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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 21:1-8

Few under the Old Testament were brought into the world with such expectation as Isaac was, not for the sake of any great person eminence at which he was to arrive, but because he was to be, in this very thing, a type of Christ, that seed which the holy God had so long promised and holy men so long expected. In this account of the first days of Isaac we may observe, I. The fulfilling of God's promise in the conception and birth of Isaac, Gen. 21:1, 2. Note, God's providences look best and... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 21:4

And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac, being eight days old as , God had commanded him. Genesis 17:12 , and was the first that we read of that was circumcised on that day, according to the divine precept, which Abraham strictly observed; for though this was the son of the promise, and of his old age, for whom he had the most affectionate regard, yet he administered this bloody ordinance on him; nor did he defer it beyond the time, and was himself the operator, as it seems; all which... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 21:4

And Abraham circumcised his son - See note on Genesis 17:10 , etc. read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 21:4

Verse 4 4.And Abraham circumcised his son. Abraham pursued his uniform tenor of obedience, in not sparing his own son. For, although it would be painful for him to wound the tender body of the infant; yet, setting aside all human affection, he obeys the word of God. And Moses records that he did as the Lord had commanded him; because there is nothing of greater importance, than to take the pure word of God for our rule, and not to be wise above what is lawful. This submissive spirit is... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 21:1-8

The son of promise, or a young child's biography. I. THE BIRTH OF ISAAC 1. A surprising phenomenon . "Who would have said that Sarah should have suckled sons?" " Motherhood at ninety was certainly unusual, especially when conjoined with paternity at a hundred. In a world presided over by a personal Deity there must always be room for surprises. 2. A miraculous production . That the conception and birth of Isaac were due to Divine interposition—that in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 21:1-8

Birth, circumcision and weaning of Isaac. Here, is— I. THE FAITIIFULNESS OF JEHOVAH . "As he had spoken. At the set time." "God hath made me to laugh." II. THE FAITH OF HIS SERVANT , which was evidenced in waiting, hoping, naming the son born unto him, obeying the commandment. III. THE GIFT of God was THE REVELATION of God: his love, his power, his purpose, his patience. IV. Taken TYPICALLY , the foreshadowing of the miraculous conception, the kingdom of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 21:4

And Abraham circumcised ( vide on Genesis 17:11 , and note at the end of that chapter) his son Isaac being eight days old (literally, a son of eight days ) , as (not only because, but in the manner in which) God had commanded him. read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Genesis 21:1-34

- The Birth of Isaac7. מלל mı̂lēl “speak,” an ancient and therefore solemn and poetical word.14. חמת chêmet “bottle,” akin to חמה chāmâh, “surround, enclose,” and הוּם chûm “black. באר שׁבע beêr-sheba‛, Beer-sheba‘, “well of seven.”22. פיכל pı̂ykol, Pikhol, “mouth or spokesman of all.”23. נין nı̂yn “offspring, kin;” related: “sprout, flourish.” נכד neked “progeny,” perhaps “acquaintance,” cognate with נגד ngd, “be before” (the eyes) and נקד nqd, “mark.”33. אשׁל 'êshel “grove;” ἄρουρα... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Genesis 21:4

Genesis 21:4. He circumcised his son The covenant being established with him, the seal of the covenant, according to God’s command, was administered to him. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Genesis 21:1-21

Birth of Isaac (21:1-21)When Isaac was born, Abraham circumcised him as commanded. In this way he demonstrated that Isaac was heir to God’s covenant promises (21:1-7; cf. 17:9-14).Ishmael made fun of the covenant family, as Sarah had feared. Being the son of a slave-girl, Ishmael had the right to inherit some of Abraham’s wealth, but he could surrender this right in exchange for the freedom of himself and his mother. Sarah, determined that her son should be the sole heir, tried to persuade... read more

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