The coming of I'saac into the home of A'bra-ham and Sa'rah was not without moments of trial and sorrow. There was already in the household of A'bra-ham, as previously related, a son of Ha'gar, the Egyptian maid. The boy was greatly loved by his father A'bra-ham, who had grown to think of him almost as the Divinely promised heir. Twelve years before the birth of I'saac there had been a serious quarrel between Sa'rah and Ha'gar, and only the intervention of God had restored Ha'gar and her son back to the household. Now that Sa'rah had a son of her own the jealousy would be revived, with each mother looking with suspicion and envy upon the other concerning the future of the two boys. Since Ish'ma-el was twelve years old when I'saac was born, Ha'gar would naturally expect him to be his father's heir.
When I'saac was about three years old, according to a custom of that age, a great festival was held in honor of his becoming weaned. For the first time the child was permitted to eat the food which was to form his regular diet from that time on. Neighbors and friends were to join the festivities, and it was an occasion of great joy and happiness.
Ish'ma-el was now about fifteen years old, and for the past three years had looked upon I'saac with growing suspicion and envy, taunting the younger son with bitter, sarcastic remarks. He seems to have been a rough, unruly lad who scorned the quiet, gentle habits of I'saac, and his conduct toward his half-brother was rude, indiscreet, and vulgar. On this occasion he was probably jealous of the honor being paid to I'saac in the festivities.
Sa'rah felt Ish'ma-el's unbecoming attitude toward her son was not only the expression of his envy, but was the result of Ha'gar's influence and training. Her pent up envy burst forth in sharp anger. She went to A'bra-ham and demanded that Ha'gar and Ish'ma-el be sent away, saying that she did not wish her son to be reared with this rough lad.
Sa'rah realized that Ish'ma-el's jeers and ill-mannered mocking had a deeper meaning than mere impoliteness in speech. She felt that his attitude was connected with the birthright, and that he would use violence if necessary to defend what he thought was his rightful heritage. Her quick temper may have led her to call for the removal of a rival to her son's succession and title to his father's inheritance, but in her words the way was opened for the LORD to overcome evil with good, hence she may unknowingly have uttered a Divine decree.
