The presence of Hagar and Ishmael in the Abraham narratives has posed many difficulties over the years. This research examines the text of Gn 21 with an aim of addressing these issues through macro-syntactical analysis, literary structure and keen attention to translation and wordplays. It is shown that Hagar and Ishmael are important literary figures, tied into the book of Genesis through numerous literary devices. The key to reconciling their banishment lies in a previously overlooked pun in Gn 21:9.