Topical Bible: Family: Infelicity In of Abraham, on Account of Hagar

◄ Family: Infelicity In of Abraham, on Account of Hagar ►

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The narrative of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar presents a poignant example of family infelicity within the biblical patriarchal context. This account, primarily found in Genesis 16 and 21, highlights the complexities and challenges that arose from decisions made outside of God's initial promise to Abraham.

Background and Context

God promised Abraham that he would be the father of a great nation (Genesis 12:2). However, as time passed and Sarah remained barren, doubt crept into their hearts. In an attempt to fulfill God's promise through human means, Sarah proposed that Abraham take her Egyptian maidservant, Hagar, as a concubine to bear a child. This decision, though culturally acceptable at the time, was not in alignment with God's plan for Abraham's lineage.

Genesis 16: The Birth of Ishmael

The decision to involve Hagar led to immediate tension within the household. After Hagar conceived, her attitude towards Sarah changed, leading to strife. Genesis 16:4-5 states, "And when she saw that she was pregnant, she began to despise her mistress. Then Sarai said to Abram, 'May the wrong done to me be upon you. I put my servant into your arms, and now that she is pregnant, she despises me. May the LORD judge between you and me.'"

Sarah's reaction reflects the emotional turmoil and jealousy that arose from this arrangement. Abraham's response was to allow Sarah to deal with Hagar as she saw fit, leading to Hagar's temporary flight into the wilderness (Genesis 16:6).

Divine Intervention and Ishmael's Role

In the wilderness, the Angel of the LORD appeared to Hagar, instructing her to return and submit to Sarah, promising that her offspring would also become a great nation (Genesis 16:9-10). Hagar bore Abraham a son, Ishmael, who would later become the progenitor of a significant lineage.

Genesis 21: The Birth of Isaac and Further Conflict

The birth of Isaac, the child of promise, intensified the existing family discord. Genesis 21:9-10 recounts, "But Sarah saw that the son whom Hagar the Egyptian had borne to Abraham was mocking her son, and she said to Abraham, 'Drive out this slave woman and her son, for the son of this slave woman will never share in the inheritance with my son Isaac.'"

This demand placed Abraham in a difficult position, as Ishmael was also his son. However, God instructed Abraham to heed Sarah's request, reassuring him that Ishmael would also become a nation because he was Abraham's offspring (Genesis 21:12-13).

Resolution and Legacy

Abraham's compliance with God's directive led to Hagar and Ishmael's departure, marking a significant turning point in the family dynamic. Despite the initial infelicity, God's faithfulness to His promises remained evident. Ishmael's descendants became a great nation, fulfilling God's word to Hagar.

The account of Abraham, Sarah, and Hagar serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of deviating from divine promises and the ensuing familial discord. It underscores the importance of faith and patience in God's timing, as well as the complexities of human relationships when divine plans are approached through human reasoning.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 16:5
And Sarai said to Abram, My wrong be on you: I have given my maid into your bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: the LORD judge between me and you.
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Genesis 21:10,11
Why she said to Abraham, Cast out this female slave and her son: for the son of this female slave shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac.
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