Genesis 21:8-21

Ishmael Was Cast Out

Sarah and Abraham had a great feast when Isaac was weaned. When Ishmael made fun of Isaac, Sarah demanded he and his mother be cast out. Though it was against the laws of that region, Abraham cast out Ishmael. He did so at the insistence of Sarah and with God's reassurance (21:8-21).

Hagar thought they would die from lack of water. She placed Ishmael under a bush to die. As she sat down to watch, God heard her weeping. He sent an angel to tell her Ishmael would be a great nation. Then, he caused her eyes to be opened to a well nearby. The boy grew up in the wilderness. Eventually, his mother helped him take a wife of the Egyptians.