What is the meaning of Genesis 21:10? and she said to Abraham Sarah has just watched Ishmael “mocking” (21:9), and she turns to her husband. • She addresses the covenant head of the household, showing proper order (Genesis 18:12; 1 Peter 3:6). • Her words echo an earlier moment when she first spoke about Hagar (Genesis 16:2), but this time she speaks in light of God’s explicit promise that “through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned” (Genesis 21:12). • The scene reminds us that a spouse’s counsel can align with God’s will; the Lord will soon tell Abraham, “Listen to whatever Sarah tells you” (Genesis 21:12). “Expel the slave woman and her son Sarah’s command is blunt: drive them out. • The verb matches Paul’s citation, “Expel the slave woman and her son” (Galatians 4:30), where the apostle sees a picture of law and grace. • Separation safeguards the covenant line; Ishmael’s presence could blur the question of rightful heir. • Earlier, Abraham had allowed Sarah to “do to her as you think best” when Hagar fled (Genesis 16:6), but this time the parting will be permanent, not temporary. for the slave woman’s son Ishmael is repeatedly identified by his status, not his name. • Scripture stresses the contrast between “slave” and “free” (John 8:34–36; Galatians 4:22–23). • God still cares for Ishmael—He will make him “a great nation” (Genesis 17:20)—yet Ishmael represents what is born of human effort, not divine promise (Romans 9:7–9). • The label underlines that lineage alone does not secure covenant standing; spiritual birth does. will never share in the inheritance Inheritance here is both material (Abraham’s wealth) and, more importantly, the covenant blessings sworn by God. • “The promise comes by faith, so that it may rest on grace” (Romans 4:16; cf. Hebrews 11:9). • Two sons stand for two paths: one cannot mix works and promise, flesh and Spirit (Galatians 4:29). • Abraham’s distress (Genesis 21:11) shows a father’s heart, yet God clarifies the line of inheritance so redemption history stays on course. with my son Isaac! Sarah finishes with the name that means “he laughs,” the child of miracle birth. • God had said, “I will establish My covenant with him” (Genesis 17:19; 26:24). • Isaac foreshadows the greater promised Son, Christ, through whom the nations are blessed (Galatians 3:16). • The exclusivity of the inheritance points to the exclusivity of salvation: it rests in the promised Seed, not in human schemes. summary Genesis 21:10 captures a decisive moment: Sarah insists that the slave family depart so the covenant line remains pure. Scripture interprets this event as a living parable—law versus grace, flesh versus promise, slavery versus freedom. God affirms Sarah’s demand, providing for Ishmael yet reserving inheritance for Isaac, the child of promise who prefigures the ultimate heir, Jesus Christ. |
    |