Genesis Chapter Study

Isaac Is Born and God Provides for Hagar

Genesis 21 (KJV)

Genesis 21 records the birth of Isaac, the joy of Sarah, the sending away of Hagar and Ishmael, God’s provision in the wilderness, and Abraham’s covenant with Abimelech. The chapter reveals that God keeps His promises, hears those in distress, and provides even in places of pain and uncertainty.

What You'll Learn

• How God fulfilled His promise to Abraham and Sarah
• Why Isaac’s birth was a sign of God’s faithfulness
• How Sarah’s laughter changed from doubt to joy
• Why Hagar and Ishmael were sent away
• How God heard Ishmael in the wilderness
• What Hagar’s opened eyes teach about God’s provision
• How God cared for Ishmael even outside the covenant line
• Why Abraham and Abimelech made a covenant at Beersheba
• What Genesis 21 teaches about promise, provision, and trust

Genesis 21 teaches that God keeps His promises in His timing and provides for those who cry out to Him in the wilderness.

Bible Translation Note: All Scripture on this page is quoted from the King James Version (KJV) and presented in full without alteration.

Genesis 21:1 And the LORD visited Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did unto Sarah as he had spoken.

Genesis 21:2 For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.

Genesis 21:3 And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac.

Genesis 21:4 And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac being eight days old, as God had commanded him.

Genesis 21:5 And Abraham was an hundred years old, when his son Isaac was born unto him.

Genesis 21:6 And Sarah said, God hath made me to laugh, so that all that hear will laugh with me.

Genesis 21:7 And she said, Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah should have given children suck? for I have born him a son in his old age.

Genesis 21:8 And the child grew, and was weaned: and Abraham made a great feast the same day that Isaac was weaned.

Genesis 21:9 And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking.

Genesis 21:10 Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac.

Genesis 21:11 And the thing was very grievous in Abraham's sight because of his son.

Genesis 21:12 And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.

Genesis 21:13 And also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation, because he is thy seed.

Genesis 21:14 And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread, and a bottle of water, and gave it unto Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, and the child, and sent her away: and she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beer-sheba.

Genesis 21:15 And the water was spent in the bottle, and she cast the child under one of the shrubs.

Genesis 21:16 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.

Genesis 21:17 And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is.

Genesis 21:18 Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thine hand; for I will make him a great nation.

Genesis 21:19 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 21:20 And God was with the lad; and he grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer.

Genesis 21:21 And he dwelt in the wilderness of Paran: and his mother took him a wife out of the land of Egypt.

Genesis 21:22 And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest:

Genesis 21:23 Now therefore swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son's son: but according to the kindness that I have done unto thee, thou shalt do unto me, and to the land wherein thou hast sojourned.

Genesis 21:24 And Abraham said, I will swear.

Genesis 21:25 And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water, which Abimelech's servants had violently taken away.

Genesis 21:26 And Abimelech said, I wot not who hath done this thing: neither didst thou tell me, neither yet heard I of it, but to day.

Genesis 21:27 And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech; and both of them made a covenant.

Genesis 21:28 And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.

Genesis 21:29 And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What mean these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set by themselves?

Genesis 21:30 And he said, For these seven ewe lambs shalt thou take of my hand, that they may be a witness unto me, that I have digged this well.

Genesis 21:31 Wherefore he called that place Beer-sheba; because there they sware both of them.

Genesis 21:32 Thus they made a covenant at Beer-sheba: then Abimelech rose up, and Phichol the chief captain of his host, and they returned into the land of the Philistines.

Genesis 21:33 And Abraham planted a grove in Beer-sheba, and called there on the name of the LORD, the everlasting God.

Genesis 21:34 And Abraham sojourned in the Philistines' land many days.

Genesis 21:1

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

Study: The chapter opens with God fulfilling exactly what He promised. Sarah’s story reminds us that God’s delay is not failure. What He says, He is able to perform, and His word remains trustworthy even when the waiting season is long.

Genesis 21:2

For Sarah conceived, and bare Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him.

Study: Isaac is born at the appointed time. Abraham and Sarah were old, but God’s promise was not limited by their age. This verse teaches that God’s timing is exact, even when it feels late from a human perspective.

Genesis 21:3

And Abraham called the name of his son that was born unto him, whom Sarah bare to him, Isaac.

Study: Abraham names the child Isaac, just as God had instructed. The name is tied to laughter, reminding Abraham and Sarah that God turned what once seemed impossible into joy. Obedience follows the fulfillment of promise.

Genesis 21:4

And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac being eight days old, as God had commanded him.

Study: Abraham obeys God’s covenant command by circumcising Isaac on the eighth day. Isaac’s birth was not only a family celebration but also part of God’s covenant plan. Promise and obedience belong together.

Genesis 21:5

And Abraham was an hundred years old, when his son Isaac was born unto him.

Study: Abraham was one hundred years old when Isaac was born. This detail makes the miracle clear. God waited until human strength could not claim the credit, so the promise would point fully to His power.

Genesis 21:6

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

Study: Sarah’s laughter is now joy instead of unbelief. God has changed her shame and waiting into testimony. When God fulfills His word, the joy becomes something others can share and witness.

Genesis 21:7

And she said, Who would have said unto Abraham, that Sarah should have given children suck? for I have born him a son in his old age.

Study: Sarah marvels at what God has done. No one would have expected her to nurse a child in old age, yet God brought life where it seemed impossible. The promise became personal, visible, and undeniable.

Genesis 21:8

And the child grew, and was weaned: and Abraham made a great feast the same day that Isaac was weaned.

Study: Isaac grows, and Abraham celebrates his weaning with a feast. The promised child is not only born but also growing. This feast marks a joyful milestone in the unfolding covenant promise.

Genesis 21:9

And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking.

Study: Sarah sees Ishmael mocking. The tension between the child of human effort and the child of promise comes to the surface. This moment leads to a painful separation within Abraham’s household.

Genesis 21:10

Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac.

Study: Sarah asks Abraham to send Hagar and Ishmael away. Her concern is inheritance and the covenant line through Isaac. The request is severe and painful, but God will confirm that Isaac is the son through whom the covenant promise will continue.

Genesis 21:11

And the thing was very grievous in Abraham's sight because of his son.

Study: Abraham is deeply grieved because Ishmael is also his son. This verse shows the human pain inside the story. Faith does not remove every sorrow, and obedience can sometimes involve heartbreaking decisions.

Genesis 21:12

And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.

Study: God tells Abraham to listen to Sarah because the covenant line will be called through Isaac. This does not mean God has forgotten Ishmael, but it does clarify the specific path of promise. God’s plan has order, even when the process is painful.

Genesis 21:13

And also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation, because he is thy seed.

Study: God promises to make Ishmael a nation because he is Abraham’s seed. Though Ishmael is not the covenant son, he is not abandoned by God. God’s care reaches beyond the main covenant line.

Genesis 21:14

And Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread, and a bottle of water, and gave it unto Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, and the child, and sent her away: and she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beer-sheba.

Study: Abraham obeys early in the morning and sends Hagar and Ishmael away with bread and water. Their departure into the wilderness is difficult and uncertain. Yet even there, God’s promise over Ishmael remains active.

Genesis 21:15

And the water was spent in the bottle, and she cast the child under one of the shrubs.

Study: The water runs out, and Hagar places Ishmael under a shrub. The wilderness exposes their weakness and need. Human provision has limits, but God’s care is not exhausted when the bottle is empty.

Genesis 21:16

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.

Study: Hagar believes Ishmael is going to die, and she weeps from a distance. This is a scene of deep sorrow and helplessness. The wilderness becomes the place where human strength ends and God’s intervention begins.

Genesis 21:17

And God heard the voice of the lad; and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said unto her, What aileth thee, Hagar? fear not; for God hath heard the voice of the lad where he is.

Study: God hears Ishmael’s voice and speaks to Hagar. He knows her name, her pain, and her situation. This verse shows that God hears cries from the wilderness and speaks comfort before provision is even seen.

Genesis 21:18

Arise, lift up the lad, and hold him in thine hand; for I will make him a great nation.

Study: God tells Hagar to rise and lift up Ishmael because his future is still secure. The promise God made concerning Ishmael had not failed. God’s word gives strength to stand again when despair has brought someone low.

Genesis 21:19

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.

Study: God opens Hagar’s eyes, and she sees a well. The provision was there, but she needed God to help her see it. This verse reminds us to ask God to open our eyes to His provision when fear and grief cloud our vision.

Genesis 21:20

And God was with the lad; and he grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became an archer.

Study: God remains with Ishmael as he grows. Though he lives in the wilderness, he is not outside God’s care. His skill as an archer shows development, survival, and the unfolding of God’s promise over his life.

Genesis 21:21

And he dwelt in the wilderness of Paran: and his mother took him a wife out of the land of Egypt.

Study: Ishmael settles in the wilderness of Paran, and Hagar arranges a wife for him from Egypt. His life continues, confirming that God preserved him. The wilderness did not end his story.

Genesis 21:22

And it came to pass at that time, that Abimelech and Phichol the chief captain of his host spake unto Abraham, saying, God is with thee in all that thou doest:

Study: Abimelech and Phichol recognize that God is with Abraham. Abraham’s life bears visible evidence of God’s favor. Even outsiders can see when the Lord’s hand is upon someone.

Genesis 21:23

Now therefore swear unto me here by God that thou wilt not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son's son: but according to the kindness that I have done unto thee, thou shalt do unto me, and to the land wherein thou hast sojourned.

Study: Abimelech asks Abraham to swear that he will deal honestly with him and his descendants. This request likely reflects the earlier deception involving Sarah. God’s people are called to live with integrity before others.

Genesis 21:24

And Abraham said, I will swear.

Study: Abraham agrees to the oath. His simple response shows willingness to make peace and commit to honest dealings. A faithful witness includes keeping our word.

Genesis 21:25

And Abraham reproved Abimelech because of a well of water, which Abimelech's servants had violently taken away.

Study: Abraham addresses a dispute over a well that had been seized. Water was essential for survival, livestock, and settlement. Abraham seeks peace, but he also speaks up about what is right.

Genesis 21:26

And Abimelech said, I wot not who hath done this thing: neither didst thou tell me, neither yet heard I of it, but to day.

Study: Abimelech says he did not know about the well being taken. This opens the door for the matter to be resolved honestly. Conflict handled with truth can lead to peace instead of bitterness.

Genesis 21:27

And Abraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them unto Abimelech; and both of them made a covenant.

Study: Abraham gives livestock to Abimelech, and the two men make a covenant. This agreement establishes peace and confirms their relationship. Covenant commitments were serious and visible acts of trust.

Genesis 21:28

And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.

Study: Abraham separates seven ewe lambs as part of the agreement. These lambs will serve as a witness connected to the well. Abraham is creating a clear record of ownership and peace.

Genesis 21:29

And Abimelech said unto Abraham, What mean these seven ewe lambs which thou hast set by themselves?

Study: Abimelech asks about the meaning of the seven lambs. The question allows Abraham to explain the purpose clearly. Good agreements should be understood by all involved.

Genesis 21:30

And he said, For these seven ewe lambs shalt thou take of my hand, that they may be a witness unto me, that I have digged this well.

Study: Abraham explains that the lambs are a witness that he dug the well. He is not only making peace but also protecting what has been entrusted to him. Wise stewardship includes clarity, accountability, and proper witness.

Genesis 21:31

Wherefore he called that place Beer-sheba; because there they sware both of them.

Study: The place is called Beer-sheba because of the oath made there. The name becomes a reminder of covenant, witness, and resolved conflict. God’s people should leave markers of faithfulness and peace.

Genesis 21:32

Thus they made a covenant at Beer-sheba: then Abimelech rose up, and Phichol the chief captain of his host, and they returned into the land of the Philistines.

Study: The covenant is completed, and Abimelech and Phichol return home. The dispute ends in peace rather than ongoing hostility. God’s blessing on Abraham is recognized, and Abraham’s position in the land is strengthened.

Genesis 21:33

And Abraham planted a grove in Beer-sheba, and called there on the name of the LORD, the everlasting God.

Study: Abraham plants a grove and worships the LORD, the everlasting God. After promise, pain, provision, and peace, Abraham calls on God’s name. Worship anchors the chapter in the faithfulness and eternal nature of the Lord.

Genesis 21:34

And Abraham sojourned in the Philistines' land many days.

Study: Abraham remains a sojourner in the land. Though the promise is certain, he still lives by faith before full possession. The chapter ends with Abraham trusting the everlasting God while continuing to walk as a pilgrim.

Genesis 21 records the fulfillment of God’s promise through the birth of Isaac. Sarah gives birth in Abraham’s old age, and her laughter becomes joy. As Isaac grows, conflict arises between Sarah and Hagar’s son Ishmael, leading to Hagar and Ishmael being sent away. In the wilderness, their water runs out, but God hears Ishmael, speaks to Hagar, opens her eyes to a well, and preserves the boy’s life. The chapter ends with Abraham making a covenant with Abimelech at Beer-sheba and worshiping the LORD, the everlasting God. Genesis 21 reveals God as faithful to His promises, compassionate toward the distressed, and worthy of worship in every season.

Heavenly Father, thank You for keeping Your promises and for being faithful in every season. Help me trust Your timing when I am waiting and Your care when I feel like I am in the wilderness. Open my eyes to see the provision You have placed before me. Teach me to walk in obedience, to trust Your plan, and to call on Your name as the everlasting God. In Jesus' name, Amen.

• Read Genesis 21 each day this week
• Memorize Genesis 21:1
• Write down one promise of God you need to trust
• Pray for God to open your eyes to His provision
• Encourage someone who feels forgotten or overlooked
• Identify one area where you need to respond with obedience
• Take time to worship God as the everlasting God

Genesis 21 shows God fulfilling His promise to Abraham and Sarah through the birth of Isaac. Sarah rejoices as God turns her waiting into laughter. Conflict then arises when Ishmael mocks Isaac, and Hagar and Ishmael are sent away. In the wilderness, God hears Ishmael, speaks to Hagar, opens her eyes to a well, and provides for their need. Ishmael grows under God’s care. The chapter closes with Abraham making a covenant with Abimelech at Beer-sheba and worshiping the LORD, the everlasting God. Genesis 21 teaches that God keeps His word, sees the hurting, provides in the wilderness, and remains faithful forever.

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