Book of Genesis - Chapter 21 - Verse 15

Genesis 21:15 narrates the story of Hagar and her son Ishmael wandering in the wilderness after being cast out by Abraham. In this verse, we see Hagar reaching a point of desperation as the water in her bottle runs out. With no means of survival in sight, Hagar makes the heartbreaking decision to distance herself from her dying son, Ishmael, by placing him under one of the shrubs. This act reflects the depths of her despair and illustrates the immense challenges faced by the outcasts. Despite this bleak situation, the following verses show how God provides for Hagar and Ishmael by opening her eyes to a well of water, demonstrating his compassion and care for those in need. This verse serves as a reminder of God's faithfulness in times of trial and his ability to provide for us even in the most desperate circumstances.

In the book of Genesis, this verse tells a poignant story of Hagar and her son Ishmael in the wilderness. The theological interpretation of this verse revolves around the desperation and despair that Hagar faced as she ran out of water in the wilderness. The phrase "cast the child under one of the shrubs" reflects Hagar's helplessness and anguish as she believed they would die of thirst. The word "cast" signifies her sense of abandonment and hopelessness in that moment. The emphasis on the water being spent in the bottle highlights the physical need for sustenance but also metaphorically symbolizes the spiritual emptiness and isolation that Hagar must have felt. The word studies of "spent" and "bottle" reveal the extent of their dire situation and the limitations of their resources. Overall, this verse captures the depth of human suffering and the need for divine intervention in times of crisis.