The promise of God to Abraham to create a new humanity through whom the nations would be blessed comes to fruition with the birth of Isaac. In the midst of that joyous birth,the presence of Hagar and Ishmael appears to be a threat to Sarah who understands rightly that the promise of blessing to the nations comes through Isaac, not Ishmael. Under God’s direction, Abraham sends Hagar and her son away. God provides for them and promises that, as the seed of Abraham, the line of Ishmael would also become a great nation.
Abraham settles a dispute with Abimelech, king of the Philistines, over a well in the Negev. Abimelech concedes to Abraham ownership of the well and Abraham makes a covenant with Abimelech affirming that the well, called Beersheba, belonged to Abraham. Continue reading “The Gospel in Genesis 21 and in the City”
