Genesis 21:10

Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, [even] with Isaac.

Wherefore she said {H559} unto Abraham {H85}, Cast out {H1644} this bondwoman {H519} and her son {H1121}: for the son {H1121} of this bondwoman {H519} shall not be heir {H3423} with my son {H1121}, even with Isaac {H3327}.

so Sarah said to Avraham, "Throw this slave-girl out! And her son! I will not have this slave-girl's son as your heir along with my son Yitz'chak!"

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!”

Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this handmaid and her son: for the son of this handmaid shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac.

Commentary

Genesis 21:10 records a pivotal and painful demand from Sarah to Abraham, directly following the celebration of Isaac's weaning. Sarah insists on the expulsion of Hagar, her Egyptian maidservant, and Ishmael, Abraham’s first son.

Context

This verse occurs after the miraculous birth of Isaac, the son of promise, to Abraham and Sarah in their old age (Genesis 21:1-7). At Isaac's weaning feast, Ishmael, Hagar's son, is observed "mocking" or "scoffing" (Genesis 21:9). This action, likely seen by Sarah as a threat to Isaac's rightful place and inheritance, ignites her demand. The tension between Sarah and Hagar, and their sons, has a long history, stemming from Sarah’s initial decision to give Hagar to Abraham to bear a child (Genesis 16:1-4).

Key Themes

  • Protection of the Promised Heir: Sarah's primary concern is the undisputed position of Isaac as the sole heir to the covenant promises God made to Abraham. She perceives Ishmael's presence as a direct threat to Isaac's future and inheritance.
  • Jealousy and Conflict: The verse highlights the deep-seated jealousy and conflict within Abraham's household, a consequence of polygamy and human attempts to fulfill divine promises. Sarah’s words are sharp and absolute, reflecting her emotional state.
  • Divine Plan vs. Human Effort: This incident underscores the distinction between the son born of human ingenuity (Ishmael) and the son born of God's supernatural promise (Isaac). The narrative foreshadows the necessity of separating the two lines for the covenant to proceed through Isaac.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "mocking" or "scoffing" in Genesis 21:9 (צָחַק - tsachaq) is significant. It's the same root word used for "Isaac" (יִצְחָק - Yitzchak), meaning "he laughs." While Isaac's name signifies joy and divine mirth, Ishmael's use of tsachaq here suggests ridicule or scorn, contrasting sharply with the joyful laughter associated with Isaac's birth (Genesis 21:6). Sarah likely interpreted Ishmael's actions as a serious threat, not mere childish play, seeing it as a challenge to Isaac's rightful place.

Related Scriptures

Abraham is greatly distressed by Sarah's demand because Ishmael is also his son (Genesis 21:11). However, God intervenes and commands Abraham to listen to Sarah, reassuring him that Isaac is the son through whom the covenant line will continue, and promising to make a nation of Ishmael also (Genesis 21:12-13). This narrative is famously allegorized by Paul in the New Testament to illustrate the difference between the law and grace, or the two covenants, in Galatians 4:22-31.

Practical Application

This verse, while depicting a difficult family conflict, offers insights into God's faithfulness to His promises, even when human actions complicate them. It reminds us that God's plan will ultimately prevail, often requiring difficult separations or decisions to ensure the purity of His covenant. It also highlights the complexities of family relationships and the pain that can arise from jealousy and perceived threats to one's security or position. Understanding this story can help us navigate relational challenges with wisdom, seeking God's guidance when faced with seemingly impossible choices, much like Abraham had to do.

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Cross-References

  • John 8:35 (6 votes)

    And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: [but] the Son abideth ever.

  • 1 Peter 1:4 (5 votes)

    To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,

  • 1 John 2:19 (5 votes)

    They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would [no doubt] have continued with us: but [they went out], that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.

  • Galatians 4:22 (5 votes)

    For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman.

  • Galatians 4:31 (5 votes)

    So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free.

  • Matthew 22:13 (4 votes)

    Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast [him] into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

  • Galatians 4:7 (4 votes)

    Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.