Gen 21:9 | MHM | STEP | Genesis 21:9-13: Hagar and Ishmael Expelled This passage explains why Ishmael and his mother Hagar were sent away from Abraham's household. It shows how Ishmael’s behavior caused trouble, and how God confirmed Sarah’s request to protect Isaac’s inheritance. Even though Ishmael was Abraham’s son, God made clear that the covenant promises would continue through Isaac alone. Still, God promised to make a great nation from Ishmael because he was Abraham’s seed. This story teaches about God’s plan and the importance of faithfulness in His promises. v. 9 : Sarah saw Ishmael, the son of Hagar the Egyptian, mocking or teasing Isaac . Some think this happened during the feast celebrating Isaac being weaned, which could have been when Isaac was three or five years old. Ishmael was much older—about 14 years older—so he should have been kind to Isaac, but instead, he was mean. This shows that even children’s actions matter to God, and mocking is a serious sin. There is a deep conflict between the “children of the flesh” and the “children of the promise” (Galatians 4:29 ).

‏ Genesis 21:9

Genesis 21:9-13: Hagar and Ishmael Expelled

This passage explains why Ishmael and his mother Hagar were sent away from Abraham's household. It shows how Ishmael’s behavior caused trouble, and how God confirmed Sarah’s request to protect Isaac’s inheritance. Even though Ishmael was Abraham’s son, God made clear that the covenant promises would continue through Isaac alone. Still, God promised to make a great nation from Ishmael because he was Abraham’s seed. This story teaches about God’s plan and the importance of faithfulness in His promises.

v. 9: Sarah saw Ishmael, the son of Hagar the Egyptian, mocking or teasing Isaac . Some think this happened during the feast celebrating Isaac being weaned, which could have been when Isaac was three or five years old. Ishmael was much older—about 14 years older—so he should have been kind to Isaac, but instead, he was mean. This shows that even children’s actions matter to God, and mocking is a serious sin. There is a deep conflict between the “children of the flesh” and the “children of the promise” (Galatians 4:29 ^a).