Read the Modern Pastor’s Version

The Lord visited Sarah as he had said, and did to her as he had spoken. He gave her a son at the set time that he had promised, just when she was past the age for having children.

Abraham named his new son Isaac, who was born through Sarah's womb after so many years of prayer. When Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him as God had commanded. It was a joyous moment, and Abraham was grateful to have been blessed with a child at such an old age – 100 years young!

God made it clear that his promise of a son would bring laughter to all who heard about it. Sarah shared her joy with her husband, amazed that she could nurse a child in her old age and give birth to Isaac.

The months passed quickly, and Isaac grew and was weaned. To celebrate this milestone, Abraham threw a big party for friends and family. But amidst the celebration, trouble brewed. Hagar's son Ishmael, born from Abraham's first wife's servant, began to mock Isaac.

Sarah was furious when she saw Ishmael's behavior. She demanded that her husband send Hagar and their son away, so they wouldn't compete with Isaac for inheritance. This decision was distressing to Abraham, but God reassured him that he should listen to Sarah's voice in this matter.

Abraham trusted God's plan and sent Hagar off into the wilderness with a small supply of food and water. As they walked, the bottle of water ran dry, and Hagar cast her son under a bush. She sat down nearby, too distraught to bear watching him die. But God heard Ishmael's cry from heaven and instructed an angel to tell Hagar not to worry.

God told Hagar to get up, take her child in her arms, and hold on tight – for he would become a great nation. And indeed, as if by miracle, a well of water appeared before them. Hagar filled the bottle with fresh water and gave Ishmael a drink. From that day forward, God was with him, teaching him to navigate the wilderness and eventually marrying off his mother's choice from Egypt.

Meanwhile, Abraham had returned from his journey to visit Abimelech, king of Gerar. As they met in Beersheba, Abimelech acknowledged that God was with Abraham in all he did. Abraham promised to honor their friendship and swore an oath on the well he had dug together.

In a gesture of goodwill, Abraham gave Abimelech seven sheep as a witness to their agreement – a promise to forever keep the memory of this sacred bond between them. From then on, that spot was known as Beersheba, the place where they made their covenant with God.

Abraham continued to live among the Philistines for many years, often visiting and worshiping at his new altar in Beersheba – an eternal reminder of his faithfulness to God's promises.