Genesis 21:17 God heard the boy crying, and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, “What is the matter, Hagar? Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying as he lies there. (NIV)
Sarah had a son, the promised son. And because Sarah finally had her own promised son, she didn’t need Hagar or Ishmael anymore. In fact, she thought it would be better for everyone if they just left. One promised child is a blessing. Two is a liability. Sarah didn’t want anyone wondering which son was destined to build God’s city.
And so Sarah told Abraham to send Hagar and Ishmael into the wilderness, far away from her promised, holy, blessed family. Far away from her child, away from food, away from water, away from shelter, away from everything a person needs to survive. Because Sarah wished Hagar and Ishmael just didn’t exist anymore.
And Abraham said, “Okay.”
So Hagar and Ishmael were cast out and sent alone into the desert, carrying a little food and a small canteen of water. And …
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