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.”
Genesis 21:10 NIV
Genesis 21 captures a significant turning point in Abraham’s household—the weaning of Isaac. The importance of the event was evident in the celebration. However, when Sarah observed Ishmael mocking Isaac (Genesis 21:9), it marred her joy. This led her to demand, “Get rid of that slave woman and her son, for that woman’s son will never share in the inheritance with my son Isaac” (Genesis 21:10). Sarah’s words were more than a personal demand. They highlighted the necessity to get rid of the old life symbolised by Hagar and Ishmael.
Her instruction prompted an emotional response from Abraham. Verse 11 reveals: “The matter distressed Abraham greatly because it concerned his son”. In Abraham’s distress, God provided clarity and reassurance. He instructed Abraham to listen to Sarah, affirming that He will establish His covenant through Isaac (Genesis 21:12).
God also reminded Abraham of His faithfulness. He promised to make Ishmael into a nation because he was Abraham’s offspring (Genesis 21:13). This dual assurance emphasised both God’s justice and the necessity to get rid of Hagar and Ishmael.
Meanwhile, God’s directive to Abraham underlines a profound spiritual truth. His covenant and promises cannot coexist with human efforts or sinful habits outside His will. While Ishmael was Abraham’s son, Isaac was the child of promise—the one through whom God’s plans would be fulfilled.
Abraham’s attachment to Ishmael is evident, but God called him to make a decisive choice. The instruction to get rid of the old life was not passive; it was firm, deliberate, and final. It demonstrates the need to sever ties with anything that hinders God’s purpose.
Hagar and Ishmael symbolise the sinful natures and human efforts outside God’s will. The instruction to get rid of the old life speaks to every believer. It is a call to forsake sinful habits and desires entirely.
Like Abraham, we are to decisively get rid of the old life that weighs us down. Sinful behaviours and distractions must be eradicated, not minimised or set aside.
The old life has no place in God’s plan for us. To walk in His promises, we must fully embrace the new life found in Christ.
Abraham’s willingness to obey God, even in a challenging situation, opened the door to His blessings. Likewise, we must trust God’s direction when He calls us to let go of anything that opposes His will.
The story of Hagar and Ishmael is a powerful reminder of the importance of separating from anything that hinders our relationship with God. God’s command to get rid of the old life is not a rejection of individuals but a call to forsake sin and fully embrace His promises.
As heirs of God’s covenant through Christ, we must live in the freedom of the new life He offers. Let us trust Him completely, knowing that His plans for us are good, perfect, and eternal.