INTRODUCTION: This chapter not only records the ful- fillment of God's promise, but the narrative is used by Paul as an allegory to teach the theology of grace.I. GOD KEEPS HIS WORD - verses 1-2.
Three times in two verses we are reminded that God did what He said He would do. Years may pass and faith may waiver, but God's word never falls to the ground.II. ABRAHAM'S NEW SON - verses 3-5.
Who but God could give a child to an aged couple. Let it be said to Abraham's credit that even before Isaac's birth he had come to believe God's promise [Romans 4:17-22]. Notice that faith produced obedience. Abraham obeyed God in the naming and the circumcising of the child [Genesis 17:21 and 10-13].III. SARAH'S JOY - verses 6-7.
Sarah likewise came to believe God's promise even before Isaac's conception [Hebrews 11:11]. The birth of her first and only child brought great joy. We should point out that the name Isaac means "laughter." This does not seem to have been a reference to their former laughter of unbelief [Genesis 17:17 and 18:12], but rather to their laughter of joy. God is merciful to forgive our failings and to note our growth and faith. Both Abraham and Sarah are commended in the New Testament while their faults are not mentioned.IV. ISHMAEL MOCKS ISAAC - verses 8-9.
As was common, a feast was made to celebrate the weaning of Isaac. At this time Sarah saw Ishmael, who was fourteen years older than Isaac, mocking him. It is no surprise to those who know human nature to find that Ishmael resented Isaac, who had replaced him as Abraham's heir. Sarah was very angry and may have feared for Isaac's safety.V. A SHOCKING PENALTY - verses 10-13.
To Abraham's horror Sarah demanded that Hagar and Ishmael be cast out. This was grievous to Abraham who was loath to disinherit and part with Ishmael. No doubt he also felt it was unfair to Hagar. Only as God spoke and confirmed Sarah's word was he able to follow this course of action. God revealed two things to Abraham that both comforted him and explained the need for a separation:A. Isaac alone was to be God's chosen instrument in bringing the Jewish nation and finally the Savior into the world. Other children must not be mingled with his descent [Genesis 25:1-6].
B. God would bless and care for Ishmael for Abraham's sake. There is no doubt this comforted Abraham.
VI. AN ALLEGORY.
The history of Isaac and Ishmael is used by the Apostle Paul as an allegory to illustrate the difference between law and grace [Galatians 4:19-5:1]. An allegory uses people and actions to symbolize certain truths. Note the doctrines Paul illustrates in this way:A. Two Covenants - Hagar the bondwoman represented the covenant of law made at Mount Sinai, which could only produce bondage. Sarah the free woman represented the new covenant of grace.
B. Two Births - Ishmael was born of fleshly power and wisdom. Thus he represents the natural man whose religion is no more than the schemes and refinement of the flesh [John 3:6- 7]. Isaac was miraculously born of promise. He was the child of faith and represents all those, who by divine power are born from above [Titus 3:5].
C. Ishmael was born into bondage and represented the hopelessness of those, who being born of the flesh, are trying to be saved by the law. Isaac was born free and represents those in Christ who are free from the law's condemnation [Galatians 5:1].
D. Ishmael had a fleshly, worldly nature. His hope and love centered on the things of this world. Isaac, like Abraham, was a man of faith who worshipped God.
E. Ishmael mocked and persecuted Isaac. Those born of the flesh always persecute those born of the Spirit. Isaac, like all the godly, was the object of persecution. The big "Ishmaels" of this world will always despise the little "Isaacs" whose faith and life they do not understand.
F. Ishmael was cast out. All under the covenant of law will be cast out [Romans 3:19-20]. Isaac was the heir. Those born of the Spirit will inherit God's kingdom.
VII. THE BONDWOMAN CAST OUT - verses 14-21.
Hagar and Ishmael were sent away at God's command. Soon their water was gone and death seemed imminent. Hagar left Ishmael under a bush and went a short distance away to weep. She did not want to watch him die. God, however, heard the lad's voice. Abraham had loved and prayed for Ishmael and for his sake God cared for the mother and child. Hagar was shown a well and they were spared. Ishmael became an archer and was married to someone from Egypt. This was the origin of the Arab nations.VIII. GOD CARES FOR ABRAHAM - verses 22-32.
This little narrative shows how God provided for Abraham. Even the lost could see that God was blessing Abraham. The Lord can give his people favor with the wicked when it is in their best interest. The incident concerning the well at Beersheba revealed Abraham's peaceable nature. Rather than fight or revile, he made a peaceable and generous covenant with Abimelech concerning the well at Beersheba. We are always to seek peace when possible.IX. PUBLIC WORSHIP - verses 33-34.
What a beautiful picture. Abraham planted a grove where he could publicly worship God. We can only believe that he also instructed others concerning the true God. (Later in Israel's history, worship in groves was prohibited as they became associated with idolatrous worship.)
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