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Book of Genesis - Chapter 21 - Verse 13

21:13
And also of the son of the bondwoman will I make a nation, because he is thy seed.

Meaning

In this verse from the Bible, God is speaking to Abraham about the promise He has made to him regarding his descendants. The phrase "son of the bondwoman" refers to Ishmael, the son of Hagar, who was Abraham's servant. Despite being born through a different mother than Isaac, who was born to Sarah, God reassures Abraham that He will also make a great nation out of Ishmael because he is still Abraham's seed. This verse highlights God's faithfulness to His promises and His ability to work in unexpected ways to fulfill His plans. It serves as a reminder that God's blessings and purposes are not limited by human circumstances or expectations, and that His grace extends to all those who are part of His divine plan. Overall, this verse emphasizes the inclusivity of God's covenant with Abraham and the abundance of blessings He bestows upon His chosen people.

Theological Overview

Genesis 21:13 is a significant verse with theological implications. Here, God promises Abraham that He will also make a nation out of Ishmael, the son of Hagar, the bondwoman. This promise, despite Ishmael's status as the son of a slave woman, underscores the inclusivity and mercy of God towards all of Abraham's descendants. It highlights God's faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham and demonstrates that His plans are not limited by societal norms or human expectations. The theological interpretation of this verse emphasizes God's sovereignty and His ability to fulfill His promises in unexpected ways. Moreover, this verse also underscores the divine principle of God's blessing being extended to all people, regardless of their background or circumstances. Through Ishmael, God shows that His plans are not confined to biological lineage or human conventions, but are ultimately driven by His grace and mercy.

American Standard Version

And also of the son of the handmaid will I make a nation, because he is thy seed.
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