Learning From the Old Testament Greats: Abraham – The Father of FaithSample

Day 9: Ishmael and Hagar are sent away

Thoughts on the Passage

Ishmael laughed. Why did that cause such problems?

Remember that the name Isaac means “laughter.”  Ishmael is likely mocking Isaac and his name. Sarah is seeing it as a mockery of both her laughter (remember she did that when she was told she would have a child) and Isaac and his destiny. That is not a good thing to have happening to a little child. Ishmael is 14 years older than Isaac and should know better than to do this kind of thing (young children do it to each other all the time, but Ishmael should know better).

What do you do when the person is wrong and yet right?

Sarah wants Ishmael and Hagar out. Abraham is not happy at all with Sarah’s demand. Abraham sees Ishmael as his first-born son and with that he has a special place in Abraham’s heart. To Abraham, this is unthinkable to kick out his son and Hagar and leave them to the mercy of society. God says Sarah is right. They need to be separated. This must have broken Abraham’s heart to treat Ishmael this way.

Hagar and Ishmael go into the wilderness and they run out of water. We see Hagar and hear her cry. God hears Ishmael and his cry, then talks to Hagar. What did Ishmael cry? We do not know, but we know that God responded because Ishmael cried. Ishmael was the one to whom God gave a blessing and a promise and God would keep that promise. 

Ishmael did wrong in mocking the laughter, but God responds with provision because of his cry.

Let’s learn the heart of God.

Application to our Lives

Do we expect God to always see things our way? Are we willing to let God speak differently into our world? Have we mocked another person because of their special blessing? Sometimes, it is their limitations that we see; not a special gift that God has given them.

Are we prepared to let God make the cost high for releasing a destiny? Abraham paid a high price. Ishmael was forced out. Ishmael and Hagar paid a high price. They were separated from father and family.

Time to Pray

Father, when I think about destiny for the lives of people, I know I misunderstand the high importance that You put on it. You will not tolerate people tearing it down and You will not allow their prayers to go unanswered. Help me to remember that for myself and help me to remember that for others. Help me to pray the blessing that You have for the lives of people. Father, destiny also has a high price. We have to let go of some wonderful things in order to get it. It is painful at times. The loss does not seem right. Still, You will take care of people. I trust You and I thank You. In Jesus name, Amen.