“And he dwelt in the wilderness of Paran: and his mother took him a wife out of the land of Egypt.”
This verse is part of the narrative about the life of Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar. To understand the context of this verse, it is important to examine the preceding events.
In Genesis 21, Sarah, Abraham’s wife, becomes jealous of Hagar, her maidservant, who had conceived and given birth to Ishmael. Sarah had previously given her maidservant to Abraham to bear a child, as she was unable to conceive. However, after Sarah miraculously conceives and gives birth to Isaac, tensions arise between Sarah and Hagar.
Sarah approaches Abraham and insists that Hagar and Ishmael be sent away. Abraham is reluctant but receives divine confirmation from God to listen to Sarah. Reluctantly, he sends Hagar and Ishmael into the wilderness.
Verse 21 provides a brief summary of Ishmael’s dwelling place after he and his mother were sent away. It says that he dwelt in the wilderness of Paran. The wilderness of Paran was a region located in the northern part of the Sinai Peninsula, bordering Egypt. This area was known for its desert conditions.
The second part of the verse states that Ishmael’s mother took a wife for him from the land of Egypt. This indicates that Hagar arranged a marriage for Ishmael with an Egyptian woman. Marriages were often arranged by parents during this time period and were significant for establishing family connections and securing social and economic stability.
This verse sheds light on the life and future of Ishmael. Despite being sent away from Abraham’s household, God does not abandon Ishmael and his mother. God continues to watch over them and bless them, fulfilling the promise He made to Abraham regarding Ishmael’s descendants becoming a great nation (Genesis 21:13).
It is worth noting that Ishmael, as the father of the Arab nations, holds significant historical and cultural importance in the Middle East. This verse highlights the connection between Ishmael and Egypt, as his wife comes from that land.
Overall, Genesis 21:21 provides a brief account of Ishmael’s dwelling place in the wilderness of Paran and the arrangement of his marriage to an Egyptian woman by his mother, Hagar. It serves as a reminder of God’s faithfulness and fulfillment of His promises, even in the midst of challenging circumstances.
