When Isaac, the promised son of Abraham and Sarah, reached the age when he was weaned (perhaps age 2 or 3), Abraham "made a great feast" to celebrate (Ge 21:8).
At that feast, or perhaps later, Sarah saw Ishmael, Isaac's older half-brother, "laughing" (ESV). Laughter is a recurring element in this part of the book of Genesis, whether laughter of incredulity or joy. We don't know why Ishmael was laughing, but Sarah had a strong negative reaction. She became determined that it was time for Ishmael and his mother Hagar to leave.
What exactly had happened? From the context, one possibility is that Ishmael was mocking (NIV, CSB,NET, e.g.), scoffing (NKJV), or making fun of Isaac (NLT). These translations are supported by Paul's interpretation in Galatians 4:29. Paul says that Ishmael "persecuted" Isaac.
Readers through the centuries have puzzled over this incident. For example, the Book of Jubilees (2nd century BC) pictures Abraham at the feast rejoicing over both of his sons (Jubilees 17:1-4). Jubilees 17:4 begins, "And Sarah saw Ishmael playing and dancing, and Abraham rejoicing with great joy, and she became jealous of Ishmael..." In this reading, Sarah may have been upset because of Abraham's love for Ishmael.
On the other hand, Josephus (c. 100 AD), explained that Sarah "was not willing that Ishmael should be brought up with him [i.e. Isaac], as being too old for him, and able to do him injuries when their father should be dead" (Antiquities 1.215).
At any rate, God endorsed Sarah's wishes, explaining to Abraham that he would be watching over Hagar and Ishmael. Abraham complied, though it pained him to do so. Some listings of the 10 trials of Abraham list the expulsion of Hagar and Ishmael from his camp as one of these trials (see e.g. Jubilees 17:17).
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