Chosen People Class 3 Avraham and Yishmael

[Tikvah]

We usually look at Yishmael through Sarah's perspective. I am very curious about Avraham and Yishmael's relationship. After all they were father--son for 13 years before Yitzchak appeared on the scene.

Tikvah

[Chana2]

We know that Avraham related to Yishmael as a son because he did not want to send Yishmael away when Sara told him to. I infer from this that Avraham loved Yishmael. Furthermore, when Hashem told Avraham to bring Yitzchak as a sacrifice, Rashi says that Hashem had to explicitly say "Yitzchak" because when He said "bring up your son, " Avraham answered "I have two sons." Avraham only agreed to send away Yishmael and Hagar after Hashem told him to do so.

Avraham must have had a strong influence on Yishmael. Chazal say that Yishmael did t'shuva before he died. In his old age, Yishmael returned to the teaching of his father, Avraham.

[Tikvah]

I think what I wonder the most about is what it was like for Avraham in those few years between when Yitzchak was born and Yishmael and Hagar were sent away. The relationship between Hagar and Sarah was such that Avraham must have been pulled between which son to give his attention to at anyone moment.

Tikvah