Pentecost Season · Proper 7 · Year A
Genesis 21:8-21
Hagar and Ishmael in the Wilderness
June 21, 2026
Overview & Insights
"Come, lift up the boy and hold him fast with your hand, for I will make a great nation of him." (Genesis 21:18)
After Isaac is weaned, Sarah has Hagar and Ishmael sent away, and they wander in the wilderness of Beersheba. When the water is gone and the boy is near death, God hears the child's cry, opens Hagar's eyes to a well, and promises to make Ishmael a great nation.
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Commentary
Commentary on Genesis 21:8-21 Working Preacher
Lectionary commentary on the sending away of Hagar and God's care for Ishmael.
Genesis 21 Commentary Enduring Word · David Guzik
David Guzik's verse-by-verse notes on Ishmael's expulsion and God's provision.
Genesis 21:8 Commentaries BibleHub
Classic commentaries collected for the conflict over Isaac and Ishmael.
Genesis 21 Commentary Precept Austin
Precept Austin's commentary and resources on Genesis 21.
Genesis 21:8-21 Commentary Center for Excellence in Preaching
Reformed sermon commentary on God working through the 'warts and all' of the family.
Background & Word Study
Genesis 21:8 Interlinear BibleHub
Hebrew text with parsing for the naming of Ishmael and God's hearing.
Genesis 21 in Hebrew Sefaria
Hebrew and English with Jewish commentary for the story of Hagar and Ishmael.
Overview: Genesis 12-50 BibleProject
Animated overview of the ancestral narratives and the two sons of Abraham.
The Church Fathers
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