Source Text: Genesis 21:8-21
Target Text(s):
Subject: Hagar's Two Expulsions
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Reference Type: Echo
Connection Method(s): Typology + Contrast
Significance: Genesis 16 and 21 present two parallel episodes involving Hagar and her son, forming a deliberate narrative echo with escalating consequences. In Genesis 16, Sarai's harsh treatment (וַתְּעַנֶּהָ, vatte'anneha, "afflicted her") drives Hagar to flee voluntarily, but the angel of the LORD sends her back with a promise of innumerable offspring. In Genesis 21:10, Sarah demands permanent expulsion (גָּרֵשׁ, garesh, "drive out"), and God confirms the separation as divinely intended, directing Abraham to comply. The contrast between the two episodes is theologically decisive: the first offers restoration and return, while the second enacts an irrevocable division between the child of the flesh (Ishmael) and the child of promise (Isaac). Both episodes feature divine provision for Hagar in the wilderness, but the narrative arc moves from temporary flight to permanent separation, establishing the principle that covenant inheritance runs through divine promise rather than human effort.