The expulsion of Hagar and Ishmael is a significant event recorded in the Book of Genesis, highlighting themes of faith, obedience, and God's providence. This narrative is found in Genesis 21:8-21 and involves key figures in the Abrahamic covenant: Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, and Ishmael.

Background

Hagar, an Egyptian maidservant to Sarah, became Abraham's concubine at Sarah's behest, as Sarah was barren and sought to build a family through her maidservant (Genesis 16:1-3). Hagar bore Abraham's first son, Ishmael. However, tensions arose when Sarah later bore Isaac, the child of promise, as God had foretold (Genesis 17:19).

The Conflict

The conflict leading to the expulsion is rooted in the celebration of Isaac's weaning. Genesis 21:8-9 states, "The child grew and was weaned, and Abraham held a great feast on the day Isaac was weaned. But Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham was mocking." Sarah's observation of Ishmael's behavior towards Isaac prompted her to demand that Abraham send Hagar and Ishmael away, saying, "Drive out this slave woman and her son, for the son of this slave woman will never share in the inheritance with my son Isaac" (Genesis 21:10).

Abraham's Distress and God's Assurance

Abraham was deeply distressed by Sarah's demand because Ishmael was also his son. However, God reassured Abraham, instructing him to heed Sarah's request: "Do not be distressed about the boy and your maidservant. Listen to everything Sarah tells you, for through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned. But I will also make a nation of the slave woman’s son, because he is your offspring" (Genesis 21:12-13). This divine assurance highlights God's sovereign plan and His faithfulness to His promises.

The Expulsion

Obeying God's directive, Abraham sent Hagar and Ishmael away with provisions. Genesis 21:14 recounts, "Early in the morning, Abraham got up, took bread and a skin of water, put them on Hagar’s shoulders, and sent her away with the boy. She left and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba." This act of sending them away was not merely a familial decision but a step in the unfolding of God's redemptive history.

Divine Intervention and Promise

In the wilderness, when their provisions were exhausted, Hagar despaired, fearing for her son's life. However, God heard the boy's cries and provided for them. An angel of God called to Hagar from heaven, saying, "What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he lies. Lift up the boy and take him by the hand, for I will make him into a great nation" (Genesis 21:17-18). God then opened Hagar's eyes to a well of water, ensuring their survival and reaffirming His promise concerning Ishmael.

Legacy

Ishmael grew up in the wilderness and became an archer. Genesis 21:20-21 notes, "God was with the boy as he grew up. He lived in the wilderness and became an archer. And while he was dwelling in the Wilderness of Paran, his mother got a wife for him from the land of Egypt." Ishmael's descendants became a great nation, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham.

The expulsion of Hagar and Ishmael serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and His ability to work through complex human situations to fulfill His divine purposes. This narrative underscores the importance of trust in God's promises and His providential care for all His creation.