Study 14 of "Search The Scriptures” Is:
Genesis 20:1-21:21
1. What may we learn from Gn. 20 of the weakness
of human nature, even in a believer; and of God’s protecting care and saving
grace? Cf. Ps. 94:18; Mk. 14:38; 1 Cor. 10:12; 2 Tim. 2:13.
2. Gn. 21:1-7. Isaac’s means ‘laughter’. What is the difference between Sarah’s
laughter in 18:12 and in 21:6? How was
the change brought about? See also 17:17-19.
To what two complementary truths did the name Isaac thus bear witness? Cf. Mt.
19:26.
3. Gn. 21:8-21. From what was Ismael cast out,
and why? Cf. Rom. 9:6-9; Gal. 4:28-30.
Why did God nevertheless hear Ismael’s voice and grant him His blessing
and His presence?
Notes
1. 20:18. The use here of God’s covenant name ‘Lord’
or “Jehovah” is significant. It was He who intervened to preserve Sarah as the
intended mother of the promises son.
Contrast 21:17-20, where we read that ‘God’, not the ‘Lord’, heard
Ismael’s voice, etc.
2. 21:9 ‘Playing with’ the same is probably better
conveyed by the Av and Av ‘mocking’. Ishmael did not laugh like Sarah; he made
fun. Thus Isaac, the object of holy laughter, was made the butt of unholy
mockery.
