Genesis 21:14 - Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread and a bottle of water, and gave it to Hagar, putting it on her shoulder; and gave her the child, and sent her away. She departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba.
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What does "Genesis 21:14" mean?
Genesis 21:14 recounts a painful and significant event in the story of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar. Here's a breakdown of what the verse means:
"Abraham rose up early in the morning...": This emphasizes Abraham's quick action. While the context suggests he was following God's instruction, the abruptness may also reflect a desire to get the difficult task over with.
"...and took bread and a bottle of water, and gave it to Hagar, putting it on her shoulder...": Abraham provided Hagar with minimal provisions: just bread and water. The act of putting the supplies on her shoulder suggests a personal, though perhaps perfunctory, farewell. This limited provision becomes a critical element in the subsequent narrative, highlighting the desperation of Hagar's situation.
"...and gave her the child, and sent her away.": This is the central, and most poignant, part of the verse. "The child" is Ishmael, Abraham's son through Hagar. The act of "sending her away" means that Abraham, compelled by God's command and Sarah's insistence, banished Hagar and his own son from his household and protection. It was a heart-wrenching decision, severing familial ties.
"She departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba.": This describes the immediate consequence of Abraham's action. Hagar was cast out into the wilderness, a place of danger, scarcity, and uncertainty. "Wandering" implies aimlessness and a lack of direction, underscoring her vulnerability and desperation. The "wilderness of Beersheba" locates the event geographically, but also sets a tone of desolation.
In essence, this verse marks a turning point in the lives of Hagar and Ishmael. It signifies:
Expulsion: They are banished from Abraham's household and lose their security.
Vulnerability: They are left to face the dangers of the wilderness with minimal resources.
Separation: Abraham is forced to separate from his son, Ishmael.
Fulfillment of Prophecy: This event sets the stage for the fulfillment of prophecies related to Ishmael and his descendants, who would become a great nation, though not part of God's covenant with Abraham's descendants through Sarah.
Abraham's Test of Faith: Abraham's willingness to follow God's command, even when it caused him immense personal pain, demonstrates his faith.
God's Providence: Although seemingly harsh, the narrative will later reveal God's promise to care for Ishmael, showcasing God's mercy even in difficult circumstances.
The verse is laden with emotional weight and serves as a crucial point in the Abrahamic narrative, highlighting themes of faith, sacrifice, divine promises, and the often-complicated nature of human relationships within a larger divine plan.
Genesis 21:14 - Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread and a bottle of water, and gave it to Hagar, putting it on her shoulder; and gave her the child, and sent her away. She departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba.
What does "Genesis 21:14" mean?
Genesis 21:14 recounts a painful and significant event in the story of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar. Here's a breakdown of what the verse means:
"Abraham rose up early in the morning...": This emphasizes Abraham's quick action. While the context suggests he was following God's instruction, the abruptness may also reflect a desire to get the difficult task over with.
"...and took bread and a bottle of water, and gave it to Hagar, putting it on her shoulder...": Abraham provided Hagar with minimal provisions: just bread and water. The act of putting the supplies on her shoulder suggests a personal, though perhaps perfunctory, farewell. This limited provision becomes a critical element in the subsequent narrative, highlighting the desperation of Hagar's situation.
"...and gave her the child, and sent her away.": This is the central, and most poignant, part of the verse. "The child" is Ishmael, Abraham's son through Hagar. The act of "sending her away" means that Abraham, compelled by God's command and Sarah's insistence, banished Hagar and his own son from his household and protection. It was a heart-wrenching decision, severing familial ties.
"She departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba.": This describes the immediate consequence of Abraham's action. Hagar was cast out into the wilderness, a place of danger, scarcity, and uncertainty. "Wandering" implies aimlessness and a lack of direction, underscoring her vulnerability and desperation. The "wilderness of Beersheba" locates the event geographically, but also sets a tone of desolation.
In essence, this verse marks a turning point in the lives of Hagar and Ishmael. It signifies:
Expulsion: They are banished from Abraham's household and lose their security.
Vulnerability: They are left to face the dangers of the wilderness with minimal resources.
Separation: Abraham is forced to separate from his son, Ishmael.
Fulfillment of Prophecy: This event sets the stage for the fulfillment of prophecies related to Ishmael and his descendants, who would become a great nation, though not part of God's covenant with Abraham's descendants through Sarah.
Abraham's Test of Faith: Abraham's willingness to follow God's command, even when it caused him immense personal pain, demonstrates his faith.
God's Providence: Although seemingly harsh, the narrative will later reveal God's promise to care for Ishmael, showcasing God's mercy even in difficult circumstances.
The verse is laden with emotional weight and serves as a crucial point in the Abrahamic narrative, highlighting themes of faith, sacrifice, divine promises, and the often-complicated nature of human relationships within a larger divine plan.