Guiding Questions: Genesis 21

This is part of the Tanakh Yomi Project.

  1. In Genesis 21:9, why is Ishmael’s laughter (alternate translation: playing) a source of annoyance to Sarai?
  2. How is Abraham reassured by Divinity that Sarai’s demand, re: expulsion of Hagar and Yishmael, is not to be resisted?
  3. In Genesis 21:16, is Hagar’s action self-pity and/or concern for Ishmael?
  4. What is the Divine message to Hagar (Genesis 21:17–18) re: parental reaction in time of severe trouble with a child – distancing or care and comfort?
  5. In Genesis 21:19, is it God or God’s messenger that text projects as acting?
  6. How is the reassurance to Abraham fulfilled?
  7. What family matters are resolved and what problem is to be settled next? (Genesis 21:22 – 27)
  8. And, in commenting, is candor considered appropriate or are conflicts disregarded?
  9. In Genesis 21:31, what place name is historically traced?
  10. In Genesis 21:33, what new cognomen for Divinity is set down?
  11. From Genesis 21:34, would it appear that the “treaty” (covenant) was of duration?

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  • Exploring Judaism

    Exploring Judaism is the digital home for Conservative/Masorti Judaism, embracing the beauty and complexity of Judaism, and our personal search for meaning, learning, and connecting. Our goal is to create content based on three core framing: Meaning-Making (Why?), Practical Living (How?), and Explainers (What?).

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Perek Yomi materials originally produced by the USCJ and Dr. Morton K. Siegel.
We are grateful to be able to share this material.

Author

  • Exploring Judaism

    Exploring Judaism is the digital home for Conservative/Masorti Judaism, embracing the beauty and complexity of Judaism, and our personal search for meaning, learning, and connecting. Our goal is to create content based on three core framing: Meaning-Making (Why?), Practical Living (How?), and Explainers (What?).

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