 17:19. What was his name? What happened shortly after his birth? How old was Abraham at this time? (Genesis 21:3-5)

3.) The birth of Abraham's heir certainly was something to celebrate. What did Sarah do that was done earlier in Genesis 18:9-15 out of fear, but now in joy? What was her statement that confirmed the fulfillment of God's promise to her? (Genesis 21:6-7)

4.) As you recall, Sarah had earlier mistreated Hagar (Genesis 16:6), this time the tables were turned. Hagar's son, Ishmael was involved in an incident with Sarah's son, Isaac. What was is it? How was it handled? (Genesis 21:8-10)

5.) God intervened and advised Abraham as to what he should do. How did Abraham feel about the incident between his two sons? What did God say to comfort Abraham? What did God remind Abraham about Isaac? What did God say about Ishmael? (Genesis 21:11-13)

6.) Due more to Sarah's jealousy than anything else, Abraham, perhaps a little too harshly, took action against Hagar and Ishmael. What happened to them  from that point? (Genesis 21:14-16)

7.) God is always ready to help those who have faith. Here was another example, again involving the angel of the Lord and Hagar. How did God help Hagar and Ishmael? What did God reassure Hagar about Ishmael? (Genesis 21:17-19)

8.) God showed kindness to Ishmael, taking an interest in him, and providing for him as he grew up. What effect did this have on Ishmael's life? (Genesis 21:20-21)

9.) God had promised Abraham that He would make his name great (Genesis 12:2) making friendship with him quite valuable. Who was it that wanted to make a covenant with Abraham? What were their terms? What was Abraham's decision to their offer? (Genesis 21:22-24)

10.) As is sometimes the case when treaties are agreed upon, things may come up to cast a shadow over it. What disrupted the peaceful agreement between Abraham and Abimelech? What was Abimelech's reaction? (Genesis 21:25-26)

11.) If cooler heads can prevail during a dispute, things can usually be worked out smoothly. How did Abraham and Abimelech settle this problem? (Genesis 21:27-32)

12.) After the dispute was resolved things could finally return to some sense of normalcy. What did Abraham do to signify his faith and security in the land? What did he do after this? (Genesis 21:33-34)

This concludes our study of Genesis, chapter 21. Next time, we will examine one of the most well-know events in the Bible. Join us as we examine the testing of Abraham's faith in the sacrifice of his son, Isaac.

Until then, have a safe and blessed week!

Scripture: James 1:3; Hebrews 11:1; 2 Corinthians 5:7; 1 John 5:4; 1 Corinthians 16:13

Prayer: Dear LORD, strengthen me with hope of my salvation and the many other blessings You provide with Your presence in my life. Amen.

May you be generously blessed!

Bibi