God’s Care for the Outcast (Genesis 21:8–21)
Life doesn’t always go the way we plan. Sometimes people hurt us or push us away. Sometimes we feel lost and forgotten. In Genesis 21:8–21, we see a story where rejection and despair turn into hope because of God’s love and care. Let’s walk through it together.
A Family Celebration—and a Problem
The story begins with a happy moment. Abraham and Sarah’s son, Isaac, had grown past the baby stage. Back then, when a child was weaned, it was a big deal—kind of like a graduation party for a toddler. Abraham threw a feast to celebrate.
But not everyone was in a joyful mood. Sarah noticed Ishmael, Abraham’s son with Hagar, mocking Isaac. We’re not told exactly what Ishmael did, but it upset Sarah deeply. She became protective of Isaac’s future and demanded that Abraham send Hagar and Ishmael away. She didn’t want Ishmael to share in Isaac’s inheritance.
Abraham’s Struggle—and God’s Promise
Sarah’s demand made Abraham very upset. Ishmael was still his son, and the thought of sending him away must have broken his heart. But God spoke to Abraham and told him not to worry. God promised that Ishmael would also become a great nation. God reminded Abraham that He was in control and that He would take care of Ishmael.
This wasn’t easy for Abraham, but he trusted God and obeyed.
Wandering and Weeping in the Desert
Early the next morning, Abraham gave Hagar some food and water and sent her away with Ishmael. They wandered in the desert, and soon the water ran out. Exhausted and overwhelmed, Hagar placed Ishmael under a bush and walked a short distance away. She couldn’t bear to watch her son die. She sat down and cried.
This part of the story feels heavy. Hagar and Ishmael were alone, thirsty, and without hope. Maybe you’ve felt that way at times too—abandoned, desperate, not knowing what to do next.
God Hears and Provides
But God had not forgotten them. The Bible says that God heard the boy crying. An angel spoke to Hagar, telling her not to be afraid. God promised that Ishmael would live and grow into a great nation.
Then God opened Hagar’s eyes, and she saw a well of water nearby. She rushed to fill her container and gave her son a drink. Ishmael’s life was saved because God saw them and cared for them.
A New Beginning for Ishmael
The story doesn’t end with survival. God stayed with Ishmael as he grew up. Ishmael became a skilled archer and lived in the desert of Paran. Later, Hagar found him a wife from Egypt. Though Ishmael’s path was different from Isaac’s, God had a plan and purpose for him too.
What We Can Learn
This story teaches us a lot:
- God cares for those who feel pushed aside. Even when people reject us, God still sees us and loves us.
- Life can be messy, but God’s promises are sure. Human mistakes and broken relationships don’t stop God’s plans.
- When we feel lost or hopeless, God is closer than we think. He sees our tears, hears our cries, and provides what we need.
Final Thoughts
Genesis 21:8–21 reminds us that even in the hardest times, we are not forgotten. God’s love reaches us when we are wandering, crying, and afraid.
Take a moment to think: Have you ever felt abandoned or lost? How did God show up for you?
No matter what we face, we can trust that God sees us, hears us, and has a good plan for our future.
Genesis 21:8-21 (WEB)
21:8 The child grew and was weaned. Abraham made a great feast on the day that Isaac was weaned. 9 Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, mocking. 10 Therefore she said to Abraham, “Cast out this servant and her son! For the son of this servant will not be heir with my son, Isaac.”11 The thing was very grievous in Abraham’s sight on account of his son. 12 God said to Abraham, “Don’t let it be grievous in your sight because of the boy, and because of your servant. In all that Sarah says to you, listen to her voice. For your offspring will be named through Isaac. 13 I will also make a nation of the son of the servant, because he is your child.” 14 Abraham rose up early in the morning, and took bread and a container of water, and gave it to Hagar, putting it on her shoulder; and gave her the child, and sent her away. She departed, and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba. 15 The water in the container was spent, and she put the child under one of the shrubs. 16 She went and sat down opposite him, a good way off, about a bow shot away. For she said, “Don’t let me see the death of the child.” She sat opposite him, and lifted up her voice, and wept. 17 God heard the voice of the boy.The angel of God called to Hagar out of the sky, and said to her, “What troubles you, Hagar? Don’t be afraid. For God has heard the voice of the boy where he is. 18 Get up, lift up the boy, and hold him with your hand. For I will make him a great nation.”19 God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. She went, filled the container with water, and gave the boy a drink.20 God was with the boy, and he grew. He lived in the wilderness, and as he grew up, he became an archer. 21 He lived in the wilderness of Paran. His mother got a wife for him out of the land of Egypt.