Genesis 21:12Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

In His divine compassion, the Lord, reflecting His unique humanity, aims to reaffirm the harmony among His faithful servants. He addresses Abraham with reassurance, saying, “Do not be distressed about your son and your servant; heed whatever Sarah commands you.” He instructs Abraham not to receive her words with sorrow but to obey her entirely. In all matters concerning Ishmael and Hagar that Sarah speaks of, God commands Abraham to accept and follow her directions. He reminds Abraham not to neglect the wishes of one who has consistently shown deep affection throughout their shared life, having risked herself for his deliverance not just once, but twice, leading to his salvation and much glory.

When divine revelation directed him to focus solely on Isaac, as the promise had been realized through him, he released Hagar and instructed her to leave the household with her son, foreshadowing the mystery of Christ. Hagar spoke to the revered Abraham, saying, “Cast out this slave woman and her son, for the son of this slave shall not share in the inheritance with my son Isaac” (Genesis 21:10). Though Abraham was troubled by her words, he also received the divine command to heed Sarah's request. It was a heavy burden for Abraham to send away Hagar; nevertheless, he complied with God's instruction. Indeed, the holy Apostles and Evangelists felt deep sorrow over the apostasy of Israel.

I understand, Prinzipia, my sister in Christ, that some criticize me for addressing women on occasion and showing preference for the female gender over men. Thus, I feel compelled to respond to my critics before engaging in the reasoning you requested. Sarah transcended the nature of womanhood, and hence, Abraham honored her. It is written, “Whatever Sarah says to you, listen to her voice” (Genesis 21:12). One who has moved beyond femininity, you have never embraced femininity. The virgin is elevated above the genders, bearing Christ within her. She embodies what is to come.

What was communicated to Abraham is also directed to you and to everyone: Do not mourn for your son and your servant. In all matters, heed the counsel of Sarah; for through Isaac your descendants will be named. God has not instructed anyone elsewhere to heed the voice of his wife, but here it is emphasized. This implies: you have wronged your wife, disregarded her feelings, fathered a son through a handmaid, and failed to honor the son born to your wife. Can your lineage be acknowledged through the son of a servant? Certainly not; the true legacy resides in the legitimate son.

Listen to whatever Sarah instructs you. Through her, God communicates His intentions regarding Ishmael and Hagar, allowing for the rectification of Sarah's initial misjudgment about them while also providing her solace for her past anguish. "In Isaac shall thy seed be called." The lineage promised to Abraham encompasses: *the Jews, who hold a special position as his chosen descendants; *all believers, recognized as children of the promise through Isaac (Rom. 9:8, Gal. 4:28) above and beyond everyone else; *Christ, who is the foundation and embodiment of all sonship (Gal. 3:16).