Chapter Summary

Birth of Isaac. Bondwoman and her son cast out. Abraham at Beersheba.

Discussion Questions for Genesis, Chapter 21

1. How do we see God fulfill his promise to Abraham and Sarah? What was that promise? What is the significance of Isaac's birth? In what ways have you seen God's faithfulness in your own life, in spite of long waiting periods?
2. How does the birth of Isaac affect Ishmael and Hagar? What does this event tell us about family dynamics and interactions? How does this speak to the "blended family" phenomenon in our world today? In what ways have you seen negative family dynamics impact your life, and how did you handle them?
3. How does God protect and provide for Hagar and Ishmael? What does this say about God's care for the vulnerable? In what ways has God called you to provide for the vulnerable and marginalized of society?
4. Why does God make a "great nation" (HCSB) from the lineage of Ishmael? How does that align with God's promises to Abraham's descendants? In what ways have you seen God redeem sinful events in your family heritage?
5. Why does Abraham hold a "great feast" (HCSB) for Isaac's weaning? What is the cultural significance of that? What are some cultural traditions that you have, and how do they contribute to your understanding of God's work in your life?
6. Why is it important that Sarah became pregnant "at the appointed time God had told" Abraham? What does this teach us about the nature of prophecy, and of God's reliability? In what ways have you seen God's Word come true in your life, and how did it impact your trust in Him?
7. How does this chapter teach you to trust in God's timing? Why is that so difficult? What is the significance of Abraham being 100 years old when Isaac was born? What are some ways that you practice patience when waiting on God's timing?
8. Why does Abraham create a covenant with Abimelech? What is the significance of this covenant, and how does it impact the story overall? Why is it so important for us to be a man or woman of our word? What ways have you seen trust broken in your life because someone went back on their word?
9. What is the significance of the well Abraham dug at "Beer-sheba" (HCSB)? Why was it important to have a physical representation of their covenant together? How do you mark significant spiritual moments or events in your life?
10. Why do you think God includes the fact that "Abraham lived as a foreigner" (HCSB) in verse 34? How does that correlate with God's promise to Abraham to bless all the nations through him? How are we to view the foreigner in our midst today? In what ways can you be a bridge of kindness and understanding to someone not from your country?

Key Words/Phrase

Isaac, v. 3.

Characters

Sarah, Abraham, Isaac, Hagar, Ishmael, Abimelech.

Strong Verse(s)

1