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Book of Genesis - Chapter 16 - Verse 10

16:10
And the angel of the LORD said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.

Meaning

In this verse, the angel of the LORD is speaking to a woman named Hagar, who had fled into the wilderness after facing mistreatment. The promise given to her by the angel is significant for several reasons. Firstly, the angel assures Hagar that her descendants will multiply exceedingly, so much so that they will be too numerous to count. This promise is a reassurance of God's faithfulness and provision for Hagar and her future generations. It also emphasizes the importance of Hagar in God's plan, despite her status as a servant. The multiplication of her descendants demonstrates God's power to bring about abundant blessings, even in the midst of difficult circumstances. This verse serves as a reminder that God sees and cares for all individuals, no matter their background or circumstances, and that His plans for them are good and full of hope.

Theological Overview

In this verse, the angel of the Lord is speaking to Hagar, the Egyptian maidservant of Sarai, who had fled from her mistress due to mistreatment. The theological interpretation of this verse highlights the faithfulness of God to His promises, even to those who may seem insignificant in society. By promising to multiply Hagar's descendants exceedingly, God demonstrates his caring and inclusive nature towards all of humanity, regardless of their background or social status. This verse also foreshadows the future blessings that will come to Hagar's son, Ishmael, who will go on to become the father of a great nation according to God's plan. The word "seed" in this verse can be interpreted as a reference to Hagar's future descendants, indicating the abundant blessings that they will receive from God. Overall, this verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's faithfulness, provision, and grace in the lives of His people, showcasing His sovereign control over all aspects of human history.

American Standard Version

And the angel of Jehovah said unto her, I will greatly multiply thy seed, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.
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