Chapter 8: Cast Out

Isaac grew. When the boy was weaned, Abraham held a great feast to celebrate. Ishmael was a teenager. But during the feast, Sarah saw Ishmael laughing. The Hebrew word used here is "metsahek," from the same root as Isaac's name, "yitshak," meaning "he laughs." Whether it was mockery or play, Sarah did not wait to find out and went to Abraham.

SARAH“Get rid of that slave woman and her son. That woman's son will never share in the inheritance with my son Isaac.”— Genesis 21:10

After more than fourteen years in the household, she would not even speak their names.

The matter distressed Abraham greatly because it concerned his son. For the first time in this story, he pushed back. Ishmael was his firstborn. He had raised this boy for over fourteen years.

But God spoke to Abraham.

GOD“Do not be distressed about the boy and your slave woman. Listen to Sarah. I will make the son of the slave into a nation also, because he is your offspring.”— Genesis 21:12-13

Early the next morning, Abraham rose. He took bread and a skin of water, placed them on Hagar's shoulder, and sent her away with the boy. That was all. Bread and water. No donkey, no silver, no servant to accompany them. Hagar walked into the desert at dawn carrying barely enough to survive the day.