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PAGE 19
Hagar
The Desert Plains of Beersheba
However, after Abraham had thrown them out, we now find -- that Hagar and Ishmael had wandered around for a bit, and at one point, ended up finding themselves at the desert plains of Beersheba. Now when it comes to Beersheba? Know that it was a place, that was located near the southernmost borders of Canaan.
(Bible Study Online Article Covers : Genesis 21:14-18)
Short Recap?
In the last article, we learned that the family drama, which had been taking place between Sarah and Hagar, had once again begun to intensify. However, the family strife this time around would come through their sons, Ishmael and Isaac.
The Sacred Record would reveal that one day, during a feast that Abraham was throwing for Isaac, Sarah would discover Ishmael mocking and teasing his much younger half-brother. And because of Ishmael's behavior, Sarah would arrive at what seemed to be her breaking point, having endured her family's ordeal, so when Sarah had found Ishmael mocking his younger half-brother Isaac.
Sarah would become enraged when she saw how Ishmael was treating Isaac.
Because of Ishmael's behavior, Sarah had begun to put intense pressure and demands on her husband, Abraham, as she wanted him to expel Hagar and Ishmael from his household, thereby forcing them out into the wilderness.
Now, keep in mind that Abraham loved Ishmael deeply and was deeply troubled by Sarah's request.
But also know that one night, God visited Abraham in a dream, and it was through this dream that the Lord gave Abraham the okay when it came to carrying out Sarah's wishes.
As that night had passed and the next day was ushered in, we find Abraham supplying Hagar and Ishmael with some food and water as he sent the two on their way, away from his household, and out into the wilderness:
"Early the next morning Abraham took some food and a skin of water and gave them to Hagar. He set them on her shoulders and then sent her off with the boy." -- Genesis 21:14
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The Desert Plains of Beersheba?
However, after this had happened, we now find that Hagar and Ishmael had wandered around for a bit and, at one point, ended up finding themselves at the desert plains of Beersheba. Now, when it comes to Beersheba? Know that it was a place that was located near the southernmost borders of Canaan.
Also, note that Beersheba also hosted the Philistine town and district known as Gerar. Now, the name Beersheba, which means "The Well of Oath," received its name from an "oath covenant" that was made later on between Abraham and the king of Gerar, Abimelech.
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Food Supplies Running Low
Nonetheless, the Sacred Record would also reveal that later on, Hagar and Ishmael had eventually run out of the water that Abraham had first given to them, for you must keep in mind that Hagar and Ishmael had already traveled a great distance. Additionally, at this point, the food supply that Abraham had initially given them was also running low.
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Ishmael's Near Death Condition?
The Sacred Record also confirms that at this point, the two were very hungry and weak, but it was Ishmael who was suffering the most, for he could no longer continue onward when it came to their journey. Ishmael was now found to be in a near-death condition. And it's for this reason that Hagar would stop and place him under one of the nearby bushes.
After she had done this, it is known that Hagar became very sad and concerned about her son, Ishmael. She just knew that he wasn't going to make it, so therefore she walked off and found a place nearby:
"And the water in the skin was used up, and she placed the boy under one of the shrubs. Then she went and sat down across from him at a distance of about a bowshot; for she said to herself, 'Let me not see the death of the boy.' So she sat opposite him , and lifted her voice and wept." -- Genesis 21:15,16
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God Reaches Out
Now, soon after this had happened to Ishmael, we now find God reaching out to Hagar: "God heard the boy crying and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, 'What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. Lift the boy up and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation.'" -- (Genesis 21:17-18)
At this point, we need to pay close attention to what's going on with Hagar and her overall situation. The reason for this is that we might miss a very special moment about to take place in Hagar's life. For it would seem that all of a sudden, the Sacred Record shifts its focus immediately toward her son Ishmael, or does it?
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Who Was God Responding To
Hagar or Ishmael?
Understand that up to this point, we've been reading about how Hagar had been fighting for their survival while they were wandering around in the wilderness. Next, we're told that Ishmael had become gravely sick and very weak from the journey. And again, it was Ishmael's dire health condition that had caused Hagar to lay him down by a bush so he could rest or, worse, pass away peacefully.
So, make no mistake, Hagar was afraid that Ishmael would probably die at this point, and again, this is why she went away from the boy. Now, she didn't go too far, but far enough so she couldn't see Ishmael suffering from starvation and severe dehydration. And needless-to-say, it was at this point that Hagar had begun to cry. And it's also at this time that we find God coming on the scene, in which He acknowledges the cries of Ishmael. But what a minute, what about Hagar?
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Why Is This Important?
Understand that I'm pointing these things out because I don't want you to think that God felt that Hagar's cries weren't worth His attention. It was the complete opposite? It was Hagar's concerns that brought God down for a visit. Keep in mind that Hagar's primary concern was not for her well-being but rather for her son, Ishmael.
You see, Hagar and Ishmael were out in the wilderness of Beersheba with no food or water resources to be found nearby. And Hagar knew that if Ishmael did not receive something in his body soon, something that would refresh and strengthen him, then she knew he would surely die. And again, this would lead to a visitation by God, for we now find Him coming down to reassure Hagar that everything would be all right.
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Remember What God told Hagar
And also remember that the Lord told Hagar that she should go back over to Ishmael, and take his hand and lift him for he will become a great nation:
"God heard the boy crying and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, 'What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. Lift the boy up and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation.'" -- (Genesis 21:17-18)
In the next Bible Study Online Article:
So we just learned that the angel of the Lord, had came down and paid Hagar visit. And it would be during this visit, that we find God giving Hagar reassurance, when it came to her son Ishmael and his overall health. However, in the next article, we'll begin to move forward, and we'll find out if Hagar and Ishmael will be able to survive the wilderness -- and possibly, what will come of them.
May God blessings be upon you, and thank you for your support
Related - Bible Study Online Articles - Links
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The Sons of God - The Daughters of Men
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Jacob - The Path of Uncertainty
16) Abimelech Angry with Abraham
18) Hagar & Ishmael - Sent Away
19) <-CURRENT - BIBLE STUDY ONLINE - PAGE->
Added to Page 19) Hagar the Mother of a Great Nation
20) Abraham & The Well of Oath
21) Abraham & The Great Sacrifice
25) Rebekah gets Permission to Leave
28) The Twelve Rulers of Ishmael
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