BLESSING OUTSIDE THE COVENANT

There's so much going on with the story of Abraham fathering Ishmael with Hagar at Sarah's insistence - Abraham and Sarah's impatience, the taking of God's promise into their own hands, Abraham's attachment to Ishmael, the bad blood between Hagar and Sarah. 

On an earthly level, it's a tale employing all the worst qualities of human nature - and finding it impossible to live together.

And in the midst of this domestic mess manufactured by God's chosen couple, Abraham and Sarah, God acknowledges the suffering of the innocent victims, Hagar and Ishmael. 

They don't get to be a part of the chosen bloodline for the Messiah, but they are not just tossed aside. Abraham pleads to God on Ishmael's behalf and God responds with love and grace:

Genesis 17:20 "As for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I have blessed him and will make him fruitful and multiply him greatly. He shall father princes, and I will make him into a great nation. 21 But I will establish my covenant with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this time next year."

God is not cursing and damning all those who are outside of the chosen bloodline! There is still plenty of room for blessing and experiencing God's goodness outside of the chosen nation. 

From the start, Scripture emphasizes that the people who become Israel are chosen for a specific task, not chosen for salvation.