Reading Plan · Day 6
Changes this passage only. Set your default for every passage.
Genesis 16-18
Day 6
Previously · Day 5 · Genesis 13-15
The previous day's reading covered the beginning of the 4th Dispensation.
Day 6 Read
Where You Stopped
Genesis 16
1Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, bare him no children: and she had a handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar.
2And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, Jehovah hath restrained me from bearing; go in, I pray thee, unto my handmaid; it may be that I shall obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai.
1Now Sarai Abram’s wife bare him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar.
2And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai.
Commentary · verses 1-2
3And Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar the Egyptian, her handmaid, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to Abram her husband to be his wife.
3And Sarai Abram’s wife took Hagar her maid the Egyptian, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife.
Commentary · verse 3
Abram and Sarai violated their covenant with God when they tried to bring about God's portion themselves through Hagar. Notice, Abram was married to Hagar and Sarai because he had consensual sexual intercourse with her, even Sarai consented. In fact, this was Sarai's idea. Abram took direction from Sarai, like Adam did with Eve?
4And he went in unto Hagar, and she conceived: and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes.
4And he went in unto Hagar, and she conceived: and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes.
Commentary · verse 4
Sarai realized her mistake.
Doctrines on this passage
5And Sarai said unto Abram, My wrong be upon thee: I gave my handmaid into thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: Jehovah judge between me and thee.
5And Sarai said unto Abram, My wrong be upon thee: I have given my maid into thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: the LORD judge between me and thee.
Commentary · verse 5
Sarai's response was very different than Eve's. Sarai did not justify herself (like Eve) but admitted she was wrong and that her wrong actions affected Abram.
6But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her that which is good in thine eyes. And Sarai dealt hardly with her, and she fled from her face.
6But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee. And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face.
Commentary · verse 6
Again, Abram took direction from Sarai. Although Abram was Sarai's husband, it did not seem like he was leading her. Hagar ended up being afflicted (dealt hardly) by Sarai as a result of Sarai's plan.
7And the angel of Jehovah found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur.
7And the angel of the LORD found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur.
Commentary · verse 7
Hagar was found by the angel of Jehovah.
8And he said, Hagar, Sarai’s handmaid, whence camest thou? and whither goest thou? And she said, I am fleeing from the face of my mistress Sarai.
9And the angel of Jehovah said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands.
8And he said, Hagar, Sarai’s maid, whence camest thou? and whither wilt thou go? And she said, I flee from the face of my mistress Sarai.
9And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands.
Commentary · verses 8-9
"Submit" meant "to intentionally (willfully agree to) give up your will." It happens from a position of power. Hagar had the upper hand on Sarai.
10And the angel of Jehovah said unto her, I will greatly multiply thy seed, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.
11And the angel of Jehovah said unto her, Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son; and thou shalt call his name Ishmael, because Jehovah hath heard thy affliction.
10And the angel of the LORD said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.
11And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold, thou art with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction.
Commentary · verses 10-11
God was responding to the injustice committed against Hagar. Hagar was pregnant with a son and was told to name him Ishmael. "Ishmael" meant "God will hear." This was the first record in the Bible of a person being named before he was born.
12And he shall be as a wild ass among men; his hand shall be against every man, and every man’s hand against him; and he shall dwell over against all his brethren.
13And she called the name of Jehovah that spake unto her, Thou art a God that seeth: for she said, Have I even here looked after him that seeth me?
14Wherefore the well was called Beer-lahai-roi; behold, it is between Kadesh and Bered.
12And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man’s hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.
13And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?
14Wherefore the well was called Beer–lahai–roi; behold, it is between Kadesh and Bered.
Commentary · verses 12-14
"Beer-lahai-roi" meant "well of the Living One seeing me."
15And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called the name of his son, whom Hagar bare, Ishmael.
16And Abram was fourscore and six years old, when Hagar bare Ishmael to Abram.
15And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called his son’s name, which Hagar bare, Ishmael.
16And Abram was fourscore and six years old, when Hagar bare Ishmael to Abram.
Commentary · verses 15-16
Abram was eighty-six years old when Ishmael was born.
Where You Stopped
Genesis 17
1And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, Jehovah appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be thou perfect.
1And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I am the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.
Commentary · verse 1
Thirteen years elapsed between chapter 16 and chapter 17. Abram was ninety-nine years old. Abram and Sarai violated their Covenant with God and appeared to have no communication with God during that time. Then, God started a new covenant...
2And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.
3And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying, 4As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be the father of a multitude of nations.
5Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for the father of a multitude of nations have I made thee.
2And I will make my covenant between me and thee, and will multiply thee exceedingly.
3And Abram fell on his face: and God talked with him, saying,
4As for me, behold, my covenant is with thee, and thou shalt be a father of many nations.
5Neither shall thy name any more be called Abram, but thy name shall be Abraham; for a father of many nations have I made thee.
Commentary · verses 2-5
God "killed" Abram and Sarai. He made a new covenant with Abraham and Sarah.
- "Abram" meant "exalted father."
- "Abraham" meant "father of a multitude."
Paul referenced verses 4 and 5 in Romans 4:17.
6And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.
7And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee and to thy seed after thee.
6And I will make thee exceeding fruitful, and I will make nations of thee, and kings shall come out of thee.
7And I will establish my covenant between me and thee and thy seed after thee in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto thee, and to thy seed after thee.
Commentary · verses 6-7
God stated this Covenant would be "everlasting". The first Covenant was not an everlasting covenant, not only because it did not last, but God did not state it would be everlasting. Everlasting did not mean it couldn't be ended for a time. Everlasting meant that it would exist in eternity. Even if it was ended, it would eventually be reinstated.
Doctrines on this passage
8And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land of thy sojournings, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.
9And God said unto Abraham, And as for thee, thou shalt keep my covenant, thou, and thy seed after thee throughout their generations.
10This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee: every male among you shall be circumcised.
11And ye shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of a covenant betwixt me and you.
8And I will give unto thee, and to thy seed after thee, the land wherein thou art a stranger, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession; and I will be their God.
9And God said unto Abraham, Thou shalt keep my covenant therefore, thou, and thy seed after thee in their generations.
10This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised.
11And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.
Commentary · verses 8-11
Circumcision was the token of this Covenant. Again, blood was shed...
12And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every male throughout your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any foreigner that is not of thy seed.
13He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.
14And the uncircumcised male who is not circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.
15And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be.
12And he that is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every man child in your generations, he that is born in the house, or bought with money of any stranger, which is not of thy seed.
13He that is born in thy house, and he that is bought with thy money, must needs be circumcised: and my covenant shall be in your flesh for an everlasting covenant.
14And the uncircumcised man child whose flesh of his foreskin is not circumcised, that soul shall be cut off from his people; he hath broken my covenant.
15And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be.
Commentary · verses 12-15
Another name change, signifying seeing the person as a new person:
- "Sarai" meant "princess."
- "Sarah" meant "noblewoman."
16And I will bless her, and moreover I will give thee a son of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples shall be of her.
17Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is a hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?
16And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her.
17Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear?
Commentary · verses 16-17
Abraham laughed.
18And Abraham said unto God, Oh that Ishmael might live before thee!
19And God said, Nay, but Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant for his seed after him.
18And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee!
19And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him.
Commentary · verses 18-19
Abraham still tried to convince God that his (Abram) and Sarai's plan was the right plan. God noticed Abraham's laughter: "Isaac" meant "laughter" or "he laughs." Notice, God promised the Covenant would continue "for his seed after him." God just promised Isaac would have at least one son, so the strategy of this dispensation (patriarchs) would continue through Isaac to the next patriarch.
20And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.
21But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.
20And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation.
21But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.
Commentary · verses 20-21
Although the Covenant God cut with Abraham would not go through Ishmael, God still blessed Ishmael. Notice, the child of the Covenant depended on the mother, it had to be Sarah. God was more specific during this Covenant: the son would be born in the next year.
22And he left off talking with him, and God went up from Abraham.
23And Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all that were born in his house, and all that were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham’s house, and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the selfsame day, as God had said unto him.
24And Abraham was ninety years old and nine, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.
22And he left off talking with him, and God went up from Abraham.
23And Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all that were born in his house, and all that were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham’s house; and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the selfsame day, as God had said unto him.
24And Abraham was ninety years old and nine, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.
Commentary · verses 22-24
That day, Abraham bled. They could not redo the "virginal covenant" from Genesis 15:9-17. This was similar to a second Marriage.
25And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.
26In the selfsame day was Abraham circumcised, and Ishmael his son.
27And all the men of his house, those born in the house, and those bought with money of a foreigner, were circumcised with him.
25And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.
26In the selfsame day was Abraham circumcised, and Ishmael his son.
27And all the men of his house, born in the house, and bought with money of the stranger, were circumcised with him.
Commentary · verses 25-27
Everyone associated with Abraham became a part of the Covenant. Notice, Abraham's actions covered all five requirements for a covenant that we covered in Genesis 9 with Noah's covenant:
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go through ("passing between") something,
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bloodshed,
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sharing,
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agreement, and
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death.
Where You Stopped
Genesis 18
1And Jehovah appeared unto him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;
1And the LORD appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day;
Commentary · verse 1
This was the same place Abram built an altar to God (Genesis 13:18).
2and he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood over against him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself to the earth, 3and said, My lord, if now I have found favor in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant: 4let now a little water be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree: 5and I will fetch a morsel of bread, and strengthen ye your heart; after that ye shall pass on: forasmuch as ye are come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said.
2And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,
3And said, My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant:
4Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:
5And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said.
Commentary · verses 2-5
Abraham ran to meet these three men. The rest of the chapter implied it was God and two or three angels.
6And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes.
7And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetched a calf tender and good, and gave it unto the servant; and he hasted to dress it.
8And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.
6And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth.
7And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetcht a calf tender and good, and gave it unto a young man; and he hasted to dress it.
8And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.
Commentary · verses 6-8
Abraham had a feast prepared for God and the angels. Abraham told Sarah to use three measures of fine meal.
9And they said unto him, Where is Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold, in the tent.
9And they said unto him, Where is Sarah thy wife? And he said, Behold, in the tent.
Commentary · verse 9
"They" asked Abraham a question.
10And he said, I will certainly return unto thee when the season cometh round; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard in the tent door, which was behind him.
10And he said, I will certainly return unto thee according to the time of life; and, lo, Sarah thy wife shall have a son. And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him.
Commentary · verse 10
God alone spoke to Abraham. Paul referenced this verse in Romans 9:9.
11Now Abraham and Sarah were old, and well stricken in age; it had ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.
12And Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?
11Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women.
12Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?
Commentary · verses 11-12
God confirmed His promise to Abraham. This time, Sarah laughed regarding how old she and Abraham were. 1 Peter 3:6 referenced this verse to point out that Sarah called Abraham "lord."
13And Jehovah said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, who am old?
14Is anything too hard for Jehovah? At the set time I will return unto thee, when the season cometh round, and Sarah shall have a son.
13And the LORD said unto Abraham, Wherefore did Sarah laugh, saying, Shall I of a surety bear a child, which am old?
14Is any thing too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.
Commentary · verses 13-14
God asked Abraham questions. God asked if anything was too hard for Him. "Anything" meant "anything that is of value, that is good."
15Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh.
15Then Sarah denied, saying, I laughed not; for she was afraid. And he said, Nay; but thou didst laugh.
Commentary · verse 15
Sarah lied. Abraham confronted her.
16And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way.
17And Jehovah said, Shall I hide from Abraham that which I do; 18seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?
16And the men rose up from thence, and looked toward Sodom: and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way.
17And the LORD said, Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do;
18Seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him?
Commentary · verses 16-18
God asked the angels if He should hide from Abraham what He was going to do. God stated the purpose of this 4th Dispensation: use one nation (consisting of patriarchs) as an example to benefit all nations.
19For I have known him, to the end that he may command his children and his household after him, that they may keep the way of Jehovah, to do righteousness and justice; to the end that Jehovah may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.
19For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the LORD, to do justice and judgment; that the LORD may bring upon Abraham that which he hath spoken of him.
Commentary · verse 19
Remember, this occurred before the Law was given. The Law was an effect of God's Nature. Here, God stated His goal was to do Righteousness and Justice. These results were direct effects of God's Nature: Right and Just.
Doctrines on this passage
20And Jehovah said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous; 21I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.
20And the LORD said, Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous;
21I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto me; and if not, I will know.
Commentary · verses 20-21
God stated the cry concerning Sodom and Gomorrah was great. God had heard about Sodom and Gomorrah, most likely through the angels He was with. Now, God, himself, was going to see whether the reports were factual.
22And the men turned from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before Jehovah.
23And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou consume the righteous with the wicked?
22And the men turned their faces from thence, and went toward Sodom: but Abraham stood yet before the LORD.
23And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked?
Commentary · verses 22-23
The angels went to Sodom, but God stayed with Abraham for the moment. God planned to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham referenced God's objective by directly and boldly asking if it would be just for the righteous to be destroyed with the wicked. Notice how Abraham makes his requests through questions...
24Peradventure there are fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou consume and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?
25That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked, that so the righteous should be as the wicked; that be far from thee: shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?
26And Jehovah said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sake.
24Peradventure there be fifty righteous within the city: wilt thou also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous that are therein?
25That be far from thee to do after this manner, to slay the righteous with the wicked: and that the righteous should be as the wicked, that be far from thee: Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?
26And the LORD said, If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.
Commentary · verses 24-26
Abraham convinced God to agree to not destroying the cities for the sake of fifty righteous people.
27And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, who am but dust and ashes: 28peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty righteous: wilt thou destroy all the city for lack of five? And he said, I will not destroy it, if I find there forty and five.
29And he spake unto him yet again, and said, Peradventure there shall be forty found there. And he said, I will not do it for the forty’s sake.
27And Abraham answered and said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord, which am but dust and ashes:
28Peradventure there shall lack five of the fifty righteous: wilt thou destroy all the city for lack of five? And he said, If I find there forty and five, I will not destroy it.
29And he spake unto him yet again, and said, Peradventure there shall be forty found there. And he said, I will not do it for forty’s sake.
Commentary · verses 27-29
This time, Abraham humbled himself before he asked about the value of five people. Once God changed His Mind, Abraham quickly asked about five more people. God again changed His Mind. God had changed His Mind for ten people.
30And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak: peradventure there shall thirty be found there. And he said, I will not do it, if I find thirty there.
31And he said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord: peradventure there shall be twenty found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for the twenty’s sake.
32And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for the ten’s sake.
30And he said unto him, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak: Peradventure there shall thirty be found there. And he said, I will not do it, if I find thirty there.
31And he said, Behold now, I have taken upon me to speak unto the Lord: Peradventure there shall be twenty found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for twenty’s sake.
32And he said, Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once: Peradventure ten shall be found there. And he said, I will not destroy it for ten’s sake.
Commentary · verses 30-32
Abraham humbled himself each of the next three times he asked about the value of ten people. Once Abraham convinced God to agree to spare the cities for ten people, the amount he had been using to change God's Mind, he could not get any lower. If Abraham had kept asking God about the value of five people, would he have been able to get God to spare the city for five people?
33And Jehovah went his way, as soon as he had left off communing with Abraham: and Abraham returned unto his place.
33And the LORD went his way, as soon as he had left communing with Abraham: and Abraham returned unto his place.
Commentary · verse 33
The Lord left after He agreed Sodom and Gomorrah would not be destroyed for the sake of ten people. Remember, God destroyed the world in the Flood and only eight people were saved. God did not spare the world for the sake of eight people: Genesis 7.
This day's reading covered the new everlasting Covenant God made with Abraham and his seed. God also told Abraham His plans for judging Sodom and Gomorrah. God would spare the city for ten people.
Sarai stated that God caused her to be barren. Sarai had a plan of her own.