Book of Genesis - Chapter 16 - Verse 16

At this point in the Bible, we learn that Abram, who later became known as Abraham, was 86 years old when his wife Sarai gave him her handmaid Hagar to bear a child. The birth of Ishmael through Hagar marked a significant event in the story of Abraham, as it set in motion the fulfillment of God's promise to make him the father of many nations. The fact that Abram was already advanced in age when Ishmael was born highlights the miraculous nature of God's promise, demonstrating His power to overcome human limitations. This verse serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness and the importance of trusting in His timing, even when circumstances seem unlikely. As readers follow Abram's journey through the Bible, they witness how God's plan unfolds in unexpected and miraculous ways, ultimately leading to the birth of Isaac, the fulfillment of the covenant, and the continuation of the lineage through which the Messiah would come.

The theological interpretation of this verse focuses on the significance of Abram being eighty-six years old when Hagar gave birth to Ishmael. In the Bible, the number eight often symbolizes resurrection or new beginnings, while the number six represents human imperfection or incompleteness. Therefore, Abram's age of eighty-six could be seen as a combination of these two numbers, symbolizing a new beginning amidst human imperfection. This event marks a turning point in Abram's life, as it is the beginning of the fulfillment of God's promise to make him the father of many nations. Additionally, a word study of "Ishmael" reveals that it means "God hears" in Hebrew, which highlights the fact that God heard Hagar's distress and provided for her by promising to bless her son despite his status as a child of a maidservant. This verse emphasizes God's faithfulness and provision in unexpected situations.