Genesis 16 tells the story of Sarai, Abram’s wife, who was unable to conceive a child. Sarai suggested that Abram should have a child with her Egyptian maidservant, Hagar, in order to fulfill God’s promise of descendants. Abram agreed, and Hagar became pregnant.
However, after Hagar conceived, tensions arose between her and Sarai. Sarai began to mistreat Hagar, who eventually fled into the wilderness. While Hagar was alone in the desert, an angel of the Lord appeared to her and told her to return to Sarai and submit to her authority. The angel also promised that her descendants would be numerous, and she would bear a son named Ishmael.
Hagar obeyed the angel’s command and returned to Abram and Sarai. She later gave birth to Ishmael, and Abram was eighty-six years old at the time.
This chapter highlights the consequences of Sarai and Abram’s impatience in fulfilling God’s promise. It reveals the complexities and conflicts that arose from their decision, resulting in mistreatment and the birth of Ishmael.
To explore the depths of each verse in its context, click the links below: