Genesis 21:15

Arabic 2018 (الترجمة الكاثوليكيّة (اليسوعيّة))

ونَفِدَ الماءُ مِنَ القِربَة، فطَرَحَتِ الوَلَدَ تَحتَ بَعضِ الشِّيح.

What Does This Mean?

In this verse, Hagar, who is fleeing from Sarah, realizes she has run out of water for her son, Ishmael. Desperate and exhausted, she leaves Ishmael under a shrub to protect him while she walks away, not wanting to witness his death from thirst.

Explained for Children

Imagine you're on a long hike and you run out of water. You feel too tired to carry your little brother, so you find a nice, shady spot to put him down. You don't want to see him get really thirsty, so you walk away a little bit to think about what to do next.

Historical Background

This verse is from the book of Genesis, written by Moses around 1446-1406 BCE. It describes a moment of desperation and faith in the life of Hagar and Ishmael, setting the stage for their eventual rescue and the continuation of God's promise to Abraham.

Living It Out Today

In a modern scenario, this verse can be seen as a reminder of the moments when we feel completely out of resources, both physical and emotional. Like Hagar, we might feel we have no choice but to leave things in God's hands, trusting that even in our darkest moments, He will provide.

Topics

• faith
• desperation
• trust
• hope
• providence
• promise

Related Verses

• Exodus 17:6
• 1 Samuel 12:8
• Luke 16:31
• Romans 9:7
• Hebrews 11:11

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Hagar leave Ishmael under a shrub?

Hagar was out of water and couldn't continue walking with Ishmael. She left him there to protect him from the elements and to avoid witnessing his suffering.

What does this verse teach us about faith?

This verse teaches us that even in moments of extreme desperation, God can provide. Hagar and Ishmael's situation seemed hopeless, yet God provided for them.

How does this verse connect to God's promises?

This verse is part of the larger narrative of God's promise to Abraham. Despite the difficulties, God continued to fulfill His promise through Ishmael and Isaac.

What can we learn about God's providence from this verse?

We can learn that God is always working to fulfill His promises, even when the situation looks dire. Hagar's actions were driven by desperation, but God's provision was evident in the outcome.