The incident of Ishmael mocking Isaac occurs in Genesis 21, during the celebration of Isaac’s weaning. Genesis 21:8–9 states:
“So the child grew and was weaned. And Abraham made a great feast on the same day that Isaac was weaned. And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, scoffing.”
The word translated as “scoffing” (or mocking) suggests ridicule or derision. Ishmael’s behavior likely reflected hostility and contempt toward Isaac, the child of promise. This mockery was not innocent teasing; it revealed deeper tension in the household. Ishmael, now a teenager, may have resented Isaac’s position as heir, since Ishmael had been Abraham’s only son for many years.
Sarah perceived this as a threat to Isaac’s inheritance and future. Genesis 21:10 records her response:
“Therefore she said to Abraham, ‘Cast out this bondwoman and her son; for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, namely with Isaac.’”
Though Abraham was distressed by this, God confirmed Sarah’s request, assuring Abraham that Isaac was the child through whom His covenant would continue (Genesis 21:12). God also promised to make a great nation of Ishmael, showing His mercy toward Hagar and her son (Genesis 21:13).
This event illustrates two important truths. First, God’s promises and purposes are not altered by human arrangements or natural descent; the covenant line would come through Isaac, the son of promise, not Ishmael. Second, it shows how envy and pride can lead to strife, even within families.
