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Verse Takeaways
1
More Than Child's Play
Commentators unanimously agree that Ishmael's 'mocking' was not innocent fun. It was a 'malignant expression of scorn' and 'derision' rooted in jealousy over Isaac becoming the heir. Ishmael, who had been the sole heir for over a decade, was now ridiculing the child of God's promise, turning the joy of Isaac's name (which means 'laughter') into a tool of contempt.
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Genesis
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Commentaries
5
Albert Barnes
On Genesis 21:1–34
18th Century
Theologian
מלל mı̂lēl “speak,” an ancient and therefore solemn and poetical word.
חמת chêmet “bottle,…
Charles Ellicott
On Genesis 21:9
19th Century
Bishop
Mocking. —The verb used here is the same as that rendered to laugh in Genesis 21:6, but in an intensive conjugation. What…
John Calvin
On Genesis 21:9
16th Century
Theologian
And Sarah saw the son of Hagar. As the verb "to laugh" has a twofold meaning in Latin, so also the Hebrews use, in both a good and evil se…
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John Gill
On Genesis 21:9
17th Century
Pastor
And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian That is, Ishmael, who is not expressed by name, but described by being a son …
Matthew Henry
On Genesis 21:9–13
17th Century
Minister
Let us not overlook how this family matter instructs us not to rest in outward privileges or in our own deeds. And let us seek the blessings of the…