“And she went, and sat her down over against him a good way off, as it were a bowshot: for she said, Let me not see the death of the child. And she sat over against him, and lift up her voice, and wept.”
This verse is part of the narrative in Genesis that recounts the story of Abraham, Sarah, and their son Isaac. It takes place after Sarah gave birth to Isaac, fulfilling God’s promise to them despite their old age.
In the preceding verses, we learn that Sarah became jealous of Hagar, her Egyptian maidservant, because Hagar had borne a child named Ishmael to Abraham. Sarah asked Abraham to cast out Hagar and Ishmael, and though this troubled Abraham, God reassured him and instructed him to do as Sarah had said.
Genesis 21:16 specifically focuses on Hagar’s perspective after being sent away by Abraham. Hagar found herself in a difficult and desperate situation. As she wandered in the wilderness, with limited provisions and no clear destination, her water supply eventually ran out. This dire circumstance led her to place her child, Ishmael, under a shrub and move away from him so that she would not witness his death.
The phrase “And she went, and sat her down over against him a good way off, as it were a bowshot” indicates that Hagar positioned herself at a distance from Ishmael, presumably to spare herself the anguish of seeing him suffer or perish. It reflects the depth of her emotional distress and her longing for her son’s well-being.
Hagar’s response reveals her vulnerability and her deep maternal love. In her desperation, she cries out to God, pleading for help and expressing her anguish through tears. This verse highlights the intense emotional turmoil experienced by Hagar as a mother in a desperate situation.
Genesis 21:16 reminds us of the human emotions and struggles found within the biblical narratives. It showcases Hagar’s distress and her reliance on God’s intervention. This story also emphasizes God’s compassion and care for the marginalized and those facing difficult circumstances.
Overall, this verse presents an opportunity for reflection on themes such as faith, trust, compassion, and the challenges faced by individuals in desperate situations.
