Genesis 21:10

and she said to Abraham, "Expel the slave woman and her son, for the slave woman's son will never share in the inheritance with my son Isaac!"

Study Bible

and she said to Abraham
Sarah, Abraham's wife, is the speaker here. Her authority in the household is significant, reflecting the cultural norms of the time where the matriarch had a strong influence. This moment follows the weaning of Isaac, a significant event in ancient cultures, marking a child's transition from infancy to childhood. Sarah's demand reflects her protective instincts for Isaac's future.

“Expel the slave woman and her son
The "slave woman" refers to Hagar, Sarah's Egyptian maidservant, and her son, Ishmael, whom she bore to Abraham. This request highlights the tension between Sarah and Hagar, which began when Hagar conceived Ishmael (Genesis 16). The expulsion is a pivotal moment, emphasizing the separation of Isaac, the child of promise, from Ishmael. This act also foreshadows the eventual separation of Israel from other nations.

for the slave woman’s son will never share in the inheritance
In ancient Near Eastern culture, inheritance was a crucial aspect of family life, often determining one's future and status. Ishmael, though Abraham's firstborn, was not the child of promise. This statement underscores the divine promise that Isaac would be the heir through whom God's covenant would be fulfilled (Genesis 17:19-21). It reflects the broader biblical theme of God's sovereign choice.

with my son Isaac!”
Isaac is the child of promise, born to Sarah and Abraham in their old age, fulfilling God's promise to them (Genesis 21:1-3). His name, meaning "laughter," signifies joy and fulfillment of God's word. The distinction between Isaac and Ishmael is not just familial but theological, as Isaac represents the line through which the Messiah, Jesus Christ, would eventually come (Matthew 1:1-2). This separation is a type of the distinction between those who are heirs according to the flesh and those according to the promise, as elaborated in Galatians 4:28-31.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Sarah
The wife of Abraham and mother of Isaac. She is the one who demands that Hagar and Ishmael be sent away.

2. Abraham
The patriarch of the Israelites, husband of Sarah, and father of both Isaac and Ishmael.

3. Hagar
An Egyptian slave woman who bore Abraham's first son, Ishmael.

4. Ishmael
The son of Abraham and Hagar, considered the ancestor of many Arab peoples.

5. Isaac
The son of Abraham and Sarah, through whom God's covenant would be established.

Teaching Points

The Sovereignty of God's Promise
God's promises are fulfilled according to His will and timing, not human plans. Sarah's insistence on sending Hagar and Ishmael away underscores the importance of God's covenant with Isaac.

Faith and Obedience
Abraham's compliance with Sarah's demand, after God reassures him, demonstrates faith and obedience to God's direction, even when it involves difficult decisions.

The Consequences of Human Actions
The tension between Sarah and Hagar is a result of earlier decisions made by Abraham and Sarah. This highlights the long-term impact of our choices and the importance of seeking God's guidance.

God's Care for All
Despite the difficult circumstances, God provides for Hagar and Ishmael, showing His compassion and care for all people, even those outside the primary covenant line.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the account of Sarah, Hagar, and Ishmael illustrate the consequences of taking matters into our own hands rather than waiting on God's timing?

2. In what ways does the New Testament use the account of Sarah and Hagar to explain the difference between living under the law and living under grace?

3. How can we apply Abraham's example of obedience in difficult situations to our own lives today?

4. What does God's provision for Hagar and Ishmael teach us about His character and care for those who are marginalized or outside the main account?

5. How can understanding the cultural and historical context of Genesis 21:10 enhance our interpretation and application of this passage in our lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 16
Provides background on Hagar and Ishmael's relationship with Sarah and Abraham, including Hagar's initial flight and God's promise to her.

Galatians 4:21-31
Paul uses the account of Sarah and Hagar allegorically to contrast the old covenant of the law with the new covenant of grace.

Romans 9:6-9
Discusses the concept of the children of the promise, highlighting Isaac as the child through whom God's promise is fulfilled.

Hebrews 11:11-12
Celebrates Sarah's faith in God's promise, despite her initial doubt and the circumstances surrounding Isaac's birth.