“And Abram was fourscore and six years old when Hagar bare Ishmael to Abram.”
Context: Genesis 16:16 is part of the larger narrative of Abram (later renamed Abraham) and his wife Sarai (later renamed Sarah) in the book of Genesis. At this point in the story, Sarai was unable to bear children, and she suggested that Abram have a child with her Egyptian maidservant, Hagar. Hagar conceived and gave birth to a son named Ishmael when Abram was 86 years old.
Abram’s age: Genesis 16:16 highlights the age of Abram when Hagar bore Ishmael. He was “fourscore and six years old,” which means he was 86 years old. This detail provides a specific time reference for this event in Abram’s life.
God’s promise: Before this incident, God had promised Abram that he would have descendants who would become a great nation (Genesis 12:2-3). However, Sarai was barren, which led to the couple’s decision to use Hagar as a surrogate mother. Though Abram had good intentions, this act of Abram and Sarai’s lack of faith in God’s promise ultimately led to complications and a strained relationship.
Implications and consequences: The birth of Ishmael through Hagar created tension within Abram’s household. As Ishmael grew, conflicts arose between Sarai and Hagar, and their relationship became strained. This event also had long-lasting consequences, as Ishmael’s descendants would become the Arab nations.
God’s faithfulness: While Abram and Sarai took matters into their own hands, God remained faithful to His promise. In Genesis 17, when Abram was 99 years old and Sarai was 90, God renewed His covenant with them and promised that Sarai would bear a son, whom they were to name Isaac. Through Isaac, God’s promise of a great nation would be fulfilled.
Lessons for us: Genesis 16:16 reminds us of the importance of trusting in God’s promises and timing. It serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of taking matters into our own hands instead of patiently waiting for God’s perfect plan to unfold. It also teaches us that God is faithful even when we make mistakes, and He can redeem our failures and bring about His purposes.
In summary, Genesis 16:16 reveals Abram’s age when Hagar bore Ishmael and serves as a reminder of the consequences that can arise when we attempt to fulfill God’s promises in our own way and timing. It emphasizes the importance of trusting in God’s faithfulness and waiting for His perfect plan to unfold.
