Topical Bible: Communion: Hagar

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Introduction:
Hagar is a significant figure in the biblical narrative, primarily known as the Egyptian maidservant of Sarai (later Sarah), the wife of Abram (later Abraham). Her account is intertwined with the themes of faith, promise, and God's providence. Hagar's experiences are recorded in the Book of Genesis, where she becomes the mother of Ishmael, Abram's first son.

Biblical Account:
Hagar's account begins in Genesis 16. Sarai, unable to bear children, gives Hagar to Abram as a wife in hopes of obtaining offspring through her. This decision reflects the cultural practices of the time, where a servant could bear children on behalf of a barren mistress. Genesis 16:2 states, "So Sarai said to Abram, 'Please now, the LORD has prevented me from bearing children. Go, sleep with my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family by her.' And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai."

Once Hagar conceives, tensions arise between her and Sarai. Hagar's pregnancy leads to contempt towards Sarai, resulting in harsh treatment from her mistress. In response, Hagar flees into the wilderness. It is here that the Angel of the LORD appears to her, marking a pivotal moment in her life. The angel instructs her to return to Sarai and submit to her authority, promising that her descendants will be too numerous to count. Genesis 16:10 records, "Then the Angel of the LORD said to her, 'I will greatly multiply your offspring so that they will be too numerous to count.'"

Hagar names the LORD who spoke to her "El Roi," meaning "the God who sees me," acknowledging God's awareness and care for her plight. She returns to Abram and Sarai, and in due time, gives birth to Ishmael.

Further Developments:
Hagar's account continues in Genesis 21, after the birth of Isaac, the son of promise to Abraham and Sarah. Tensions resurface when Sarah sees Ishmael mocking Isaac. Concerned for Isaac's inheritance, Sarah urges Abraham to send Hagar and Ishmael away. Though distressed, Abraham complies after God reassures him that Ishmael will also become a great nation. Genesis 21:12-13 states, "But God said to Abraham, 'Do not be distressed about the boy and your maidservant. Listen to everything Sarah tells you, for through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned. But I will also make a nation of the slave woman’s son, because he is your offspring.'"

Hagar and Ishmael wander in the wilderness of Beersheba, where they face the threat of death due to lack of water. God hears Ishmael's cries and provides a well, ensuring their survival. Genesis 21:19 recounts, "Then God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. So she went and filled the skin with water and gave the boy a drink."

Theological Significance:
Hagar's narrative highlights several theological themes. Her account underscores God's compassion and care for the marginalized and oppressed. Despite her status as a servant and an outsider, God sees Hagar and provides for her needs, affirming her dignity and worth.

Moreover, Hagar's encounters with God reveal His sovereignty and faithfulness. The promises made to Hagar about Ishmael's future reflect God's commitment to His word, even when human actions complicate His plans. Hagar's account also serves as a backdrop to the unfolding of God's covenant with Abraham, illustrating the complexities of human relationships and divine purposes.

Legacy:
Hagar's legacy is significant in the biblical narrative and beyond. She is recognized as the matriarch of the Ishmaelites, a people who play a role in the broader biblical history. Her account is a testament to God's grace and the unfolding of His redemptive plan, even through unexpected and challenging circumstances.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 16:8-12
And he said, Hagar, Sarai's maid, from where came you? and where will you go? And she said, I flee from the face of my mistress Sarai.
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Library

Scenes in the Lives of the Patriarchs.
... [Illustration: Hagar in the ... which flooded the dewy plains with glory, and filled
the groves with music, when Abraham came in from his wonted communion with God ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/scenes in the lives of.htm

Love and the Comforter.
... angel of the Lord appeared and showed her the water, then Hagar had found ... Himself,
and by His tender and divinely loving words and sweet communion raises us ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxii love and the comforter.htm

Consecration to God --Illustrated by Abraham's Circumcision
... sight of his own eyes and the inclinations of his own heart when he was allied to
Hagar; but now ... Genuine spiritual consecration begins with communion with God. ...
/.../spurgeons sermons volume 14 1868/consecration to godillustrated by abrahams.htm

Bread and Wine
... A communion, therefore, could be profitably celebrated by persons who had no glimmering ...
Paul's very heart, that leaven is hypocrisy, that Hagar is Mount Sinai ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 14 22-25 bread and wine.htm

Subject Index.
... ordinary, of the Holy Spirit, 126. Communion, natural and spiritual, 645. of goods
idealistic and prophetic, 556. ... H. Hagar, 534. Hair-splitting, 18. Handicraft, ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/subject index.htm

John Chapter iii. 21-Jun
... not see what is already fulfilled, are separating themselves from the communion
of the ... proud to his mother's son; for his mother was Sarah rather than Hagar. ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xii john chapter iii.htm

Homilies on Galatians and Ephesians.
... 186]120. Communion, Church, not to be expanded to take in bad men,
[187]107. Concession, and ... 125-26. Hagar, [316]149. Hannah, an ...
/.../homilies on galatians and ephesians.htm

Experience, Resolve, and Hope
... 'Walking with God,' communion, fellowship, and ... The thought that poor Hagar found
to be her only comfort in the wilderness"and so christened the well after it ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/experience resolve and hope.htm

Entire Sanctification as Taught by Paul.
... in their members, not losing their sonship, but losing their communion and their ...
After the birth of Ishmael, we may well suppose that Hagar's chief employment ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter vii entire sanctification as.htm

Justification by Faith --Illustrated by Abram's Righteousness
... low in his own esteem in proportion as he is honoured with communion with the ... had
justified him, for in the next chapter we find him taking Hagar, his wife's ...
/.../justification by faithillustrated by abrams.htm