Genesis 21:9

ยถ And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking.

And Sarah {H8283} saw {H7200} the son {H1121} of Hagar {H1904} the Egyptian {H4713}, which she had born {H3205} unto Abraham {H85}, mocking {H6711}.

But Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom Hagar had borne to Avraham, making fun of Yitz'chak;

But Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham was mocking her son,

And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne unto Abraham, mocking.

Commentary

Genesis 21:9 marks a pivotal moment in Abraham's family, highlighting the deep-seated tension and conflict arising from past decisions and the arrival of the promised son, Isaac. Sarah observes Ishmael, Hagar's son, engaging in an act that she interprets as mocking or ridiculing Isaac, leading to a dramatic demand for their expulsion.

Context

This verse immediately follows the joyous occasion of Isaac's weaning feast (Genesis 21:8), a significant event in ancient Near Eastern culture marking a child's transition from infancy. Isaac was the long-awaited son of promise, born to Abraham and Sarah in their old age (Genesis 21:2), fulfilling God's covenant. Ishmael, on the other hand, was born thirteen years earlier to Hagar, Sarah's Egyptian servant, at Sarah's own insistence due to her impatience and doubt in God's timing (Genesis 16:3). The presence of two sons, one born of promise and the other of human contrivance, created an inherent rivalry and strained family dynamics. Sarah's observation of Ishmael's behavior ignites her protective instincts for Isaac and fuels her long-standing resentment towards Hagar and Ishmael.

Key Themes

  • Sibling Rivalry and Conflict: The verse vividly portrays the initial manifestation of conflict between Abraham's two sons, Isaac and Ishmael. This tension foreshadows future divisions and highlights the complexities of family relationships, especially when divine promise is at stake.
  • Consequences of Human Impatience: Ishmael's very existence was a result of Sarah and Abraham's attempt to fulfill God's promise through their own means, rather than waiting on His perfect timing. This verse illustrates the inevitable strife and heartache that can arise from such actions.
  • Protection of the Heir of Promise: Sarah's reaction, though harsh, underscores the importance of protecting Isaac, the son through whom God's covenant with Abraham would be established and continued.
  • Jealousy and Resentment: Sarah's deep-seated jealousy towards Hagar and Ishmael, stemming from their earlier history and now exacerbated by Ishmael's actions towards her beloved son, is a powerful underlying theme.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word translated "mocking" is tsachaq (ืฆึธื—ึทืง). This word has a range of meanings, which provides insight into Sarah's reaction:

  • It can mean "to laugh" in a general sense, as when Sarah herself laughed in disbelief at the idea of having a son (Genesis 18:12).
  • It can also mean "to play" or "to sport" innocently.
  • However, in contexts like this, it often carries a negative connotation, implying ridicule, scorn, or even malicious play. The context of Sarah's immediate and severe reaction (demanding Ishmael's expulsion in Genesis 21:10) strongly suggests that Ishmael's "mocking" was not innocent child's play, but rather an act of hostility or derision towards Isaac, perhaps threatening his status or well-being. The Apostle Paul later allegorically refers to this incident as "he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit" in Galatians 4:29, reinforcing the idea of Ishmael's actions being malicious or persecutory.

Practical Application

This verse serves as a powerful reminder of several timeless truths:

  • The Ripple Effect of Choices: Decisions made outside of God's perfect will can have long-lasting and painful consequences, affecting not only individuals but also entire families and future generations.
  • Dealing with Conflict and Jealousy: Family dynamics can be complex and fraught with tension. This narrative underscores the destructive power of jealousy and the need for God's wisdom in resolving disputes and protecting the vulnerable.
  • Protecting God's Promises: Just as Isaac represented God's promise, believers are called to protect and nurture what God has entrusted to them, discerning subtle forms of opposition or persecution.
  • God's Sovereignty: Despite human failings and strife, God's ultimate plan and promises will always prevail. He works through imperfect people and challenging circumstances to achieve His perfect will.
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 16:15 (8 votes)

    ยถ And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called his son's name, which Hagar bare, Ishmael.

  • Galatians 4:29 (6 votes)

    But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him [that was born] after the Spirit, even so [it is] now.

  • Genesis 16:1 (4 votes)

    ยถ Now Sarai Abram's wife bare him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name [was] Hagar.

  • Galatians 4:22 (4 votes)

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

  • 2 Chronicles 30:10 (3 votes)

    So the posts passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh even unto Zebulun: but they laughed them to scorn, and mocked them.

  • Lamentations 1:7 (3 votes)

    Jerusalem remembered in the days of her affliction and of her miseries all her pleasant things that she had in the days of old, when her people fell into the hand of the enemy, and none did help her: the adversaries saw her, [and] did mock at her sabbaths.

  • Psalms 44:13 (3 votes)

    Thou makest us a reproach to our neighbours, a scorn and a derision to them that are round about us.