http://shepherdoftheridge.org/genesis_the_global_study/event/bible_study/genesis_21

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Read Genesis 21 (The Birth of Isaac)

Has God ever given you the sort of blessing that made you want to invite friends to laugh with you? (21:6)

Why do they name the son, "Isaac"?

Who gets the last laugh in this story?

Why is 21:4 important?

From Sarah's perspective, why send away Hagar & Ishmael? (21:8-10)

Abraham was upset because of both love and law. Why did God tell him to send away Hagar and Ishmael? (21:11-13)

What insight does St. Paul give us? (Galatians 4:21-31; Romans 9:6-9)

How does God treat Hagar? (21:13-21)

What does God's choice of Isaac over Ishmael tell us about God?

Why does Abimelech make Abraham swear not to deal falsely with him? (21:23) (Skim Ch. 20 for a hint)

Compare 21:22-34 and Genesis 23:3-16. What does this tell us about Abraham's relationship with the Canaanites? What can we learn from this?

How does this story relate to Jesus?