Sarah's demand to expel Hagar and Ishmael is a significant event in the biblical narrative, found in Genesis 21:8-21. This episode highlights themes of family dynamics, covenantal promises, and divine intervention.

Background

Sarah, originally named Sarai, was the wife of Abraham and the mother of Isaac. She had been barren for many years, and in her impatience to see God's promise of offspring fulfilled, she gave her Egyptian maidservant, Hagar, to Abraham as a concubine. Hagar bore Abraham a son, Ishmael, which initially seemed to be a solution to Sarah's barrenness (Genesis 16:1-4).

The Birth of Isaac

God later reaffirmed His promise to Abraham, declaring that Sarah would bear a son despite her old age. This promise was fulfilled with the birth of Isaac, whose name means "laughter," reflecting both Sarah's initial skepticism and her eventual joy (Genesis 21:1-7).

The Conflict

The tension between Sarah and Hagar resurfaced after Isaac's birth. Genesis 21:8-9 states, "The child grew and was weaned, and Abraham held a great feast on the day Isaac was weaned. But Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham was mocking." The nature of Ishmael's actions is not detailed, but Sarah perceived them as a threat to Isaac's inheritance and status.

Sarah's Demand

In response to this perceived threat, Sarah demanded that Abraham expel Hagar and Ishmael. Genesis 21:10 records her words: "Drive out this slave woman and her son, for the son of this slave woman will never share in the inheritance with my son Isaac." Sarah's demand was rooted in her desire to protect Isaac's position as the heir of God's covenant with Abraham.

Abraham's Distress and God's Assurance

Abraham was deeply distressed by Sarah's demand, as Ishmael was also his son. However, God intervened, instructing Abraham to heed Sarah's request. Genesis 21:12-13 states, "But God said to Abraham, 'Do not be distressed about the boy and your maidservant. Listen to everything Sarah tells you, for through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned. But I will also make a nation of the slave woman’s son, because he is your offspring.'"

The Expulsion

Following God's directive, Abraham sent Hagar and Ishmael away with provisions. They wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba, where their resources were soon depleted. In her despair, Hagar placed Ishmael under a shrub and wept at a distance, unable to watch her son die (Genesis 21:14-16).

Divine Intervention and Promise

God heard Ishmael's cries and sent an angel to comfort Hagar, assuring her of God's promise to make Ishmael into a great nation. Genesis 21:17-18 records the angel's words: "Do not be afraid, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he lies. Get up, lift up the boy, and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation." God then provided a well of water, ensuring their survival (Genesis 21:19).

Legacy

The expulsion of Hagar and Ishmael is a pivotal moment that underscores the complexity of human relationships and the sovereignty of God's plans. Ishmael became the ancestor of a great nation, fulfilling God's promise, while Isaac continued the line through which the covenantal promises to Abraham would be realized. This narrative serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and the unfolding of His divine purposes through the lives of His chosen people.