Genesis 21:8-21

We have noted that the word laugh appears twice in this chapter.  First is in Isaac’s name (he laughs).  The second is in v9 where we are told that Ishmael was scoffing.  

We all know that there are many different kinds of laughter.  It is not hard to explain Ishmael’s laughter at this point.  If not before, certainly in the last year he has been keenly aware of the promise of another son to his father Abraham.  This son will be special, and will eclipse him even before he is born.  Thus there is an element of pride, exalting himself by belittling the new arrival.  Likely there is jealousy over the big celebration given the birth of Isaac.  

But ultimately the problem, as always, is unbelief.  The point of this whole story is that God is in the process of providing salvation for the world, and this provision will come through Abraham and then Isaac.  This is what God has said.  Ishmael simply does not trust God.  If he did he would join the celebration, for through Isaac will come Ishmael’s only possibility for being right with God.

The overriding emphasis of the promise of God is also behind the resultant decision that Hagar and Ishmael must depart.  Earlier Hagar had run from Sarah and God had told her to return, promising to bless her and her son.  But now God tells Abraham he must cast out the bondwoman.  

In the immediate story this is a good thing.  For Ishmael to be blessed by God he must get away from Isaac to the place God has in mind for him.  El Roi, the God who sees (16:13) now opens Hagar’s eyes (21:19) to see the provision He makes for them.

But in the big picture Hagar must leave because she is an allegory.  Gal. 4:21-31 explains this allegory.  The son of the bondwoman would speak of the work of the flesh, the best Abraham could do on his own to try to provide the line of the Savior.  The son of the free woman would speak God’s gracious provision of the Savior through the promised son.  Like Isaac, believers today are sons of God on the basis of His promise in Christ (Gal. 4:28).  We must not live under the law, in the strength of the flesh.  We must live out of the grace of God.  The joy is deep and satisfying for those who live out of God’s promise.  Have you cast out the bondwoman (Gal. 4:30-31)?