Connecting Scriptures:  Hebrews 11:11, Genesis 17:12-21, Isaiah 54:1, Galatians 4:21-31, Hebrews 11:18, Genesis 16:10-12, Genesis 26:15-22, Isaiah 40:28, Psalm 90:2

The time of promise fulfillment had come.  Once they were firmly established in Abimelech’s land, God opens the womb of Sarah and at 90 years old, she gives birth to Isaac.  And she laughs.  This is a different laughter from the one she gives in chapter 18.  Do you see the joy in it?  Not just joy for herself, but a rich and selfless one as she refers to Abraham, “Yet I have borne him a son in his old age.”.  We can see her heart, changed by pure wonder at the the works of God.  

Amidst all this newborn joy and promises lived, the consequences of a lack of faith lurk in the corner.  After Isaac is weaned (probably around 3 years of age) there is an altercation between Abrahams first born by Hagar, Ishmael, and toddling Isaac.  The older makes fun of the younger, as brothers are prone to do.  Sarah is catapulted into momma bear mode.  In anger, and without remorse, she orders her husband to remove Hagar and Ishmael from their home-place.  Abraham is heart broken over it, as he should be.  This was his son and I believe he loved Ishmael greatly.  He had spent 17 years raising him, and teaching him.  Nevertheless, with assurance from God that this action is His will, Abraham gives Hagar (now only referred to as a slave woman by them) and Ishmael food for the journey and little else.  With all his wealth I wonder why he didn’t give them more for travel.  No camel?  No guides and helpers?  Did he expect them to die on the journey and not have to be bothered with them again?  We don’t know and scripture doesn’t reveal.  So, we must look to God and His character in this account.  God loved Hagar and  Ishmael and He had every intention to care for and preserve them as they made a new life outside of Abraham’s tents.  Coming to her a second time, He brings her comfort and water to survive as she is resolved to death and sorrow.  God gives her hope to keep going, and the promise that He would be Faithful to her and Ismael in their new life.  

As stated before, this this chapter contains promises fulfilled, and the last verses cover just that.  In what may seem a usual meeting between powerful men, making treaties and keeping peace, is really God allowing Abraham to see a piece of a bigger picture.  With the son of promises in the world, now they needed a land to call their own.  Abimelech comes, with his general of the army, to make a covenant with Abraham.  As we have covered before, Abraham wasn’t just a hobo living in a pop-up tent on the edge of a field.  Abraham, his family, people and herds—were a small nation.  He was wealthy and his was a God who broke into dreams and granted favor.  Abimelech recognized this, as he was smart to do.  So, they make a treaty.  In this passing of animals (seven lambs perhaps representing the completeness of the deal) we see the dispute and resolution of a well.  When Abraham gave those ewes, he was buying land.  The well, and surrounding area would be his.  This, right here, is the first portion of Promised Land that Abraham and future sons and peoples would have.  Naturally, Abraham plants a tree.  After all, this is his land and he has the right to spruce it up.  The tamarisk tree is a hearty tree that thrives in the dry and harsh climate of Africa and the Middle East.  Its roots run deep and it can withstand salty soil and windy conditions.  It is also an evergreen.  Abraham, perhaps kneeling at the freshly dug soil, calls God The Everlasting God.  El Olam, the Forever, Ancient, Eternal One.  Who keeps every promise and is kind enough to let us see them come to pass a bit, until our faith becomes sight. 

Questions for Reflection:

1.  How does our connecting scripture in Galatians 4 help us to understand this account more fully?

2.  What situation in your life can be encouraged as we consider that God is The Everlasting God who keeps every promise?