A great feast was held when Isaac was two or three. Ishmael mocked Isaac. Earlier Sarah had shown a distinct lack of spiritual insight, but here she shows a clear spiritual understanding of what was happening. Ishmael would never share in Isaac's inheritance, and was indeed a threat to it. What has been achieved through human effort will always mock what has been achieved by the grace of God.
Abraham was distressed by the matter. For although what had happened in Chapter 16 should not have happened, Ishmael was still his son, and so there was still an emotional bond. God speaks to Him, and tells him: (i) not to be so distressed; (ii) listen to Sarah; and (iii) He will still look after Ishmael. There could be no avoiding the fact that Isaac was the child of promise, not Ishmael. Yet God still took account of Abraham's concern for Ishmael. We need to appreciate the depths of God's concern and understanding. He had already decided to rescue Lot when Abraham had given up hope, He cares for Ishmael, even though he was a product of disobedience.
Earlier Abraham got into trouble for going along with Sarah's plans. Now he is told to listen to her, for now Sarah is thinking in line with God's ways.
Abraham was distressed by the matter. For although what had happened in Chapter 16 should not have happened, Ishmael was still his son, and so there was still an emotional bond. God speaks to Him, and tells him: (i) not to be so distressed; (ii) listen to Sarah; and (iii) He will still look after Ishmael. There could be no avoiding the fact that Isaac was the child of promise, not Ishmael. Yet God still took account of Abraham's concern for Ishmael. We need to appreciate the depths of God's concern and understanding. He had already decided to rescue Lot when Abraham had given up hope, He cares for Ishmael, even though he was a product of disobedience.
Earlier Abraham got into trouble for going along with Sarah's plans. Now he is told to listen to her, for now Sarah is thinking in line with God's ways.
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