9 Now Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian , whom she had borne to Abraham , mocking . 10 Therefore she said to Abraham , " Drive out this maid and her son , for the son of this maid shall not be an heir with my son Isaac ." 11 The matter distressed Abraham greatly because e of his son . 12 But God said to Abraham , "Do not be distressed because of the lad and your maid ; whatever e Sarah tells you, listen to her, for through Isaac your descendants shall be named . 13 "And of the son of the maid I will make a nation also , because he is your descendant ."
14 So Abraham rose early in the morning and took bread and a skin of water and gave them to Hagar , putting them on her shoulder , and gave her the boy , and sent her away . And she departed and wandered about in the wilderness of Beersheba . 15 When the water in the skin was used up, she left the boy under one of the bushes . 16 Then she went and sat down opposite e him, about a bowshot e away , for she said , "Do not let me see the boy die ." And she sat opposite e him, and lifted up her voice and wept . 17 God heard the lad crying ; and the angel of God called to Hagar from heaven and said to her, "What is the matter with you, Hagar ? Do not fear , for God has heard the voice of the lad where e he is. 18 "Arise , lift up the lad , and hold him by the hand , for I will make a great nation of him." 19 Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well of water ; and she went and filled the skin with water and gave the lad a drink . 20 God was with the lad , and he grew ; and he lived in the wilderness and became an archer e . 21 He lived in the wilderness of Paran , and his mother took a wife for him from the land of Egypt .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 21:9-21
Commentary on Genesis 21:9-13
(Read Genesis 21:9-13)
Let us not overlook the manner in which this family matter instructs us not to rest in outward privileges, or in our own doings. And let us seek the blessings of the new covenant by faith in its Divine Surety. Ishmael's conduct was persecution, being done in profane contempt of the covenant and promise, and with malice against Isaac. God takes notice of what children say and do in their play; and will reckon with them, if they say or do amiss, though their parents do not. Mocking is a great sin, and very provoking to God. And the children of promise must expect to be mocked. Abraham was grieved that Ishmael should misbehave, and Sarah demand so severe a punishment. But God showed him that Isaac must be the father of the promised Seed; therefore, send Ishmael away, lest he corrupt the manners, or try to take the rights of Isaac. The covenant seed of Abraham must be a people by themselves, not mingled with those who were out of covenant: Sarah little thought of this; but God turned aright what she said.
Commentary on Genesis 21:14-21
(Read Genesis 21:14-21)
If Hagar and Ishmael had behaved well in Abraham's family, they might have continued there; but they were justly punished. By abusing privileges, we forfeit them. Those who know not when they are well off, will be made to know the worth of mercies by the want of them. They were brought to distress in the wilderness. It is not said that the provisions were spent, or that Abraham sent them away without money. But the water was spent; and having lost their way, in that hot climate Ishmael was soon overcome with fatigue and thirst. God's readiness to help us when we are in trouble, must not slacken, but quicken our endeavours to help ourselves. The promise concerning her son is repeated, as a reason why Hagar should bestir herself to help him. It should engage our care and pains about children and young people, to consider that we know not what great use God has designed them for, and may make of them. The angel directs her to a present supply. Many who have reason to be comforted, go mourning from day to day, because they do not see the reason they have for comfort. There is a well of water near them in the covenant of grace, but they are not aware of it, till the same God that opened their eyes to see their wound, opens them to see their remedy. Paran was a wild place, fit for a wild man; such as Ishmael. Those who are born after the flesh, take up with the wilderness of this world, while the children of the promise aim at the heavenly Canaan, and cannot be at rest till they are there. Yet God was with the lad; his outward welfare was owing to this.