(11) Ishmael.—That is, God heareth. Like Samuel, Ishmael received his name from the events of his mother’s life, and not from anything in his own. There was, however, no rule in this matter, and the naming of children in the Book of Genesis is very diversified. read more
A Particular Providence As Revealed in the Gospel Genesis 16:13 God beholds thee individually, whoever thou art. He 'calls the by thy name'. He sees thee, and understands thee, as He made thee. He knows what is in thee, all thy own peculiar feelings and thoughts, thy dispositions and likings, thy strength and thy weakness. He views thee in thy day of rejoicing, and thy day of sorrow. He sympathizes in thy hopes and thy temptations. He interests Himself in all thy anxieties and remembrances,... read more
BIRTH OF ISHMAELGenesis 16:1-16IN this unpretending chapter we have laid bare to us the origin of one of the most striking facts in the history of religion: namely, that from the one person of Abram have sprung Christianity and that religion which has been and still is its most formidable rival and enemy, Mohammedanism. To Ishmael, the son of Abram, the Arab tribes are proud to trace their pedigree. Through him they claim Abram as their father, and affirm that they are his truest... read more
CHAPTER 16 Abraham and Hagar 1. Sarai’s suggestion (Genesis 16:1-3 ) 2. Abram’s action (Genesis 16:4 ) 3. Sarai and Hagar (Genesis 16:5-6 ) 4. Hagar in the wilderness (Genesis 16:7-9 ) 5. The birth of Ishmael announced (Genesis 16:10-14 ) 6. Ishmael born (Genesis 16:15-16 ) The fifteenth chapter may be called Abram’s faith chapter. The sixteenth is the chapter of unbelief. It was impatience which forced Sarai and Abram to act for themselves. Unbelief is impatience and impatience is... read more
HUMAN EFFORT TO ACCOMPLISH GOD'S PROMISE Though Abram was a man of faith, Sarai his wife had not borne children, and she weakened his faith by making a mere fleshly suggestion that he should use Sarai's bondmaid, Hagar, by whom to bear a child for Sarai (v.2). Abram's experience with the Lord in chapter 15 ought to have strengthened him to realize that God's promise was sure even though they had to wait so long for its fulfilment. As to the fulfilling of the promise, Abram did not have to... read more
THE TOKEN OF THE COVENANT Our lessons are grouping themselves around the great facts of Scripture as we proceed, and while we are omitting nothing essential, emphasis is laid on the strategic points. In this lesson the point is the token of the covenant God made with Abram, but there are other thoughts leading up to and giving occasion for it. SARAI AND HAGAR (Genesis 16:1-6 ) The incident we now approach is not creditable to Abram or his wife, but there is an explanation of it. At least... read more
Abram's Domestic Life Genesis 15:0 and Genesis 16:0 I take these two chapters together, as completing one view of Abram's domestic life. It may be well to take notice that, up to this point, everything has gone on in regular order, with the exception of one great and solemn event. We have found just what we might have looked for: the growth of the population, the spreading out of families and tribes into distant places, a little invention, and the beginnings of discovery and progress. There... read more
And the angel of the LORD said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude. Reader! I entreat you to remark with me, the peculiarity of the expression. The angel doth not promise in another's name, as would certainly have been the case had he been a created angel, but in his own. He saith, I will multiply thy seed, etc. And who then could this be but the Angel of the Covenant, even the Lord Jesus Christ. See Malachi 3:1 . It is very gratifying to... read more
And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction. The name Ishmael signifies, God will hear. Psa_10:17; Psa_31:22 . read more
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Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - Genesis 16:10
(10) I will multiply thy seed.—We have here the purpose of the Divine manifestation. Abram’s son must not be mixed up with and lost among the debased population of Egypt, but must be the father of a free people; and Hagar will now submit to her lot as a slave, that she may secure liberty for her offspring. read more