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The Story of Redemption
the second time to Abraham on their way to destroy Sodom, and
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they repeat the promise more distinctly that Sarah shall have a son.
The Promised Son
After the birth of Isaac the great joy manifested by Abraham and
Sarah caused Hagar to be very jealous. Ishmael had been instructed
by his mother that he was to be especially blessed of God, as the
son of Abraham, and to be heir to that which was promised to him.
Ishmael partook of his mother’s feelings and was angry because of
the joy manifested at the birth of Isaac. He despised Isaac, because
he thought he was preferred before him. Sarah saw the disposition
manifested by Ishmael against her son Isaac, and she was greatly
moved. She related to Abraham the disrespectful conduct of Ishmael
to her and to her son Isaac, and said to him, “Cast out this bond-
woman and her son; for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir
with my son, even with Isaac.”
Abraham was greatly distressed. Ishmael was his son, beloved
by him. How could he send him away? He prayed to God in his
perplexity, for he knew not what course to take. The Lord informed
Abraham, through His angels, to listen to the voice of Sarah his
wife, and that he should not let his affections for his son or for
Hagar prevent his compliance with her wishes. For this was the only
course he could pursue to restore harmony and happiness again to
his family. Abraham had the consoling promise from the angel, that
Ishmael, although separated from his father’s house, should not die
nor be forsaken of God, that he should be preserved because he was
the son of Abraham. God also promised to make of Ishmael a great
nation.
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Abraham was of a noble, benevolent disposition, which was
manifested in his pleading so earnestly for the people of Sodom.
His strong spirit suffered much. He was bowed with grief, and his
paternal feelings were deeply moved as he sent away Hagar and his
son Ishmael to wander as strangers in a strange land.
If God had sanctioned polygamy, He would not have thus di-
rected Abraham to send away Hagar and her son. He would teach
all a lesson in this, that the rights and happiness of the marriage re-
lation are to be ever respected and guarded, even at a great sacrifice.