#26: Abraham's Distress

Genesis 21:8-13

The child grew and was weaned, and on the day Isaac was weaned Abraham held a great feast. But Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham was mocking, and she said to Abraham, “Get rid of that slave woman and her son, for that woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with my son Isaac.”

The matter distressed Abraham greatly because it concerned his son. But God said to him, “Do not be so distressed about the boy and your slave woman. Listen to whatever Sarah tells you, because it is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned. I will make the son of the slave into a nation also, because he is your offspring.”

Comments

The birth of Isaac brought laughter into Sarah’s life, but it was not long before the joy she felt gave way to her hatred for Ishmael. Sarah was particularly upset by the custom of giving the older son the largest share of the father’s estate. Even though the birth of Ishmael had been Sarah’s idea, she was incensed that he would receive any of Abraham’s great wealth. When she complained to Abraham, Sarah could not even refer to Hagar and Ishmael by name.

Not surprisingly, such animosity within his family brought great distress to Abraham. God came to him with words of comfort, saying that the son of the slave who held no value in Sarah’s eyes was of great importance to God: Ishmael would not inherit Abraham’s wealth, but he would become the father of a nation.

Reflections

Abraham’s wealth was more than enough for his sons to share, and yet Sarah wanted it all for her son. Do you find it easy or hard to be gracious and generous?

In the midst of Abraham’s distress over conflict in his family, God brought words of hope and comfort. Have you experienced something like that? Have you told anyone about it?

Prayer

Blessed are you, O Lord our God, King of the universe, who comforts us in our distress over the mess we have made of our lives and our families.