Reading for February 28th

Read Genesis 21.8-21 Abraham and Sarah send Hagar and Ishmael away.
This episode contains elements similar to the earlier story of Hagar and Ishmael in 16.1-16:
conflict between Sarah and Hagar, journey into the desert, encounter with a divine angel, a well of water, promises concerning Ishmael, and a play on the word "hear" related to the name Ishmael.
A key difference this time is that Hagar if forcibly expelled by Sarah,
whereas before Hagar had left voluntarily.
In verses 10-13 Sarah's demand to send Hagar and Ishmael away is very distressing to
Abraham because it will mean giving up his son Ishmael.
But God commands Abraham to send Ishmael away, and Abraham obeys.
In 22.2, God will similarly command Abraham to give up his only remaining son Isaac.
In verse 16 Hagar's words Do not let me look reflect the theme of seeing
and not seeing in the story (21.9, 16, 19).
In verse 17 that God heard and has heard ("shm") is a pun on the child's name,
Ishmael, which means "God hears."
Comments or Questions...