Was Ishmael a small baby or a teenager when he was sent to Paran?
According to Genesis 16:16 Abraham was 86 when Ismael was born and 100 when Ishaq was born according to Genesis 21:5. This makes Ismael was 14 when Ishaq was born. Genesis 21:10 SAYS that Abraham sent Hagar and Ishmael to the wilderness of Paran. This event have occured after Ishaq was weaned as narrated in Genesis 21:8. Biblical scholars says that babies were weaned about the age of 3. This makes Ishmael at least 17 in the occurance of the event. But when we read the explanations of the same book in 21: 14 - 19 we understand that Ishmael was a small baby during this time. For example, we read in Genesis : 21:14-16 that " And Abraham riseth early in the morning, and taketh bread, and a bottle of water, and giveth unto Hagar (placing `it' on her shoulder), also the lad, and sendeth her out; and she goeth on, and goeth astray in the wilderness of Beer-Sheba;
and the water is consumed from the bottle, and she placeth the lad under one of the shrubs.
And she goeth and sitteth by herself over-against, afar off, about a bow-shot, for she said, `Let me not look on the death of the lad;' and she sitteth over-against, and lifteth up her voice, and weepeth. "
In short, 17 years old Ishmael becoming a lad in after narrations. What a contradiction is it! Can anyone to explain and solve the problem?
Re: Was Ishmael a small baby or a teenager when he was sent to Paran?
My question: why does it matter? Does it change the essential narrative in any way? Does it alter the life lessons taught in the story? Was Abraham any less of a father due to his son's age, was his son any less of a son? Was what both of them were asked to do any less heart-wrenching for Ishmael s age, or lack thereof? Was the diversion of sacrifice any less amazing?
"Hunger allows no choice
To the citizen or the police;
We must love one another or die."
September 1, 1939 - W.H. Auden
Re: Was Ishmael a small baby or a teenager when he was sent to Paran?
format_quote Originally Posted by NJUSA
My question: why does it matter? Does it change the essential narrative in any way? Does it alter the life lessons taught in the story? Was Abraham any less of a father due to his son's age, was his son any less of a son? Was what both of them were asked to do any less heart-wrenching for Ishmael s age, or lack thereof? Was the diversion of sacrifice any less amazing?
I don't think he is asking because it makes any difference to the aspects you have pointed to.
Is it not possible that this dude is just trying to understand biblical text and is asking for the view points of others, because he finds this a stumbling point??
Hey there! Looks like you're enjoying the discussion, but you're not signed up for an account.
When you create an account, we remember exactly what you've read, so you always come right back where you left off. You also get notifications, here and via email, whenever new posts are made. And you can like posts and share your thoughts. Sign Up
Hide
Looks like you're enjoying the discussion, but you're not signed up for an account.
Posting Permissions
Bookmarks