Summary: Genesis 20-21

We are reading a story of creation, but the story of creation is also a story of separation / cutting: Adam and Eve from God, Abraham from his family, Abraham and Ishmael, Abraham and Isaac.

The "good" separations involve covenant; the others do not.

The creation of the world will result in life between separated beings; it will result in covenant because covenant brings separated beings together without annihilating one of its parties.

• Covenant is a response in which one gives voice to the person with whom one is covenanting.
• Covenant is a response to pre-existing graciousness.
• Covenant is an affirmation of the concerns of the other.