Book of Genesis - Chapter 21 - Verse 16

The verse "And she went, and sat her down over against him a good way off, as it were a bowshot: for she said, Let me not see the death of the child. And she sat over against him, and lift up her voice, and wept." from the Bible represents a heartbreaking moment in the story of Hagar and her son, Ishmael. Hagar, feeling utterly helpless and unable to bear witnessing the death of her beloved child, decides to distance herself while still keeping a watchful eye. The description in the verse of her sitting a good way off, as it were a bowshot, reflects her emotional turmoil and agony. By lifting up her voice and weeping, Hagar expresses her deep sorrow and desperation in the face of impending tragedy. This verse highlights the profound love and maternal instinct that Hagar feels towards her child, as well as the pain and grief that accompany the harsh reality of their circumstances. It serves as a reminder of the powerful bond between a mother and her child, and the strength found in moments of vulnerability and distress.

In this verse, we see Hagar, the maidservant of Sarah, sitting a good way off from her son Ishmael as he lay dying in the wilderness. The phrase "a good way off" may hold deeper theological significance as it reflects Hagar's emotional and physical distance from the imminent death of her child. Despite her distance, Hagar's anguish is palpable as she lifts up her voice and weeps in despair. This poignant scene highlights the depth of a mother's love and desperation, as she cannot bear to witness the death of her beloved son. The text invites readers to reflect on themes of separation, distress, and the innate human desire to protect and nurture our loved ones. By examining the emotional turmoil experienced by Hagar, we are confronted with the harsh realities of life and the raw emotions that accompany loss and suffering. Through the theological interpretation of this verse, we are reminded of the importance of empathy, compassion, and the need for divine comfort in times of distress.