Why God rejected Ishmael

God instructed Abraham to send Ishmael and Hagar away primarily because Ishmael was not the "child of promise" through whom the covenant line was to continue, with Isaac designated as the true heir. This separation was necessary to prevent conflict over inheritance, resolve familial tension caused by Ishmael's behavior toward Isaac, and honor God's plan for Abraham's lineage. 

Key Reasons for Sending Ishmael Away:

• The Covenant Line: God promised that Abraham's descendants would be reckoned through Isaac, not Ishmael. Ishmael was the result of human effort to fulfill a promise, rather than waiting on God.
• Protection of the Inheritance: Sarah demanded their removal because she feared Ishmael would share the inheritance with her son, Isaac. God affirmed this, stating that Isaac was the chosen heir.
• Sibling Strife: Sarah saw Ishmael mocking or mistreating Isaac, creating a hostile environment that necessitated separation.
• Fulfillment of Divine Plan: The separation was a divine command to ensure that the covenant blessing remained solely with Isaac. 

God's Promise to Ishmael:
Despite the separation, God did not abandon Ishmael. He promised Abraham that Ishmael would also be blessed and become a great nation because he was Abraham's offspring. 

Then Abraham tried to use his ability/strength and cleverness to "help" God to fulfil the promise, thereby producing Ishmael. But God didn't want something that was produced by Abrahams own ability. Isaac was produced in a situation beyond any humans ability to do anything to produce him.29 Sept 2024