Abraham was supposed to listen to his wife and drive Hagar and her son Ishmael away. Since it was certainly unusual for him to let his wife have the final say in difficult decisions, God had to specifically encourage him in this case to heed his wife’s advice, as her suggestion aligned with God’s will: “For the son of this maid shall not be heir with my son, with Isaac!” (Genesis 21:10). Isaac—and not Ishmael—was to be the promised heir. Through Isaac, Abraham was to be granted a lineage (Genesis 21:12).
Abraham obeyed God and did what God had told him (Genesis 21:14). The manner in which he obeyed in this situation is noteworthy:
- He obeyed immediately: He rose early in the morning to carry out God’s command. With determination and without delay, he wanted to promptly do what God had instructed him to do.
- He obeyed without further explanation: Even though he did not understand what would happen to Hagar and Ishmael, he obeyed without further explanation from God and entrusted all unresolved questions to Him.
- He obeyed against natural relationships: He was not guided by his natural affection in this matter but placed God’s demands above familial ties (cf. Leviticus 2:11; John 2:4).
Abraham eventually sent Hagar away, but not without providing her with provisions for herself and her son. This shows that he did not lack the necessary love and care. For the initial period, the two would be provided for until God intervened and fulfilled His promise (Genesis 21:13).
After some time, the water in the skin ran out, and Hagar didn’t know what to do next (Genesis 21:15). From a human perspective, she found herself in a hopeless situation. She saw no way out, even though God already knew it: The well of water had been there all along—Hagar just didn’t see it. Only when God opened her eyes could she see it (Genesis 21:19).
Paul also knew this experience. How often might he have found himself in seemingly hopeless situations—”perplexed” (2 Corinthians 4:8)—and yet he was never without a way out, for God would provide a way out with the trial (1 Corinthians 10:13). We, too, can trust in this: When we see no way out in a particular situation—God is never without a way out and will reveal it to us in His time. Sometimes, He must open our eyes for us to see it.
Because Abraham obeyed God and was willing to give up his son Ishmael, God was able to subject him to an even greater test of faith in Genesis 22. Abraham grew in faith and was ultimately even willing to give up his promised and beloved son, Isaac.