Topical Bible: Malice: Ishmael Toward Sarah

◄ Malice: Ishmael Toward Sarah ►

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Introduction

The narrative of Ishmael and Sarah is a significant episode in the biblical account of the patriarch Abraham's family. It highlights themes of malice, jealousy, and divine intervention. Ishmael, the son of Abraham and Hagar, an Egyptian maidservant, is often depicted in the Scriptures as having a contentious relationship with Sarah, Abraham's wife. This entry explores the dynamics of this relationship, focusing on the malice that arose and its implications within the biblical narrative.

Biblical Context

The account of Ishmael and Sarah is primarily found in the Book of Genesis. Sarah, originally named Sarai, was the wife of Abraham, originally Abram. Due to her initial barrenness, Sarah gave her maidservant Hagar to Abraham as a concubine to bear a child on her behalf. This was a customary practice in ancient Near Eastern cultures to ensure an heir. Hagar conceived and bore Ishmael, Abraham's first son (Genesis 16:1-4).

The Birth of Isaac and Rising Tensions

The tension between Ishmael and Sarah becomes more pronounced with the birth of Isaac, the son promised by God to Abraham and Sarah in their old age. Genesis 21:1-3 records the fulfillment of God's promise: "Now the LORD attended to Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what He had promised. So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him. And Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore to him."

The birth of Isaac marked a turning point in the family dynamics. Ishmael, who was about fourteen years old at the time, found himself in a precarious position as the older half-brother to the child of promise. Genesis 21:9 notes, "But Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham was mocking."

Malice and Its Consequences

The term "mocking" in Genesis 21:9 is pivotal in understanding the malice attributed to Ishmael. The Hebrew word used can imply laughter, ridicule, or scorn, suggesting that Ishmael's behavior was perceived as a threat to Isaac's status and Sarah's peace of mind. Sarah's reaction was swift and decisive. She demanded that Abraham "Drive out this slave woman and her son, for the son of this slave will never share in the inheritance with my son Isaac" (Genesis 21:10).

Abraham was distressed by Sarah's demand, as Ishmael was also his son. However, God instructed Abraham to heed Sarah's request, reassuring him that Ishmael would also become a nation because he was Abraham's offspring (Genesis 21:11-13). This divine directive underscores the importance of Isaac's role in God's covenantal plan, while also acknowledging Ishmael's future.

Theological Implications

The malice between Ishmael and Sarah serves as a backdrop to the unfolding of God's covenant with Abraham. It highlights the human struggles and imperfections within the patriarchal family, yet it also demonstrates God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His promises. The tension between Ishmael and Isaac is often seen as a precursor to the later divisions between their descendants, reflecting broader themes of conflict and reconciliation in biblical history.

Conclusion

The account of Ishmael's malice toward Sarah is a complex narrative that reveals the intricate relationships within Abraham's family. It serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by the patriarchs and the enduring nature of God's promises amidst human frailty.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 21:9
And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born to Abraham, mocking.
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Library

Scenes in the Lives of the Patriarchs.
... walked out upon the plain, and looked toward the home ... and therefore when she saw
young Ishmael mocking at ... show to the universe Satan's lying malice, his loyal ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/scenes in the lives of.htm

Book iv. The Earlier Books of this Treatise, Written Some Time Ago ...
... issues have been confused and texts combined, malice and folly ... same matter; he is
told that Ishmael has already ... he bowed himself with his face toward the ground ...
/.../the life and writings of st hilary of poitiers/book iv the earlier books.htm

Rom. Iv. 1, 2
... were speaking about such as were from Ishmael, this language ... that He may speedily
become appeased toward him ... us flee from envy, let us extinguish malice, let us ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily viii rom iv 1.htm

The Barren Fig-Tree;
... A heathenish and prodigious act; for therein he showed, not only his malice against
the ... and Samuel stood before me, yet my mind could not be toward this people ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the barren fig-tree.htm

An Exposition on the First Ten Chapters of Genesis, and Part of ...
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/an exposition on the first.htm

The Doctrine
... you the mystery of Abraham's two sons, which he had by Hagar and Sarah; these two ...
And Ishmael dishonouring his father in mocking Isaac was cast out, as we read ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the doctrine.htm