“Cast Out the Slave Woman”

Tuesday, April 05, 2022

BIBLE READING: Genesis 21

By birth, Ishmael had legitimate claim to be Abraham’s heir. However, his status as a slave complicated the family relationship, even causing animosity in Abraham’s household. Furthermore, his mother’s attitude towards Sarah and Isaac seems to have rubbed off on him, leading to further tensions with Sarah (see Genesis 16.5; 22.9). During a feast for Isaac, Ishmael’s actions prompted Sarah to take, what may appear like, a rash response (Genesis 21.10). Although Abraham is disturbed by her actions, he consents to send her away because God steps in and affirms Sarah’s position (Genesis 21.11-14).

In the immediate context, this story is difficult. We need to uncover some details if we are to understand it.

First, there are some cultural nuances we don’t relate to. The dynamic of a slave to their master was submissive and absolute. Jesus affirmed this position in Luke 17.7-10. Hagar seems to have overstepped these boundaries with her behavior. Besides this, the language of Genesis seems to imply the actions of Hagar and Ishmael were less than innocent (see Genesis 16.5).

Second, given the promises of God, there was potential for conflict over the birthright. This is not to condone Sarah’s behavior or suggest that God couldn’t have worked his plan otherwise. However, as Abraham’s first-born son, Ishmael was positioned to lay claim to the bulk of Abraham’s inheritance, and his demeanor had potential to cause greater issues as Isaac got older (Genesis 16.12). There needed to be a clear distinction between sons.

Third, and most importantly, God’s response indicates, there is something bigger going on. God’s attention is not on the injustice Hagar and Ishmael may experience. In fact, God alleviates that tension by providing for them in the wilderness (Genesis 21.17-20). Instead, his focus is on his promises and what it would mean for future generations.

“For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman. But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise… But what does the Scripture say? 'Cast out the slave woman and her son"... Brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman” (Galatians 4.22-31)

Paul teaches us the purpose of God’s actions that day. God’s plan would come through the son of promise, not through the son which Abraham had chosen to have by his own will. Isaac became the firstborn of Abraham, by the will of God, through Sarah, and this pattern reflects significant spiritual truths to all coming generations. Your future is not determined by your birth or your efforts of morality, but rather by the direction and promises of God leading to obedience. God’s election of Isaac over Ishmael; his determination to bring life to the womb of a barren woman; his faithfulness to bless one and cast out the other, all point to the Sovereign will of God for everyone through Jesus.

There is always purpose in the actions of God. Stories like this one, when given new meaning in the light of Jesus, should solidify our trust in the working of God. While we may not see it in the present, or even understand it, God’s grace works in every circumstance to teach us his will for our lives.

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