Verses 14–21
If Hagar and Ishmael had behaved well in Abraham's family, they might have continued there;
but they were justly punished. By abusing privileges, we forfeit them. Those who know not when
they are well off, will be made to know the worth of mercies by the want of them. They were
brought to distress in the wilderness. It is not said that the provisions were spent, or that Abraham
sent them away without money. But the water was spent; and having lost their way, in that hot
climate Ishmael was soon overcome with fatigue and thirst. God's readiness to help us when we
are in trouble, must not slacken, but quicken our endeavours to help ourselves. The promise
concerning her son is repeated, as a reason why Hagar should bestir herself to help him. It should
engage our care and pains about children and young people, to consider that we know not what
great use God has designed them for, and may make of them. The angel directs her to a present
supply. Many who have reason to be comforted, go mourning from day to day, because they do
not see the reason they have for comfort. There is a well of water near them in the covenant of
grace, but they are not aware of it, till the same God that opened their eyes to see their wound,
opens them to see their remedy. Paran was a wild place, fit for a wild man; such as Ishmael. Those
who are born after the flesh, take up with the wilderness of this world, while the children of the
promise aim at the heavenly Canaan, and cannot be at rest till they are there. Yet God was with the
lad; his outward welfare was owing to this.
Verses 22–34
Abimelech felt sure that the promises of God would be fulfilled to Abraham. It is wise to connect
ourselves with those who are blessed of God; and we ought to requite kindness to those who have
been kind to us. Wells of water are scarce and valuable in eastern countries. Abraham took care to
have his title to the well allowed, to prevent disputes in future. No more can be expected from an
honest man than that he be ready to do right, as soon as he knows he has done wrong. Abraham,
being now in a good neighbourhood, stayed a great while there. There he made, not only a constant
practice, but an open profession of his religion. There he called on the name of the Lord, as the
everlasting God; probably in the grove he planted, which was his place of prayer. Abraham kept
up public worship, in which his neighbours might join. Good men should do all they can to make
others so. Wherever we sojourn, we must neither neglect nor be ashamed of the worship of Jehovah.
Chapter 22
Chapter Outline
God commands Abraham to offer up Isaac. (1, 2)
Abraham's faith and obedience to the Divine (3–10)
command.