Genesis 21:18 - Get up, lift up the boy, and hold him in your hand. For I will make him a great nation.”
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What does "Genesis 21:18" mean?
This verse, Genesis 21:18, is part of the story of Hagar and Ishmael being cast out into the wilderness. Let's break down the meaning:
Context: Hagar, Abraham's servant, and her son Ishmael, are banished into the desert because Sarah, Abraham's wife, demanded it after Isaac (Sarah's son) was born. They are desperately thirsty, and Hagar is weeping, fearing for her son's life.
"Get up, lift up the boy, and hold him in your hand": God is instructing Hagar to take action. She's in despair, but God is telling her to rise, comfort and support her son. "Hold him in your hand" can also be interpreted as taking care of him and ensuring his survival. It's a call to actively parent and nurture him.
"For I will make him a great nation": This is the core promise. Despite their seemingly hopeless situation, God reassures Hagar that Ishmael will be the ancestor of a large and powerful nation. This promise echoes similar promises made to Abraham. It signifies God's blessing and future plans for Ishmael, separate from the lineage that would lead to the Israelites through Isaac.
In essence, the verse means:
Hope in despair: Even in dire circumstances, God sees and provides.
Divine promise: Ishmael is destined for greatness according to God's plan. He will become the father of a numerous people.
Parental responsibility: Hagar has a crucial role to play in raising and supporting Ishmael to fulfill his potential.
God's impartiality: The blessing is not limited to Abraham's lineage through Sarah. God's covenant extends to Ishmael as well, highlighting a broader aspect of divine grace.
The verse is significant because it affirms God's care for those often considered marginalized and emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for those under one's care. It also establishes the future of Ishmael and his descendants, a key figure in Jewish, Christian, and Muslim traditions.
Genesis 21:18 - Get up, lift up the boy, and hold him in your hand. For I will make him a great nation.”
What does "Genesis 21:18" mean?
This verse, Genesis 21:18, is part of the story of Hagar and Ishmael being cast out into the wilderness. Let's break down the meaning:
Context: Hagar, Abraham's servant, and her son Ishmael, are banished into the desert because Sarah, Abraham's wife, demanded it after Isaac (Sarah's son) was born. They are desperately thirsty, and Hagar is weeping, fearing for her son's life.
"Get up, lift up the boy, and hold him in your hand": God is instructing Hagar to take action. She's in despair, but God is telling her to rise, comfort and support her son. "Hold him in your hand" can also be interpreted as taking care of him and ensuring his survival. It's a call to actively parent and nurture him.
"For I will make him a great nation": This is the core promise. Despite their seemingly hopeless situation, God reassures Hagar that Ishmael will be the ancestor of a large and powerful nation. This promise echoes similar promises made to Abraham. It signifies God's blessing and future plans for Ishmael, separate from the lineage that would lead to the Israelites through Isaac.
In essence, the verse means:
Hope in despair: Even in dire circumstances, God sees and provides.
Divine promise: Ishmael is destined for greatness according to God's plan. He will become the father of a numerous people.
Parental responsibility: Hagar has a crucial role to play in raising and supporting Ishmael to fulfill his potential.
God's impartiality: The blessing is not limited to Abraham's lineage through Sarah. God's covenant extends to Ishmael as well, highlighting a broader aspect of divine grace.
The verse is significant because it affirms God's care for those often considered marginalized and emphasizes the importance of taking responsibility for those under one's care. It also establishes the future of Ishmael and his descendants, a key figure in Jewish, Christian, and Muslim traditions.