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FULFILMENT OF GOD’S PROMISE

Text: Genesis 21
1 November 2011

(I) FULFILMENT OF GOD’S PROMISE

1. As He had spoken (Genesis 21:1a)

2. At the set time of which God had spoken to him (Genesis 21:2)

3. Sarah conceived and bore a son who was named Isaac (Genesis 21:3)

4. Isaac was circumcised on the 8th day (Genesis 21:4)

5. Great joy for centenarian Abraham and his household (Genesis 21:5-8)

(II) WEANING CELEBRATION

1. Isaac was weaned from breast-feeding (Genesis 21:8)

2. Ishmael scoffed at Isaac (Genesis 21:9)

3. Conflict between Sarah and Abraham

a) Sarah demands that Hagar and Ishmael be cast out (Genesis 21:10)

b) Abraham was unwilling to comply (Genesis 21:11)

(III) GOD’S GUIDANCE

1. Hagar and Ishmael will no longer dwell with Abraham

But Ishmael will still become a nation because he was Abraham’s seed (Genesis 21:13)

2. Sarah and Isaac

In Isaac will Abraham’s seed be called (Genesis 21:12)

(IV) HAGAR AND ISHMAEL SENT AWAY

1. Hagar and Ishmael went away with but basic provision (Genesis 21:14)

2. Wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba (Genesis 21:14-15)

3. Two cries for Divine help

a) Hagar (Genesis 21:16)

b) Ishmael (Genesis 21:17)

(V) GOD’S PROVISION

1. Hagar found a well (Genesis 21:19)

2. Ishmael recovered (Genesis 21:19)

3. God protected Ishmael (Genesis 21:20-21)

(VI) A PARITY COVENANT

1. Abimelech and Abraham

(Abimelech was a Philistine)

2. Parity covenant struck between the two men

3. Terms of the Covenant

a) To be confirmed with a solemn oath (Genesis 21:23a)

b) No false dealings (Genesis 21:23b)

c) This covenant would also affect posterity (Genesis 21:23c)

d) Kind regard for each other (Genesis 21:23d)

4. A breach of the Covenant

a) Abimelech’s servants seized a well dug by Abraham (Genesis 21:25)

b) Abimelech claimed ignorance (Genesis 21:26)

c) Abraham gave Abimelech a gift of 7 ewes as a good will gesture and as a witness that the disputed well was dug by Abraham’s men (Genesis 21:27-30)

d) Abimelech accepted this token and the covenant was ratified (Genesis 21:31-32)

5. Calling on the Name of the Lord

a) Planting of a commemorative tamarisk tree (Genesis 21:33a)

b) Calling on the Lord (Genesis 21:33b)

6. Dwelling in the land of the Philistines (Genesis 21:34)