Week of June 15, 2020 Bible Study for Third Sunday after Pentecost Genesis 21:8-21
Last week we began our study of the first readings from Genesis in which we learn of the stories of the forebears of our faith – our patriarchs and matriarchs. We are journeying with them as they grow in relationship with God and each other. The first forebears were Abraham and Sarah. They were quite content in their homeland of Haran. In Genesis 12 we read of God’s all to Abram (as he was named then) – leave all that you know, all that is so familiar to you, all that has been “home”. Leave it all and head out to the place that I will show you. You see, I will make of you a great nation and I will bless you so that you may be a blessing to all the families of the earth.
And so it is that Abram and Sarai set out, following God’s call. And in Genesis 15, God came to Abram and made covenant with him and with Sarai promising them generation upon generation. Yet, the years came and went and still no children. And so it is that Sarah decided to “help” God along a little. She suggested that Abram have sex with her servant, Hagar, so that Abram would have an heir. He did. She did. And Ishmael was conceived. And, no surprise, the relationship between Sarai and Hagar was never again what it once was. Animosity grew. Hagar ran away (Genesis 16) yet the angel of the Lord found her, came to her, offered comfort and aid. And, spoke this promise to Hagar, “I will surely multiply your offspring so that they cannot be numbered for multitude.” This promise is much like the promise made to Abram and Sarai.
Hagar returned and Ishmael as born when Abram was 86 years old. God then created the mark of the covenant with Abram and circumcision was established. (Genesis 17) and God changed Abram’s name to Abraham and Sarai’s name to Sarah. And the years went on and still they waited for a child as God had promised. Then last Sunday we heard the story of the angel of the Lord and the two visitors came to Abraham and Sarah with the promise of a child and Isaac was born and circumcised and God was at work in living into God’s covenant with Abraham.
Our reading this week comes after the birth of Isaac and the surprise of Abraham and Sarah at what God had done for them in keeping God’s covenantal promises. And, we hear the story of the difficulty of this family in which there are two mothers, one father, two sons, two half-brothers.
To get an understanding of these early days and years and the sequence of events, please read Genesis 15-21:21. Consider the ways that the culture of that time compares with ours. Perhaps Genesis 16 most clearly depicts these differences. Are there any modern day examples of this kind of conduct or behavior?
Describe the ways in which God responded to Hagar. Where else in Scripture do we find these kinds of promises and assurances?
The reading for this Sunday (Genesis 21:8-21) contains another circumstance in which God responds to Hagar’s despair. What does God do? What promises does he make this time? Are they different from those in Genesis 16?
Ishmael has often been viewed with confusion if not derision. We see Isaac as the child of promise and Ishmael, well, not so much. Yet, note in Genesis 17:23, that Abraham, in obedience to God’s instruction was circumcised himself and also circumcised Ishmael. What do you think are the implications of this?
As you read and study this rather complicated series of events in the lives of our ancestors over many years, how would you summarize God’s action?
Let us pray: Lord, there are times when the way does not seem clear to us, times when we doubt your provision, times when we think that our plans are better than waiting. In those times, encourage us and give us wisdom. Through our study of Scripture help us to grow in faith and trust that your care for us and your amazing plans for the salvation of the world will not be thwarted by the things that seem insurmountable to us. Thank you for your presence with us now and forever. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
