Ishmael Mocks Isaac

Some commentators translate the Hebrew word "mocking," as "playing," and conclude that Sarah's declaration in the following verse was the result of jealousy. They think she could not endure the thought of Ishmael's sharing in Abraham's inheritance. Others explain this text in the light of Paul's explanation that Ishmael was expelled from his father's home for persecuting Isaac (Gal. 4:29, 30).

According to the majority of instances in which the intensive form of this verb is used, Ishmael was "always mocking," or taunting, Isaac. Ishmael was 14 years older than Isaac, and therefore about 17 when Isaac was weaned (see ch. 16:3 21:5). He had no doubt ever considered himself the eldest son and heir of Abraham. The birth of Isaac, however, and the weaning feast made it apparent that Sarah's son was to replace him, and as a result his jealousy was aroused. Little wonder that Ishmael taunted Isaac on being the younger, and consequently ineligible to the rights and privileges of the birthright.

Sarah asks Abraham to "cast out this bondwoman." Sarah's words, reflecting jealousy and contempt, hardly seem appropriate for one who had suggested Hagar's marriage to Abraham in the first place (ch. 16:2, 3). Sarah referred to Hagar as a slave and to Ishmael as the son of a slave. Of course, Sarah had the right to demand that the status of her own son be legally clarified, that no question might arise after Abraham's death. Sarah therefore called upon her husband to send Hagar away and to disown Ishmael.