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Genesis 21 · a question people ask

Did God approve of sending Hagar and Ishmael away?

In the text

Genesis doesn't say whether Sarah was right; it gives God's words. God tells Abraham, "In all that Sarah says to you, listen to her voice", and gives two reasons: "your offspring will be named through Isaac" and "I will also make a nation of the son of the servant, because he is your child" (21:12-13). Then God hears the boy, provides water, promises him a great nation and is "with the boy" as he grows (21:17-20).

The verses

“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. I will also make a nation of the son of the servant, because he is your child.””
Genesis 21:12-13 · World English Bible
“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. Get up, lift up the boy, and hold him with your hand. For I will make him a great nation.” God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. She went, filled the container with water, and gave the boy a drink. God was with the boy, and he grew. He lived in the wilderness, and as he grew up, he became an archer.”
Genesis 21:17-20 · World English Bible

From Favor's study of Genesis 21

Genesis 21: As he had said

The LORD did for Sarah exactly as he had said, and Isaac was born when Abraham was one hundred. When Hagar and her son were sent away, God heard the boy, opened Hagar's eyes to a well and was with him as he grew. At Beersheba, the well of the oath, Abraham called on the LORD, the Everlasting God.

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Last reviewed September 25, 2026. Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Every answer cites the verses it rests on. What we believe · All Bible questions