Genesis 21

“What troubles you, Hagar?  Fear not, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is” (v17).  Isaac, Abraham’s son by Sarah, was the child of God’s special promise to Abraham (v1-2).  But through Isaac, Jacob, and ultimately Jesus, “all the families of the earth” (12:3) would be blessed, including Ishmael’s descendents.  God’s plan for Isaac did not mean that He had forgotten Ishmael.  God miraculously rescued the boy and his mother, and He promised to make Ishmael into “a great nation” (v18). 

God’s mercy has no limits.  He is the “Everlasting God” of Abraham (v33), and of Hagar and Ishmael, and of all who call on Him.