Daily a new Bible text for devotion - EZBB

Genesis 21:1-12

The events in verses 1-7 can be viewed from three different perspectives. In verses 1 and 2, we see the divine dimension in the birth of the son as a gift from God. Verses 3-5 record Abraham's reaction to the birth of this son. Finally, in verses 6 and 7, we have Sarah's joy at the arrival of her long-awaited son, who is the joy of her life.

But the birth of Isaac threatens Ishmael, Abraham's son with Hagar. For 13 years, he was the only heir, the center of his father's attention, the hope of his father's dreams. But now he is sidelined in favor of this newcomer. Thus, tension in Abraham's family begins to grow. It reaches its peak at the feast held for Isaac's weaning, probably when he was about two or three years old. Ishmael mocks Isaac, and Sarah gives an ultimatum: "Cast out this slave woman with her son [Sarah doesn't even use their names]; for the son of this servant will not be an heir with my son Isaac" (21:10). Abraham is plunged from the heights of joy to the depths of sorrow because of his love for his son.

Abraham was conflicted; after all, Ishmael was as much his son as Isaac. Sometimes it is hard to say goodbye to those we love. But observe this principle carefully: just as... darkness comes before dawn, so difficulty often precedes triumph. Problems may come from various sources... but God will provide a way out.

Evidently, Ishmael provoked Isaac (verbally, physically, or both, we do not know), ridiculing him, mocking him, and this caught Sarah's attention. Ishmael is already a teenager, probably 16 or 17 years old. Abraham faced the most difficult decision of his life. Should he make Sarah face reality and learn to live with Hagar and Ishmael? Or should he yield to her request, which was clearly based on jealousy, and send Hagar and Ishmael away? At that moment, the Lord intervened and told Abraham to do what Sarah had said (21:12). And why did God side with Sarah?