Abraham Casting Out Hagar and Ishmael

In Genesis 21, in accordance with Sarah’s wishes and the Lord’s command, Abraham reluctantly banishes his firstborn, Ishmael, and the boy’s mother, the slave Hagar. Rembrandt depicts this scene as a sorrowful farewell witnessed with pleasure by Sarah and Isaac. Torn between his two families, Abraham stands on the threshold of his home, his outstretched arms conveying his conflicted feelings and his helplessness in the face of God’s will.