“And also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation, because he is thy seed.”
This verse is part of the narrative in the book of Genesis that tells the story of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar. To better understand the significance of Genesis 21:13, let’s explore the context leading up to this verse.
In Genesis 12, God called Abraham (originally named Abram) to leave his homeland and promised to make him a great nation, bless him, and make his name great. God also promised to bless those who blessed Abraham and curse those who cursed him. Abraham obeyed God and journeyed to the land of Canaan.
In Genesis 15, God made a covenant with Abraham, reaffirming His promise to give him offspring who would become a great nation. However, as time went on, Sarah, Abraham’s wife, was unable to conceive. In an attempt to fulfill God’s promise, Sarah gave her Egyptian maidservant, Hagar, to Abraham as a wife. Abraham had a son named Ishmael with Hagar, but this was not the child of promise.
In Genesis 17, God appeared to Abraham again and established a covenant with him. God changed Abram’s name to Abraham, which means “father of many nations.” God declared that He would bless Sarah and give her a son, and this child would be the one through whom the covenant would continue. Abraham was 99 years old, and Sarah was 90 at this time.
In Genesis 18, three men (who were actually angels) appeared to Abraham and reaffirmed the promise of a son to Sarah. They set a specific time frame for the birth of the child, indicating that Sarah’s barrenness would no longer be an obstacle for God.
In Genesis 21, we see the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham and Sarah. Isaac, the long-awaited child of promise, is born to Sarah in her old age. This event brings great joy to Abraham and Sarah, and Sarah exclaims, “God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me” (Genesis 21:6, KJV).
However, tension arises between Sarah and Hagar after Isaac’s birth. Sarah notices that Ishmael, Hagar’s son, is mocking or playing with Isaac. Disturbed by this, Sarah asks Abraham to cast out Hagar and Ishmael, saying that Ishmael shall not be heir with Isaac. This greatly distressed Abraham.
In verse 12, God reassures Abraham that Sarah’s demand should be obeyed, saying, “In all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called” (Genesis 21:12, KJV). This statement affirms that Isaac is the child of promise and that through him, Abraham’s descendants will be called. It emphasizes the unique role Isaac will play in continuing God’s covenant and establishing a chosen nation.
Genesis 21:13, the verse in question, follows immediately after God’s reassurance to Abraham. It states, “And also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation, because he is thy seed” (Genesis 21:13, KJV). Here, God acknowledges the presence of Ishmael and assures Abraham that even though Ishmael is not the child of promise, he will also be the father of a great nation because he is Abraham’s seed.
This verse demonstrates God’s mercy and compassion. While Isaac is chosen as the child through whom God’s covenant will continue, God does not abandon Ishmael or Hagar. He promises to make a nation out of Ishmael
as well. This prophecy is fulfilled as Ishmael becomes the father of twelve princes and a great nation, known as the Ishmaelites.
Genesis 21:13 also highlights the broader theme of God’s faithfulness to His promises. Despite the complexities and challenges that arise due to human decisions, God remains true to His word. He ensures that His purposes are fulfilled and that His blessings extend beyond the immediate chosen lineage.
In summary, Genesis 21:13 emphasizes God’s commitment to His covenant with Abraham. While Isaac is the child of promise, God promises to make a nation out of Ishmael as well. This verse reveals God’s faithfulness to His promises and demonstrates His compassion for all of Abraham’s descendants.
