Bereishis 21 (Genesis 21)

Bereishis 21, Yehovah visits Sarah as promised.  Sarah gives birth to a son, Yitzchaq.  Yitzchaq is circumcised on the eight day.  When Yitzchaq is weaned, Avraham makes a great feast.  Sarah sees Yishmael mocking Yitzchaq.  She tells Avraham to cast out Hagar, the bondwoman and her son.  Avraham finds this to be grievous.  However, Yehovah assures Avraham that Yitzchaq would be called his seed.  Avraham provides bread and a bottle of water for Hagar and Yishmael.  When the water is spent, Hagar places Yishmael under a shrub and she sits down away from him.  She expects both herself and Yishmael to die; however, God hears Yishmael.  He tells Hagar to open her eyes.  There is a well of water.  Further, God tells Hagar that He will make Yishmael a great nation.  Hagar eventually gets Yishmael a wife out of Mitzrayim.  Aviymelek meets with Avraham and makes a covenant with him at the Beer Sheva. 

Bereishis 21	34 Verses	English	Hebrew	English	Hebrew
God (H0410)	0	Abrahm	Avraham	Phichol	Piykol
Redeemer (H0430)	11	Isaac	Yitzchaq	Philistines	Pelishtiym
Yehovah (H3068)	3	Abimelech	Aviymelek	Zacharias	Zekaryah
		Elisabeth	Eliysheva

Sections:

They All Laughed	Absolute & Complete Faith	The Promised Son
Circumcision Complete	Laughing with Sarah	Yitzchaq is Weaned
Cast Out This Bondwoman	Grievous or Not	Do You Hear Torah
Two Covenants	The Misunderstanding	Grace Produces Life
Son of Promise	Yishmael’s Portion	Again Yehovah Answers
Yehovah Watches Over	Skilled Archer H7199	Hagar & Yishmael Together
Aviymelek Sees	Align with the Prophets	Violently Taken Away
Unbeknownst to Aviymelek	Oath of the Seven Lambs	Well of the Seven Oath

Return to Bereishis (Genesis)

Return to Books of the Bible

Return to Bible Studies 

 

They All Laughed

They All Laughed

Bereishis 21:1

¹ And Yehovah visited Sarah as he had said, and Yehovah did to Sarah as He had spoken.

Yehovah visited Sarah as He told Avraham in Bereishis 18:10.

¹⁰ And He said, I will certainly return to you according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah your wife shall have a son.  And Sarah heard in the tent door, which behind Him.

The first time Avraham heard this was in Bereishis 17:15-16.

¹⁵ And Redeemer said to Avraham, As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Saray, but Sarah her name.  ¹⁶ And I will bless her, and give you a son also of her.  Yes, I will bless her, and she shall be of nations; kings of people shall be of her.

His response in Bereishis 17:17 borders on complete disbelief.

¹⁷ Then Avraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall be born to him that is a hundred years son?  And shall Sarah, that is ninety years daughter, bear?

Avraham laughed, but it is indeterminate if he was laughing at the situation or Yehovah.  Either way, Avraham stopped laughing by Bereishis 17:19.

¹⁹ And Redeemer said, Sarah your wife shall bear you a son indeed; and you shall call his name Yitzchaq, and I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, with his seed after him.

Avraham realized that Yehovah was serious and this was no laughing matter.  However, when Sarah heard in Bereishis 18 she found it quite humorous, Bereishis 18:12.

¹² Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?

She thought no one heard her.  That is what most of us think.  We can do it within ourselves or in hiding and think we get away with it.  However, there is One that is always listening, Bereishis 18:13.

¹³ And Yehovah said to Avraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old?

Yehovah heard her just as He hears us.  Be careful when you laugh, there is one listening.

 

Absolute & Complete Faith

Absolute & Complete Faith

Just because most look at the Bible with disbelief, it does not mean that it is not true.  There are a number of things Scriptures claim that are undeniable.  Further, these would have never happen if there was not a supernatural force at work.  When Sarah denied laughing in Bereishis 18:15.

¹⁵ Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid.  And He said, No; but you did laugh.

Yehovah set her straight.  Now what we need to understand is, although Avraham and Sarah laughed, there comes a point of absolute and complete belief.  Paul writes about this in Romans 4:18.

¹⁸ Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations; according to that which was spoken, So shall your seed be.

When it seemed almost impossible for Avraham, he believed.  Although it was stated in Bereishis 18:11 that Sarah had ceased after the manner of women.

¹¹ Now Avraham and Sarah old, comes (bo) the days (yom) it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.

Sarah no longer had an active system.  Avraham and later Sarah believed in total faith, Romans 4:19.

¹⁹ And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about a hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara’s womb.

Avraham disregarded the physical and came to complete faith, Romans 4:20-21.

²⁰ He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; ²¹ and being fully persuaded that, what He had promised, He was able also to perform.

Both Avraham and Sarah discounted the worldly view and looked to Yehovah with absolute and complete faith, Romans 4:22.

²² And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.

Avraham believed in Yehovah, Sarah willingly went along.  We need to remember this as Yeshayahu tells us in Yeshayahu 51:1-2.

¹ Hearken to Me that follow after righteousness that seek Yehovah.  Look to the rock (tzur) you are hewn, and to the hammer (maqqeves) of the pit you are dug.  ² Look to Abraham your father, and to Sarah bare you.  For I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him.

This is where we came from.  We came from a womb that was dead.  Yehovah raised up the faith from a place many thought impossible.  Today we need to remember this, Romans 4:23-25.

²³ Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; ²⁴ But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on Him that raised up Yeshua our Lord from the dead; ²⁵ Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

We to are to be justified as Avraham.  The question for us is, is our faith absolute and complete enough in Him to cause us to walk in a path that few would?  Do we believe in His total assurance when all evidence states contrary?  This is our faith.  It is time we act according.

As for Avraham and Sarah, they believed and walked that belief in completeness.  This was counted for righteousness.  We need to act in this faith for His glory.  Even when all is against us.  We are to be these witness today.

Bereishis 21:2

² For Sarah conceived, and bare Avraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which Redeemer had spoken to him.

Avraham’s son was named Yitzchaq.  He is the son of promise to Avraham and all who follow in his footstep.  From Him came God’s Son of promise to the world.  Do not look anywhere else.  He is the one.

 

The Promised Son 

The Promised Son

Bereishis 21:3

³ And Avraham called the name of his son that was born to him, whom Sarah bare to him, Yitzchaq.

Avraham named his son Yitzchaq as Yehovah declared in Bereishis 17:19.

¹⁹ And Redeemer said, Sarah your wife shall bear you a son indeed; and you shall call his name Yitzchaq, and I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, with his seed after him.

A similar thing happened in the First Century.  Zekaryah was told in Luke 1:13.

¹³ But the messenger (aggelos) said to him, Fear not, Zekaryah.  For your prayer is heard; and your wife Eliysheva shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Yochanan.

Zekaryah would have a son too.  Some what similar to Yitzchaq who was the son of promise, Yochanan would be a son spoken of long before in Yeshayahu 40:3.

³ The voice of him that cries in the wilderness, Prepare the way of Yehovah, make straight in the desert a highway for our Redeemer.

And in Malakhi 3:1.

¹ Behold, I will send My messenger, and he shall prepare the way before Me.  And the Lord, whom you seek, shall suddenly come to His Temple, even the Messenger of the covenant, whom you delight in.  Behold, He shall come, says Yehovah of hosts.

Zekaryah heard similar words from the messenger that day, Luke 1:14-17.

¹⁴ And you shall have joy and gladness; and many shall rejoice at his birth.  ¹⁵ For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.  ¹⁶ And many of the Children of Yisrael shall he turn to the Lord their God.  ¹⁷ And he shall go before Him in the spirit and power of Eliyyahu, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just; to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.

Upon hearing this news, you would think that Zekaryah would be excited; however, like Avraham his faith was not fully mature.  As a result, the messenger told Zekaryah in Luke 1:20.

²⁰ And, behold, you shall be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because you believe not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.

From that day forward, Zekaryah was unable to speak.  At this point something changed, because like Avraham he performed his duty.  He had nine months to think about this.  On the day of Zekaryah’s son’s birth, Luke 1:58-59.

⁵⁸ And her neighbors and her cousins heard how the Lord had showed great mercy upon her; and they rejoiced with her.  ⁵⁹ And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circumcise the child; and they called him Zekaryah, after the name of his father.

These did not know what Eliysheva knew, Luke 1:60.

⁶⁰ And his mother answered and said, Not; but he shall be called Yochanan.

The people were not willing to let this go easily, they stated in Luke 1:61-62.

⁶¹ And they said to her, There is none of your kindred that is called by this name.  ⁶² And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called.

The people wanted to stick with traditions, so they turned to the father who could not speak.  Often we turn to the one with no understand; however, it is time we hear from the one’s filled with His spirit and understanding.  Those of 1 Corinthians 14:15.

¹⁵ What is it then?  I will pray with the Spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also.  I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also.

That day Zekaryah moved with Spirit and understanding, Luke 1:63-64.

⁶³ And he asked for a writing table, and wrote, saying, His name is Yochanan.  And they marveled all.  ⁶⁴ And his mouth was opened immediately, and his tongue and he spoke, and praised God.

Zekaryah had nine long months to think about this as His child was growing in the womb of Eliysheva.  He knew where he would stand when the time came.  No longer was his opinion important to him, his faith was.  Zekaryah spoke forth that day the words of Yehovah, Luke 1:68-70.

⁶⁸ Blessed the Lord God of Yisrael; for he has visited and redeemed His people, ⁶⁹ and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servant Daviyd; ⁷⁰ as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, which have been since the world began.

Zekaryah’s words that day were nothing new.  It was the same message that has been proclaimed since the world begun.  It is time that not only do we believe in the message, it is time we act upon the message from the beginning.  As Avraham did in Romans 4:20-21.

²⁰ He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; ²¹ and being fully persuaded that, what He had promised, He was able also to perform.

Staggered is the Greek word διακρίνω diakrino (H1252).  It is in the Bible 19 times.  διακρίνω diakrino (H1252) is translated doubt 5 times, judge 3 times, discern 2 times, contend 2 times, waver 2 times and 5 miscellaneous words.  It means to separate throughout or wholly, to make a distinction, to be at variance with oneself, to be divided in one’s mind.  As it is used in Romans 4:20, Avraham did not have divided beliefs as the man in Mark 9:23-24.

²³ Yeshua said to him, If you can believe, all things possible to him that believes.  ²⁴ And straightway the father of the child cried out, and said with tears, Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.

This man had divided beliefs.  As long as one has divided beliefs, they will lack in this lifetime.

Avraham had complete and whole belief in Yehovah.  Not only did he believed in God, He no longer doubted the birth of Yitzchaq.  He acted in complete and whole faith knowing that what God has said would come to pass.

We need to understand this faith and the completeness it brings into one’s life.  As Yehovah stated in Bereishis 18:14.

¹⁴ Is any thing too hard for Yehovah?  At the time appointed I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.

Nothing is impossible, it will happen at the appointed time.

We should remember this as we see so many who lack the faith of Avraham.  On one hand they believe in God.  But on the other hand, they doubt His presence in their lives.  They believe in the existence of God, but not the reality of the power of God in their lives.  As we are entering into a time that will be similar to the events of the First Century, we should keep the following in mind, 1 Corinthians 2:4-5. 

⁴ And my speech and my preaching not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power.  ⁵ That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

We cannot stagger at the promises of God, we need to go forward in full faith.

 

Circumcision Complete

Circumcision Complete

Bereishis 21:4

⁴ And Avraham circumcised his son Yitzchaq being eight days son, as Redeemer had commanded him.

It was probably an exciting day for Avraham and Sarah when they circumcised Yitzchaq according to Yehovah word in Bereishis 17:10-13.

¹⁰ This My covenant, which you shall keep, between Me and you and your seed after you; every man child among you shall be circumcised.  ¹¹ And you shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a sign (ot) of the covenant between (beyn) Me and you.  ¹² And he that is eight days son shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with silver (kesef) of any son foreigner (ben nekar), which not of your seed.  ¹³ He that is born in your house, and he that is bought with your money, must needs be circumcised.  And My covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.

Circumcision was to be performed for the following:

·         Every male child at 8 days born of the house.

·         Every foreigner bought with silver.

There was not to be any exceptions.  Basically if a male individual was in the house, they were to be circumcised.  No where in Scripture is this covenant ever nullified.  It is something every believer should be proud to do.  This covenant separates us out from all others.

Today there is the Spiritual, Soul and Physical part of this covenant.  Do not limit yourself by ignoring these.  It starts with Romans 15:8.

⁸ Now I say that Yeshua Messiah was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises to the fathers.

This brings us to Colossians 2:10-11.

¹⁰ And you are complete in Him, which is the head of all principality and power.  ¹¹ In whom also you are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Messiah.

As He brings us into this relationship, we can take this further with Colossians 2:13-15.

¹³ And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, has He quickened together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses; ¹⁴ blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross; ¹⁵ having spoiled principalities and powers, He made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

Please note that the law, Torah, was never nailed to the cross, only the “handwriting of ordinances.”  These are not the entire law, these are the laws that required a sacrifice for sins.  Torah is not against us, Devarim 4:40. 

⁴⁰ You shall keep therefore His statutes, and His commandments, which I command you this day, that it may go well with you, and with your children after you and that you may prolong days upon the earth (adamah), which Yehovah your Redeemer gives you, for ever. 

What was against us was handwriting of ordinances.  This refers to the offerings that were required because of sin.  Yeshua’s death fulfilled this requirement.  Thereby, providing the method for fulfilling Devarim 24:16.

¹⁶ The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, neither shall the children be put to death for the fathers.  Every man shall be put to death for his own sin. 

Rather than every man dying for their own sin.  There was the option of the substitutionary sacrifice, 1 Timothy 2:6.

⁶ Who gave Himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.

When we understand all He has done, we can step forward in the circumcision of our souls, Romans 2:27-29.

²⁷ And shall not uncircumcision which is by nature, if it fulfil the law, judge you, who by the letter and circumcision does transgress the law?  ²⁸ For he is not a Yehudah, which is one outwardly; neither circumcision, which is outward in the flesh.  ²⁹ But he a Yehudah, which is one inwardly; and circumcision of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise not of men, but of God.

This is when we walk in His ways, it circumcises our heart.  Then we can start to understand Romans 3:1-2.

¹ What advantage then has the Yehudah?  Or what profit of circumcision?  ² Much every way.  Chiefly, because that to them were committed the oracles of God.

The oracles of God refers to the word of God.  Until one moves in the Covenant of Circumsion, they will always lack in their understanding of Scriptures.  They will never have the divine understanding God grants His faithful in the covenant.  It is time to realize that this covenant is vital to out successful walk in the faith.

Bereishis 21:5

⁵ And Avraham was a hundred years son, when his son Yitzchaq was born to him.

There were probably many who doubted the day would come when Avraham and Sarah would have a son.  However, our entire faith is based on the power of God flowing through His people.  When one considers that then they can better understand Iyyov 42:2.

² I know that you can do all (kol), and no purpose (mezimmah) can be withholden from You.

There is nothing that Yehovah cannot perform.  He does not need us to accomplish anything.  However, it is His preference to operate through faith filled believers.  Whether He operates through us or not is not a random choice.  If requires one to be in complete faith with Him as Avraham and Sarah were.

 

Laughing with Sarah

Laughing with Sarah

Bereishis 21:8

⁶ And Sarah said, Redeemer has made me to laugh, all that hear will laugh with me.

This should bring joy to all who hear this, because this is our God and Redeemer.

It was Sarah who laughed at the very idea of giving birth at 90 years of age, Bereishis 18:12.

¹² Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?

Now she did not laugh just because she doubted, she understood the reality of Bereishis 18:11.

¹¹ Now Avraham and Sarah old, comes (bo) the days (yom) it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.

She knew childbirth was impossible when either the man or woman had surpassed a certain point in their life.  As for Sarah she was past this point.  To think otherwise would be foolish.  Yet Paul tells us in 1 Corinthians 1:19-21.

¹⁹ For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.  ²⁰ Where the wise?  Where the scribe?  Where the disputer of this world?  Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?  ²¹ For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe.

Once we are within God’s Kingdom moving in the faith of Avraham and Sarah, we are no longer limited by men’s wisdom.  We can learn to access the supernatural power of God.  We too can then laugh with Sarah, because our joy will be in Him and not the world, Nechemyah 8:10.

¹⁰ Then he said to them, Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions to them for whom nothing is prepared.  For day holy to our Lord.  Neither be you sorry; for the joy of Yehovah is your strength.

Our strength will be in Him.  Then, we will understand Sarah’s next statement.

Bereishis 21:7

⁷ And she said, Who would have said to Avraham, that Sarah should have given children suck?  For I have born a son in his old age.

When the joy of Yehovah is our strength, we will say Sarah can have a child at ninety.  Then we can have joy everyday when our faith is complete in Him.

 

Yitzchaq is Weaned

Yitzchaq is Weaned

Bereishis 21:8

⁸ And the child grew, and was weaned and Avraham made a great feast the day that Yitzchaq was weaned.

The day Yitzchaq was weaned, Avraham made a great feast for all.

Weaned comes from the Hebrew word גָּמַל gamal (H1580).  It is in the Bible 37 times.  גָּמַל gamal (H1580) is translated wean 10 times, reward 8 times, dealt bountifully 4 times, do 4 times, bestowed 2 times, recompense 2 times, weaned child 2 times, do good 1, requite 1 time, ripening 1 time, served 1 time and yielded 1 time.

While the basic meaning of גָּמַל gamal (H1580) is “to deal out, with,” there is wide range of renderings.  Although rendered weaned in Bereishis 21:8, it may indicate something different.  Possibly, Yitzchaq had reached a certain age in the develop if his life.  Either way, it is unclear just how old Yitzchaq was at the time.  There is the possibility that Yitzchaq had reached the age of accountability.

Bereishis 21:9

⁹ And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Mitzrayim, which she had born to Avraham, mocking.

It appears when the feast was held, Yishmael was laughing at or making fun of Yitzchaq.  Sarah saw this and decided to do something about it.

Now we do not know how old Yitzchaq is at this event; however, we can determine the age difference between the two, Bereishis 16:16.

¹⁶ And Avram son eighty and six years, when Hagar bare Yishmael to Avram.

Avraham was 86 years when Yishmael was born.  We also know that when Yitzchaq was born Avraham was 100 years, Bereishis 21:5.

⁵ And Avraham was a hundred years son, when his son Yitzchaq was born to him.

Therefore the age difference between Yishmael and Yitzchaq is 14 years.  If Yitzchaq is very young, this age difference would be significant.  As Yitzchaq reaches his late teen years, the difference would not be as significant.  As the years continue, Yitzchaq would eventually gain an advantage over Yishmael.  Based on this, it is likely that Yitzchaq was not very old and the age difference was significant.

Potentially, Sarah saw this as a problem and decided to do something about it.

 

Cast Out This Bondwoman

Cast Out This Bondwoman

Bereishis 21:10

¹⁰ Wherefore she said to Avraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son.  For the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, with Yitzchaq.

Sarah goes to Avraham and tells him to cast out Hagar and her son Yishmael.  Sarah calls Hagar “this bondwoman.”  It is as if the text is making a statement about Hagar.  Then it states about Yishmael that he is the son of “this bondwoman.”  It is interesting that within this entire discussion Yishmael name is not used.  The focus seems to be on the bondwomen.

In both cases, bondwoman comes from the Hebrew word אָמָה amah (H0519).  It is in the Bible 55 times.  אָמָה amah (H0519) is translated handmaid 22 times, maidservant 19 times, maid 8 times, bondwoman 4 times and bondmaids 2 times.  It refers to a maidservant or female slave.  Regardless of what rendering is used, it should be understood that אָמָה amah (H0519) refers to one who is in servitude to another, whether literally or figuratively.

In this sense, Hagar was in servitude to Sarah.  Hagar was not a free person, she was a slave.  She could not freely do as she pleased.  Sarah on the other hand was Avraham’s wife, she was a joint heir with Avraham.  This was something Hagar could never state as long as Sarah was alive.

Because of this relationship, Sarah placed Yishmael in a lower class with Hagar.  She told Avraham that Yishmael would not share in the inheritance with her son.  Now some may state that Yishmael had a right based on Devarim 21:15-17.

¹⁵ If a man have two wives (ishshah), one beloved, and one hated, and they have born him children, the beloved and the hated; and the firstborn son be hers that was hated.  ¹⁶ Then it shall be, when he makes his sons to inherit which he has, he may not make the son of the beloved firstborn before the son of the hated, the firstborn.  ¹⁷ But he shall acknowledge the son of the hated the firstborn, by giving him a double portion (peh shenayim) of all that he has.  For he the beginning of his strength; the judgment (mishpat) of the firstborn his.

The only potential issue is whether or not Hagar is considered a wife.  Either way this will not matter, because Yishmael will receive an inheritance.  It will come from another source.  Additionally, the inheritance that Ishmael will receive will exceed Yitzchaq in the physical sense.

 

Grievous or Not

Grievous or Not

Bereishis 21:11

¹¹ And the word (davar) was very grievous in Avraham’s sight because of his son.

There are differences in opinion as what the Hebrew word for grievous is in the text.  The Hebrew text is וַיֵּרַע.  Some indicate that the Hebrew word is רָעַע raa (H7489).

רָעַע raa (H7489) is in the Bible 83 times.  It is translated evil 20 times, evildoer 10 times, hurt 7 times, wickedly 5 times, worse 5 times, afflict 5 times, wicked 4 times, break 3 times, doer 3 times, ill 3 times, harm 3 times, displease 2 times and 13 miscellaneous words.  It means to be evil bad, injure, break apart.

Others identify grievous as coming from the Hebrew word רַע ra (H7451).  It is in the Bible 663 times.  רַע ra (H7451) is translated evil 442 times, wickedness 59 times, wicked 25 times, mischief 21 times, hurt 20 times, bad 13 times, trouble 10 times, sore 9 times, affliction 6 times, ill 5 times, adversity 4 times, favored 3 times, harm 3 times, naught 3 times, noisome 2 times, grievous 2 times, sad 2 times and 34 miscellaneous words.  It is considered to be an adjective.

Others identify grievous as the Hebrew word יָרַע yara (H3415).  It is in the Bible 22 times.  It is translated displease 9 times, grieved 4 times, grievous 3 times, evil 2 times, ill 2 times, harm 1 time and sad 1 time.  It means to be in terror or distress.  This is more likely the correct Hebrew word.

This was a difficult thing for Avraham to do.  Yishmael was still his first born son of the flesh.  He had raised Yishmael from birth.  Avraham had waited a long time to have a son of his own.  There were still many years ahead.  From this point on, Scriptures does not record if Yishmael comes back to visit after Sarah dies.

Bereishis 21:12

¹² And Redeemer said to Avraham, Let it not be grievous in your sight because of the lad, and because of your bondwoman; in all that Sarah has said to you, hearken to her voice; for in Yitzchaq shall your seed be called.

Yehovah who was watching over the entire situation told Avraham not to be grievous.  Avraham was to do all that Sarah stated.  This was something that had to be done.

Avraham’s probably had a strong emotional attachment to Yishmael.  This would only complicate Avraham’s relationship with Yitzchaq.  Yehovah told Avraham in Bereishis 17:19.

¹⁹ And Redeemer said, Sarah your wife shall bear you a son indeed; and you shall call his name Yitzchaq, and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, with his seed after him.

This was repeated again in Bereishis 17:21.

²¹ But My covenant will I establish with Yitzchaq, which Sarah shall bear to you at this set time in the next year.

Yehovah would make His covenant with Yitzchaq.  Avraham may have still been clinging to what he previously stated to Yehovah in Bereishis 17:17-18.

¹⁷ Then Avraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall be born to him that is a hundred years son?  And shall Sarah, that is ninety years daughter, bear?  ¹⁸ And Avraham said to Redeemer, O (lu) that Yishmael might live before you.

The two had to be separated for a number of reason.  Mostly, it complicates the various relationships.  Avraham’s relationship to Yitzchaq was to be far different than the one he had with Yishmael.  We will see a similar thing with Yitzchaq’s relationship with Esav and Yaaqov.

Avraham’s relationship with Yishmael was of an emotional nature.  His relationship with Yitzchaq would be a spiritual one.  This would transcend Avraham’s relationship with Yishmael.  The mere mocking that occurred earlier was only to get worse as time went on if the two were not separated.  This may threaten future developments.  There were things at stake beyond simple father-son relationship.

 

Do You Hear Torah

Do You Hear Torah

At this point, it is important to pick up this discussion in the Beriys Chadashah.  Paul quotes Bereishis 18 in Galatians 4:30.

³⁰ Nevertheless what states the Scripture?  Cast out the bondwoman and her son.  For the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.

To understand why Payl brings this into the discussion, one must start with, Galatians 4:21.

²¹ Tell me, you that desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law?

There is always this question in the faith.  Today many follow the law, Torah, but do hey hear Torah?  Or do they actually understand what Torah is telling us?  Too many, Torah is a collection of do’s and don’ts.  It is the commandment believers are to follow that sets them apart form Church Christians.  Many find it easier to follow the commandments, but few understand what they are telling us.

To follow Torah is more than ritual observances based on the statutes and commandments.  It is a life style that was to generate a mindset that would continuous expand our spiritual growth to enable us to obtain eternal life in this lifetime.  This would lead to a relationship with Yehovah beyond simple obedience and blessings.  It is to understand the meaning of life and to live that meaning every day of our lives.  This would transcend all thought and human imagination.  It would provide fulfillment in all we do.  This is to say the least.

Galatians 4:22-23

²² For it is written, that Avraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the one by a freewoman.  ²³ But he of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman by promise.

This is where it is important to understand how these two sons came about.  Yishmael was a result of Bereishis 16:3-4.

³ And Saray Avram’s wife took Hagar her maid the Mitzrayim, after Avram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Avram to be his woman (ishshah).  ⁴ And he went in to Hagar, and she conceived.  And when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes.

Yishmael was a result of Sarah and Avraham’s conspiring to conceive on their own wills.  Together with the assistance of Hagar, they birth a child outside the normal relationship of a husband and wife.  They fulfilled Scriptures in their human intellect, will and emotions.  Yishmael is the son of works.

Yitzchaq was a result of Bereishis 18:10.

¹⁰ And he said, I will certainly return to you according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah your wife shall have a son.  And Sarah heard in the tent door, which behind Him.

God had to intervene for Sarah to give birth, because of Bereishis 18:11.

¹¹ Now Avraham and Sarah old, comes (bo) the days (yom) it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.

It was no longer possible for Avraham and Sarah to conceive as a couple.  Sarah was past the point, she could have a child under normal circumstance.  Avraham may have had some difficulties too.  Yitzchaq was the result of Yehovah moving with power.  At that time there was no other way for Sarah to conceive.

Avraham has two sons.  Yishmael was a result of human conception, both through human thought and human action.  Yitzchaq was the result of Yehovah’s thought, power through a human that was no longer able to conceive.  Yishmael was of works.  Yitzchaq was of grace.  Works and grace are not to be mixed, Romans 11:6. 

⁶ And if by grace, then is it no more of works.  Otherwise grace is no more grace.  But if it be of works, then is it no more grace.  Otherwise work is no more work.

Only one can exist at any one time in a result.  We must all chose if we live a life by our works or if we live by His grace working through us.  This is a choice we make beyond salvation.  It is a choice made in every though and action that occurs.  To not chose is to be of works.

Grace, His power working through us, is how God wants us to live our lives.  This is a central theme of Torah.  Do you hear Torah?

 

Two Covenants

Two Covenants

Galatians 4:24-26

²⁴ Which things are an allegory.  For these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which genders to bondage, which is Agar.  ²⁵ For this Agar is Mount Sinay in Arabia, and answers to Yerushalayim which now is, and is in bondage with her children.  ²⁶ But Yerushalayim which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.

Yishmael and Yitzchaq are a picture of or foreshadow two different covenants.  Yishmael represent works.  On our own power, we cannot fulfill Torah nor can we save ourselves.  One cannot do enough animal sacrifices to cover all their iniquities.

Yitzchaq represents grace.  Through grace, we can fulfill Torah.  Through grace and the substitutionary sacrifice of Yeshua, we are able to cover our sins.  This does not preclude following Torah.  This enables us to be in a state of continually repentance and grow into spiritual maturity.  Our sins are forgotten as we grow in righteousness.  We are able to gain ground in this lifetime.  This is as opposed to the works covenant that we seem to lose ground all the time.

The Covenant of Grace is the fulfilling of Yirmeyahu 31:31-34.

³¹ Behold, the days come, says Yehovah, That I will make a new covenant with the house of Yisrael, and with the house of Yehudah.  ³² Not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Mitzrayim; which My covenant they broke, although I was a husband to them, says Yehovah.  ³³ But this the covenant that I will make with the house of Yisrael; after those days, says Yehovah, I will put My Torah in their inward parts, and write it in their hearts; and will be their Redeemer, and they shall be My people.  ³⁴ And they shall teach no more every man his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, Know Yehovah.  For they shall all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says Yehovah.  For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more.

The Covenant of Grace allows us to know Yehovah in a more personal relationship.  It does not guarantee that, it is something we have to pursue.

 

The Misunderstanding

The Misunderstanding

Sometimes the picture Paul is painting is misunderstood.  To state Mount Sinay is “in bondage” is to referring to observing Torah on our own strength and understanding.  This is bondage and will eventually wear out the individual.  Eventually either works will make way for grace or one will exhaust all possibility of life in them.

Yerushalayim above represents the Covenant of Grace.  It is when we follow Torah through His Spirit, His power flowing through us with the understanding of the newness of the Spirit.  It is far different than what most of us do.  Paul describes this in 1 Corinthians 15:10.

¹⁰ But by the grace of God I am what I am.  And His grace which upon me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all.  Yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me.

This is an important part of being a Christian.  Without it, all our works are dead.

Paul is not describing a cooperative effort.  He is referring to the fact that God’s power enabled him to do so much more.  However, he had to learn how to make use of God’s power.  So that it was God glory and not his own glory.

Often people confuse these two.  Many believe if they are doing something to advance the ministry, it is for God’s glory.  However, we have to ask the question, are we doing the work He would have us do with His Spirit flowing through us?  Or, are we doing Church work?  In many cases, we might find there is little God and plenty of us.

When it is His grace we can be at work, yet be at rest at the same time.  We do not have to strain and struggle.  It will flow freely.  When that occurs we are truly free in Him.

 

Grace Produces Life

Grace Produces Life

Galatians 4:27

²⁷ For it is written, Rejoice, barren that bears not; break forth and cry, you that travails not.  For the desolate has many more children than she which has a husband.

This is a quote from Yeshayahu 54:1.

¹ Sing, barren, you did not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, you did not travail with child.  For more the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, says Yehovah.

This Scripture is looking ahead to the times we are living in.  Although physical Yisrael was married to Yehovah, it did not produce a lasting life.  This also includes works in the life of the Beriys Chadashah believer.  The best either of these could do was produce a life that continual worked and did not rest.  There was nothing to cover the gap between our righteousness and eternal life.

The desolate are those that came out of the barren womb and of works religion.  This includes many Christians today.  The gap to eternal life is covered through the substitutionary sacrifice of Yeshua by grace alone.  Paul explains in Hebrews 9:7-10.

⁷ But into the second the High Priest alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself, and the errors of the people.  ⁸ The Holy Spirit this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first Tabernacle was yet standing.  ⁹ Which a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; ¹⁰ only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed until the time of reformation.

The Tabernacle or Mishkan was only a temporary fix for the condition of Mankind.  This would keep the world safe until a more permanent solution or offering would come about, Hebrews 9:11-12.

¹¹ But Messiah being come a High Priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect Tabernacle, not made with hands, that is to say, not of this building; ¹² neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption.

Messiah’s sacrifice rectified the issue of death.  His sacrifice initially covered the sin of Adam and enabled mankind to find a path to Yehovah that would result in Eternal Life.  This was something that Torah through our works could never do.  His blood reverses and restitute the course of the world thereby allowing us creative life in Him.  We can now follow Torah in Spirit and Truth.  Thereby fulfilling the Covenant with God.

 

Son of Promise

Son of Promise

This brings us to Galatians 4:28.

²⁸ Now we, brethren, as Yitzchaq, are the children of promise.

It was the promise that began in Genesis 3:15.

¹⁵ And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; it shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.

This is needed to fulfill Moshe’s words in Devarim 18:18-19.

¹⁸ I will raise them up a Prophet from among their brethren, like to you, and will put My words in His mouth; and He shall speak to them all that I shall command Him.  ¹⁹ And it shall come to pass, whosoever will not hearken to My words which He shall speak in My name, I will require of him.

Yeshua was the prophet like Moshe.  He is the only one to bring redemption to the world.  This is something much more than the salvation many look to.  It will be something that only Yehovah could accomplish through His power.  It is something mankind could never do on their own power.  It will be fulfilled in the future.  It is the what we should all be working towards.

We who are save today are the children of the promise, but there are much more to come.  We still have to contend with Galatians 4:29.

²⁹ But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him after the Spirit, even so now.

As it was then, so it is today.  Many today are trying to accomplish God’s works through their own efforts.  Many are trying to save others through their wisdom and power.  Few realize that one can only achieve salvation through the power of God.  God sends out those in His power to deliver His message free of any error.  As such, we learn Galatians 4:30.

³⁰ Nevertheless what says the Scripture?  Cast out the bondwoman and her son.  for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman.

We must cast out the bondwoman of our lives.  We need to quit doing everything through our own power.  We need to look to the Author and Finisher of our faith.  We need to allow Him to work within us.  We must be purged through Hebrews 9:14.

¹⁴ How much more shall the blood of Messiah, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?

Just as the bondwoman is cast out, we must be purged of our dead works.  This can only be done by fulfilling, 1 Yochanan 1:7.

⁷ But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship one with another, and the blood of Messiah Yeshua His Son cleanses us from all sin.

We must walk like He did in the newness of the Spirit.  As we continue, we may fail but there is a way to remedy this through 1 Yochanan 2:1-2.

¹ My little children, these things write I to you, that you sin not.  And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Yeshua Messiah the righteous.  ² And He is the propitiation for our sins.  And not for ours only, but also for the whole world.

Although we do not sacrifice animals at the altar, there is still a process for repentance, forgiveness and reparation.  It is not simply forgive and forget, and all is fine.  Many of us today have not properly repented of our iniquities.  It explains why many of us do not live a life of victory nor do our children.  However, this can be easily rectified when we start to walk in His ways through His grace, His power flowing through us.  Then we can truly understand Galatians 4:31.

³¹ So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.

When we walk in His Covenant of Grace, we are not of the bondwoman, we are free.  We must learn the difference and never mix the two.

 

Yishmael’s Portion

Yishmael’s Portion 

Bereishis 21:13

¹³ And also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation, because he your seed.

Yehovah assured Avraham that there would be an inheritance for Yishmael.  It was stated earlier in Bereishis 17:20.

²⁰ And as for Yishmael, I have heard you.  Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve rulers (nasiy) shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.

Yehovah would fulfill His promise for Yishmael.  Yishmael was the beginning of Avraham strength.  In some estimations, Yishmael received more than double.  Today, Yishmael has many more descendants that Yitzchaq.  The land that Yishmael’s descendants possess dwarfs that of Yisrael.  Yishmael received a greater physical inheritance.

However, Yitzchaq received something Yishmael did not.  Yitzchaq received a spiritual inheritance.  As time goes forward, there will be no disputing that Yitzchaq received the greater blessing.  Eventually all of Yishmael’s descendants will have to come under the covenant made with Yitzchaq or they will cease to exist.

 

Again Yehovah Answers 

Again Yehovah Answers 

Bereishis 21:14 

¹⁴ And Avraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread, and a bottle of water, and gave to Hagar, putting on her shoulder, and the child, and sent her away and she departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beer Sheva.

The next morning, Avraham sent off Hagar and Yishmael.  He gave them bread and water.  How much is unknown.  They departed and wandered in Beer Sheva.

It is unclear if Hagar was familiar with the area or how far the next settlement or town was.  At this time, Avraham was still residing in Gerar.

Bereishis 12:15-16

¹⁵ And the water was spent in the bottle, and she cast the child under one of the shrubs.  ¹⁶ And she went, and sat her down over against 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 and lift up her voice, and wept.

After Hagar and Yishmael had consumed the water, it seems Hagar lost hope.  Although God told her previously that Yishmael would multiply in Bereishis 16:10.

¹⁰ And the Messenger (malak) of Yehovah said to her, I will multiply your seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.

And Hagar eventually answered with Bereishis 16:13.

¹³ And she called the name of Yehovah that spoke to her, You God sees (roiy) me.  For she said, Have I also here looked after Him that sees (roiy) me?

It seems that this is all forgotten now that things have gotten progressively worse.  Hagar can no longer return to Avraham’s family.

It is interesting that as the water was exhausted, the Spirit is limited in Hagar.  In this sense, Hagar represents those that lack the Baptism of the Spirit.  They often become exhausted in this world.

This common with many of us.  God spoke to us in the past, but when things get desperate we seem to forget and sink to a new low.

We must remember Yeshayahu 55:11.

¹¹ So shall My word be that goes forth out of My mouth.  It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper whereto I sent it.

God had not forsaken Hagar.  Sometimes when we think everything is about to fall apart, we need to be patient.  As for Hagar, her time was to come shortly.

 

Yehovah Watches Over

Yehovah Watches Over

Bereishis 21:17

¹⁷ And Redeemer heard the voice of the lad; and the messenger (malak) of Redeemer called to Hagar out of heaven, and said to her, What ails you, Hagar?  Fear not; for Redeemer has heard the voice of the lad where he.

Yehovah had heard Yishmael cry out.  It is never like many assume.  God watches over those that are in His purposes and plans.  We just need to walk in them and more of our prayers will be answered.  Yochanan makes this clear in 1 Yochanan 5:14-15.

¹⁴ And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that, if we ask any thing according to His will, He hears us.  ¹⁵ And if we know that He hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of Him.

It is this simple if our prayers are according to His will, He will answer us.  If he does not answer our prayer, it is because of one of two reasons.  It is not time yet or it is not His will.  If we pray within His will even if it is not time, there will be an assurance of a future fulfillment.  As in the case of Hagar, He kept an eye out for her and ensured she was always safe.

Bereishis 21:18

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

Again Yehovah tells Hagar that Yishmael would be great.  He tells Hagar to return to Yishmael and hold him in her hand.  It is as if Yishmael will be great Hagar will be alongside of Him.  Then Yehovah shows her the provision she needs.

Bereishis 21:19

¹⁹ And Redeemer opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water; and she went, and filled the bottle with water, and gave the lad drink.

Yehovah opened Hagar’s eyes and she sees a well a water.  It is questionable if the well was always there or God created it out of the desert.  Possibly, Hagar could not see the well because her spiritual eyes needed to be opened to who her provider was.

This same condition happens to many of us.  We go along on our own strength thinking we have got everything under control.  Then one day, we find the bottom pulled out from under us.  We usually like to blame some event or a person for these catastrophes.  When in reality we are skating on thin ice on our own power.  Had we been following Him in all ways with His grace flowing through us, we would find that these situation do not happen.  We can avoid most of the mishaps in life if we walk with Him in all things in His ways.  Once Hagar came to the end of herself and relied on Yehovah, He opened her eyes to the provision that was always there before her.  The same could be true for us.  When we look only to Him, He too will open our spiritual eyes to what is before us.  There will be no obstacle or famine we will not have sufficient above our needs.

 

Skilled Archer H7199

Skilled Archer H7199

Bereishis 21:20-21

²⁰ And Redeemer was with the lad; and he grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became a skilled archer (qashshas).

“Skilled archer” (formerly archer) comes from the Hebrew phrase רֹבֶה קַשָּׁת.  It is two Hebrew words רָבָה ravah (H7235) and קַשָּׁת qashshas (H7199).

רָבָה ravah (H7235) is in the Bible 226 times.  It means to multiply, become numerous, become great.  Basically, this word connotes a numerical increase.  It can refer to the process of increasing numerically.

קַשָּׁת qashshas (H7199) is in the Bible 1 time.  It is the intensive of קֶשֶׁת qeshes (H7198).

קֶשֶׁת qeshes (H7198) is in the Bible 77 times.  It is translated bow 68 times, archers + יָרָה yara (H3384) 3 times, archers 2 times, archers + דָּרַךְ ḏarak (H1869) 1 time and 3 miscellaneous words.

קֶשֶׁת qeshes (H7198) refers to either the bow in the sky or the bow for shooting an arrow.  Because of the use of the word, it is often rendered the one shooting the bow, the archer.  Twice it is rendered archer incorrectly and should have been rendered bow.  When used in conjunction with another Hebrew words, it may refer to the one who shoots the arrow, the archer.

The three miscellaneous words are bowshot in Bereishis 21:16, arrow in Iyyov 41:28 and bowmen in Yirmeyahu 4:29.  These three occurrences, קֶשֶׁת qeshes (H7198) is used in conjunction with another Hebrew word.

קֶשֶׁת qeshes (H7198) should be rendered bow at all times.  If it is used with another Hebrew word, it has some reference to the use of a bow.  Context usually will clarify the meaning.

קַשָּׁת qashshas (H7199) although rendered archer, it may have a different meaning.  The fact that it is combined with רָבָה ravah (H7235) in Bereishis 21:20 indicates that Yishmael had obtained a certain level of skill that was noted.  He may have been a skilled warrior and marksman.  רֹבֶה קַשָּׁת should be rendered skilled archer.

 

Hagar & Yishmael Together

Hagar & Yishmael Together

Bereishis 21:20-21

²⁰ And Redeemer was with the lad; and he grew, and dwelt in the wilderness, and became a skilled archer (qashshas).  ²¹ And he dwelt in the wilderness of Paran and his mother took him a wife out of the land of Mitzrayim.

Yishmael was a skilled archer that lived in the wilderness of Paran.  Hagar would eventual find Yishmael a wife from Mitzrayim.  This would make sense considering Hagar herself was a Mitzrayim, Bereishis 16:1.

¹ Now Saray Avram’s wife bare him no children.  And she had a handmaid, a Mitzrayim, whose name Hagar.

It is unknow if Hagar joined Avraham and Sarah when they were in Mitzrayim.  This would have been during the time of the famine in Kenaan.  When Avraham was in in Mitzrayim and Pharaoh gave servants to gain Avraham’s favor, Bereishis 12:16.

¹⁶ And he entreated Avram well for her sake and he had sheep, and oxen, and he asses, and menservants, and maidservants, and she asses, and camels.

Although, the prophecies were directly for Yishmael, Hagar would be alongside of him.

 

Aviymelek Sees

Aviymelek Sees

Bereishis 21:22

²² And it came to pass at that time, that Aviymelek and Piykol the prince (sar) of his host spoke to Avraham, saying, Redeemer with you in all that you do.

Aviymelek and Pikol speak with Avraham.  They tell him that Yehovah is with Avraham in all he does.  This is in stark contrast to what Avraham tells Aviymelek when questioned in Bereishis 20:10-11.

¹⁰ And Aviymelek said to Avraham, What saw you, that you have done this thing?  ¹¹ And Avraham said, Because I thought, Surely the fear of Redeemer not in this place; and they will slay me for my wife’s sake.

When Aviymelek ask Avraham why he would hide the fact that Sarah was his wife, Avraham told him that he did see the fear of Redeemer in Gerar.  Now Aviymelek is telling Avraham that Redeemer is with Avraham in all he does.  Whatever Aviymelek saw, it was different than what was occurring in his own kingdom.

It should be noticeable that things go well for the believer.  God tells in Devarim 4:40.

⁴⁰ You shall keep therefore His statutes, and His commandments, which I command you this day, that it may go well with you, and with your children after you, and that you may prolong days upon the earth (adamah), which Yehovah your Redeemer gives you, for ever.

It was certainly noticeable in Avraham’s life.  As a result, Aviymelek wants to take their relationship to a new level.

 

Align with the Prophets

Align with the Prophets

Bereishis 21:23-24

²³ Now therefore swear (shava) to me here by Redeemer that you will not deal falsely with me, nor with my son, nor with my son’s son.  According to the mercy (chesed) that I have done to you, you shall do to me, and to the land wherein you have sojourned.  ²⁴ And Avraham said, I will swear (shava).

Swear comes from the Hebrew word שָׁבַע shava (H7650).  It is in the Bible 187 times שָׁבַע shava (H7650) is translated swore 167 times, charge 8 times, oath 7 times, adjure 3 times and straitly 2 times.

שָׁבַע shava (H7650) means to swear or take an oath.  It should always be translated swear.  It first occurs in Bereishis 21:23-24.

“To swear or to take an oath” is to strongly affirm a promise.  To swear was to give one’s sacred unbreakable word in testimony that the one swearing would faithfully perform some promised deed, or that he would faithfully refrain from some evil act.  Occasionally one swore that he freely acknowledged a truth and would continue to acknowledge the truth in the future.  This was the case with Abraham and Avimelekh in Bereishis 21:30 below.

Aviymelek sees all the good that is happening in Avraham’s life and wants to establish a more secure relationship with Avraham.  He had previously heard from God that Avraham was a prophet, Bereishis 20:7.

⁷ Now therefore restore the man wife; for he a prophet, and he shall pray for you, and you shall live, and if you restore not, know you that you shall surely die, you, and all that yours.

He saw the results of Avraham’s prayer in Bereishis 20:17.

¹⁷ So Avraham prayed to Redeemer and Redeemer healed Aviymelek, and his wife, and his maidservants; and they bare.  ¹⁸ For Yehovah had fast closed up all the wombs of the house of Aviymelek, because of Sarah Avraham’s wife.

Aviymelek who had a relationship with Yehovah had seen that Avraham was more advance.  He certainly did not want to cross Avraham.  We too need to act accordingly.  We are warned in 1 Divrey Hayyamiym 16:20-22.

²⁰ And they went from nation to nation, and from kingdom to another people; ²¹ He suffered no man to do them wrong.  Yes, He reproved kings for their sakes, ²² Touch not My anointed, and do My prophets no harm.

This is repeated in Tehillah 105:13-15.

¹³ When they went from one nation to another, from kingdom to another people; ¹⁴ He suffered no man to do them wrong.  Yes, He reproved kings for their sakes; ¹⁵ touch not My anointed, and do My prophets no harm.

When you find a prophet of God do not take them lightly.  Yeshua spoke of this in Matisyahu 10:41.

⁴¹ He that receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.

It is to our advantage to align ourselves with a prophet of God.

 

Violently Taken Away

Violently Taken Away 

Bereishis 21:25 

²⁵ And Avraham reproved Aviymelek because of a well of water, which Aviymelek’s servants had violently taken away.

“Had violently taken away” is the Hebrew word גָּזַל gazal (H1497).  It is in the Bible 30 times.  גָּזַל gazal (H1497) is translated spoil 8 times, take away 8 times, rob 4 times, pluck 3 times, caught 1 time, consume 1 time, exercised 1 time, force 1 time, pluck off 1 time, torn 1 time and violence 1 time.

גָּזַל gazal (H1497) has in its meaning the violence that goes beyond mere stealing or taking another’s belongings.  It includes robbing by force, tearing off. 

One of the most violent horrors of the ancient world was the practice of flaying people, that is, literally skinning them alive.  It was one of the atrocities committed by the armies of Assyria.  Although using the verb somewhat figuratively, the prophet Miykah has such flaying in mind in Miykah 3:2.

² Who hate the good, and love the evil; who pluck off their skin (gazal) from off them, and their flesh from off their bones; 

In other contexts, the verb refers to deeds of similar horror.  For example, tearing a fatherless child from the breast, Iyyov 24:9. 

⁹ They pluck (gazal) the fatherless from the breast, and take a pledge of the poor. 

A house in Iyyov 20:19.

¹⁹ Because he has oppressed has forsaken the poor; he has violently taken away (gazal) a house which he builded not; 

A fields in Miykah 2:2.

² And they covet fields, and take by violence (gazal); and houses, and take away.  So they oppress a man and his house, even a man and his heritage. 

As noted above, Qohelet uses the root to speak of political violence, the tearing away of justice and righteousness, Qohelet 5:8.

⁸ If you see the oppression of the poor, and violent perverting (gezel) of judgment and justice in a province, marvel not at the matte.  For higher than the highest regards; and higher than they. 

Mishley 4:16 uses this word to describe those who are robbed until they do their evil on another. 

¹⁶ For they sleep not, except they have done mischief; and their sleep is violently taken away (gazal), unless they cause to fall.

Some are violently driven to do evil.  It is the only way they can find rest.  They are controlled by forces outside the God’s Kingdom. 

The use of גָּזַל gazal (H1497) in Avraham’s description of what happened indicates a blatant disregard for others.

 

Unbeknownst to Aviymelek

Unbeknownst to Aviymelek 

Bereishis 21:25 

²⁵ And Avraham reproved Aviymelek because of a well of water, which Aviymelek’s servants had violently taken away (gazal).

Now that Aviymelek and Avraham have come to an understanding, Avraham has something to say.  He reproves Aviymelek for what his servants have done.  They had violently taken a well from Avraham.  Avraham as a stranger had no rights as a native.  Aviymelek’s servants acted out of selfishness and disregard for other’s welfare.

Bereishis 21:26

²⁶ And Aviymelek said, I know not who has done this thing.  Neither did you tell me, neither yet heard I, but to day.

This is the first time Aviymelek is hearing of this situation.  This may provided some insight to the spiritual condition of Gerar.  Not only was a well taken from Avraham, it taken violently from him.

Previously Aviymelek had said to Yehovah, Bereishis 20:4.

⁴ But Aviymelek had not come near her and he said, Lord, will you slay also a righteous nation?

May be Aviymelek’s nation was not as righteous as he was led to beleive.  It came as a surprise to Aviymelek that his servants had violently taken a well from Avraham.  This is something he should have known about.  It is something he should have prevented by placing measure to minimize this.

When Avraham told Aviymelek that he did not believe this nation feared Redeemer, Avraham may have saw something when he arrive.  Something that caused him to believe Gerar was not a God fearing nation.  Possibly it was how he was initially treated.  They may not have been any more welcoming than any other nation.

 

Oath of the Seven Lambs

Oath of the Seven Lambs

Bereishis 21:27

²⁷ And Avraham took sheep and oxen, and gave them to Aviymelek; and both of them made a covenant.

After Avraham had informed Aviymelek of the situation with the well, he gave Aviymelek sheep and oxen.  Avraham intends on making a covenant with Aviymelek.  Avraham will do something different than what Aviymelek did previously in Bereishis 20:14.

¹⁴ And Aviymelek took sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and womenservants, and gave to Avraham, and restored him Sarah his wife.

Bereishis 21:28

²⁸ And Avraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves.

Avraham will specifically set aside seven female lambs.  This is a foreshadowing of Yeshayahu 4:1-3.

¹ And in that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, We will eat our own bread, and wear our own apparel.  Only let us be called by your name,

To take away our reproach.  ² In that day shall the branch of Yehovah be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the land excellent and comely for them that are escaped of Yisrael.  ³ And it shall come to pass, left in Tziyyon, and remains in Yerushalayim shall be called holy every one that is written among the living in Yerushalayim.

These seven women are future believers that have answered the high calling of God in Yeshua Messiah.  This is something Paul strove for in Philippians 3:13-14.

¹³ Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended.  But one thing, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth to those things which are before, ¹⁴ I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Messiah Yeshua.

Paul was not just about saving people and writing epistles, he pursued a higher calling.  He wanted to go beyond the crowds of people and reach a level few obtain or even consider.  This is what these seven lambs and the seven women represent.  Few understand and few know who they are.  Just as Aviymelek was not knowledgeable that day.

Bereishis 21:29

²⁹ And Aviymelek said to Avraham, What these seven ewe lambs which you have set by themselves?

Even Aviymelek who consider himself righteous did not understand the meaning of the seven female lambs.  Today there are many like him who are unaware of the seven female lambs and the High Calling of God in Yeshua Messiah.  They are under the impression that all believers are the same.  This is a serious oversight by many believers.  Because of this, they find little if any reason to pursue righteous to the depths the Apostles and Prophets di in the First Century.  It is described throughout the Beriys Chadashah.  As a result, many will find little victory today or reward in the future.

In the future, those who have pursued the high calling will be set aside.  They will find a seat close to God than many discounted.

Do not be like Aviymelek.  Take time to discover the deep meaning and calling of Scriptures.  Then pursue with all your heart and soul.  It will benefit you today and will make a difference in those around you.

Bereishis 21:30

³⁰ And he said, For seven ewe lambs shall you take of my hand, that they may be a witness to me, that I have dug this well.

Avraham intended on getting his well back permanently.  He wanted to find out if Aviymelek was a man of his word.

At this point, Aviymelek could either ignore the issue or prove that he was as righteous as he contended.  This was more than an issue of who owned the well.  It was a question of the righteousness of the nation of Gerar.  Aviymelek needed to resolve this situation with Avraham and his people.  He could no longer claim to be a righteous nations until he rectified this issue with Avraham.  He also need to take action with his people to prevent this from happening in the future.  This issue will surface again when Yitzchaq dwells in the land.

Avraham had Avimelekh swear to the truth that Avraham had dug the well.  As such, Avraham owned the well he called Beer-sheva.

What is interesting is the Hebrew verb for “to swear” is identical in the unpointed Hebrew text to the number seven.  This also infers a relationship in the events of Bereishis 21. 

Avimelekh desires Avraham to swear to deal uprightly, while Avraham in turn requires Avimelekh to do the same thing.  Avraham then applies the issue of the well as a testament of Aviymelek’s righteousness.  Avraham seals the oath by giving exactly seven ewe lambs as a testimonial witness to Avimelekh.

We need to realize that oaths and swearing are an extremely serious matter, Matisyahu 5:37.

³⁷ But let your communication be, Yes, yes; No, no.  For whatsoever is more than these comes of evil.

We will give account of our words in the future, Matisyahu 12:36.

³⁶ But I say to you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the Day of Judgment (krisis).

Be very careful when you swear.  There is one that is always listening and has a perfect memory.

 

Well of the Seven Oath 

Well of the Seven Oath

Bereishis 21:31

³¹ Wherefore he called that place Beer-sheba; because there they swore both of them.

The well is called Beer Sheva, or Well-of-the-Seven-Oath. 

Some define שָׁבַע shava (H7650) by the one-line paraphrase, “to … seven oneself, or bind oneself by seven things”.  There is evidence that in the ancient world that it was not uncommon to seal an agreement by the septenary number.

Bereishis 21:32

³² Thus they made a covenant at Beer-sheba.  Then Aviymelek rose up, and Piykol the chief captain of his host, and they returned into the land of the Pelishtiym.

After they made the Oath, Aviymelek and Piykol return to Pelishtiym.

Bereishis 21:33

³³ And planted a grove in Beer-sheba, and called there on the name of Yehovah, the everlasting God (el).

Avraham eventually planted a grove in Beer Sheva.  From there, he called on the name of Yehovah.  More than likely, Avraham built an altar at Beer Sheva.

Bereishis 21:34

³⁴ And Avraham sojourned in the Pelishtiym land many days.

Avraham remained in Pelishtiym for a while.

Return to Bereishis (Genesis)

Return to Books of the Bible

Return to Bible Studies