Bible Summary:

In her nineties, Sarah gives birth to a son for Abraham as God said would happen. Abraham circumcises his son Isaac as God commanded.  Sarah tells Abraham to send the slave Hagar and his son by her Ishmael away without any of his wealth.  God tells Abraham not to worry about Ishmael, since he will father a great nation too.  Hagar and Ishmael are sent away, but God watches out for them in the desert.  Ishmael grows into a skillful hunter and Hagar gets him an Egyptian wife.

My Thoughts:

Fulfilling Promises: God fulfills his promise to Abraham by giving him a son by his wife. Abraham reciprocates by circumcising Isaac.  I am sure this is the point where Abraham and Sarah finally believe in God and his promise that they will have many descendants. No more laughing disbelief from them.

God Cares for Ishmael: Even though Ishmael is out of favor with the chosen family of Abraham, God still cares for him.  The Old Testament is a story passed down over many centuries by one line of people, so they will naturally show themselves in a better light. However, God loves and cares for us all just the same.