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    Genesis 21 (KJV)

    Read Genesis chapter 21 in the King James Version of the Holy Bible.

    Genesis 21

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    Character

    Hagar in the Bible

    The Seen by God

    Character

    Ishmael in the Bible

    The Wild Donkey Man

    Bible Story

    The Call of Abraham

    Genesis 12:1-9 • Faith and Covenant

    Miracle

    The Birth of Isaac

    Sarah bears Isaac at ninety years old, fulfilling God's covenant promise to Abra

    Genesis 21 Summary

    Genesis 21 records the long-awaited birth of Isaac — the child of promise — when Abraham is one hundred and Sarah ninety. Sarah's laughter of disbelief becomes laughter of joy: 'God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me.' But the chapter also contains the painful expulsion of Hagar and Ishmael.

    When Sarah sees Ishmael mocking, she demands their removal. Abraham is grieved, but God reassures him that Ishmael will also become a great nation. In the wilderness, God opens Hagar's eyes to a well of water, saving her son's life. The chapter closes with Abraham making a covenant with Abimelech at Beersheba, establishing peace.

    Key Themes

    Promise fulfilledIsaac's birthHagar and Ishmael sent awayGod provides in the wildernessCovenant at Beersheba

    Key Verses in Genesis 21

    "And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me."

    — Genesis 21:6

    The name Isaac means 'laughter' — joy born from impossibility.

    "And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink."

    — Genesis 21:19

    God provides for the outcast — the well was there all along, but Hagar needed God to open her eyes.

    "And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken."

    — Genesis 21:1

    Simple yet powerful: God keeps His word, no matter how long it takes.

    Life Application

    Isaac's birth after decades of waiting teaches that God's timing, though often agonizingly slow, is always perfect. The well in the wilderness that Hagar couldn't see until God opened her eyes is equally instructive — sometimes the provision you need is already present; you just need God to show you where to look.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How old were Abraham and Sarah when Isaac was born?

    Abraham was 100 years old and Sarah was 90 when Isaac was born (Genesis 17:17, 21:5). The extreme ages emphasize that Isaac's birth was a miracle and a fulfillment of God's promise, not a natural occurrence.

    Why was Hagar sent away?

    Sarah saw Ishmael mocking and demanded his removal to protect Isaac's inheritance. Though painful for Abraham, God confirmed the decision and promised to make Ishmael a great nation as well, showing His care for both sons.

    Read the full summary of Genesis

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