Genesis 21:20 - God was with the boy, and he grew. He lived in the wilderness, and became, as he grew up, an archer.
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What does "Genesis 21:20" mean?
This verse from Genesis 21:20 describes the early life of Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar. Let's break it down:
"God was with the boy, and he grew." This signifies divine protection and blessing upon Ishmael. Despite the circumstances of his birth and his being sent away with his mother into the wilderness, God's favor rested on him, enabling him to survive and thrive.
"He lived in the wilderness..." This highlights the harsh and solitary environment in which Ishmael was raised. The wilderness would have been a challenging place to survive, requiring resilience and adaptability.
"...and became, as he grew up, an archer." This indicates that Ishmael developed into a skilled hunter and warrior. Archery was a valuable skill for survival in the wilderness, both for obtaining food and for protection. It also suggests Ishmael's growing independence and self-sufficiency.
In essence, the verse means that Ishmael, despite his difficult beginnings, was blessed by God and grew into a strong and capable man, adapted to life in the wilderness. His skill as an archer represents his ability to survive and provide for himself in that environment.
The verse also hints at Ishmael's future as the progenitor of a great nation, as promised by God (Genesis 16:10). While he was not the promised heir through whom the covenant line would continue (that was Isaac), God still cared for him and promised him descendants.
Genesis 21:20 - God was with the boy, and he grew. He lived in the wilderness, and became, as he grew up, an archer.
What does "Genesis 21:20" mean?
This verse from Genesis 21:20 describes the early life of Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar. Let's break it down:
"God was with the boy, and he grew." This signifies divine protection and blessing upon Ishmael. Despite the circumstances of his birth and his being sent away with his mother into the wilderness, God's favor rested on him, enabling him to survive and thrive.
"He lived in the wilderness..." This highlights the harsh and solitary environment in which Ishmael was raised. The wilderness would have been a challenging place to survive, requiring resilience and adaptability.
"...and became, as he grew up, an archer." This indicates that Ishmael developed into a skilled hunter and warrior. Archery was a valuable skill for survival in the wilderness, both for obtaining food and for protection. It also suggests Ishmael's growing independence and self-sufficiency.
In essence, the verse means that Ishmael, despite his difficult beginnings, was blessed by God and grew into a strong and capable man, adapted to life in the wilderness. His skill as an archer represents his ability to survive and provide for himself in that environment.
The verse also hints at Ishmael's future as the progenitor of a great nation, as promised by God (Genesis 16:10). While he was not the promised heir through whom the covenant line would continue (that was Isaac), God still cared for him and promised him descendants.