Why Ishmael's Mockery Meant Idolatry and an Arrow Aimed at Isaac

Midrash Aggadah, Genesis 21:9

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

"Whom she had borne to Abraham, mocking" (Genesis 21:9). For he set up a brick and kissed it, as it is said, "And they rose up to make sport" (Exodus 32:6). And some say that he took a bow and arrows and was shooting the bow toward Isaac, for he sought to kill him, as it is said, "As a madman who casts firebrands, arrows, and death, so is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, 'Am I not but making sport?'" (Proverbs 26:18-19).

Themes

IdolatryFratricidal DangerSarah And HagarMockery As Sin

Biblical References

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