Topical Encyclopedia Sarah, originally named Sarai, is a prominent figure in the Hebrew Bible, known for her role as the wife of Abraham and the mother of Isaac. Her account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, where she is depicted as a matriarch of the Israelite people and a woman of faith.Etymology and Name Change The name Sarai is believed to mean "my princess," while Sarah means "princess" or "noblewoman." The change of her name from Sarai to Sarah is significant and is recorded in Genesis 17:15: "Then God said to Abraham, 'As for Sarai your wife, do not call her Sarai, for her name will be Sarah.'" This change signifies her role in God's covenant and her status as a mother of nations. Life and Journey Sarah's life is intricately linked with that of her husband, Abraham. She is first introduced in Genesis 11:29-30, where it is noted that she was barren: "Sarai was barren; she had no child." Despite this, God promised Abraham that he would be the father of many nations, a promise that included Sarah as the mother of the promised heir. Sarah's journey of faith is marked by several key events: 1. The Call to Canaan: Sarah accompanied Abraham from Ur of the Chaldeans to Canaan, demonstrating her commitment and faith in God's promises (Genesis 12:1-5). 2. The Egyptian Episode: During a famine, Sarah and Abraham went to Egypt. Fearing for his life, Abraham asked Sarah to say she was his sister. Pharaoh took her into his house, but God intervened, and she was returned to Abraham (Genesis 12:10-20). 3. The Promise of a Son: In Genesis 18, God reaffirmed His promise to Abraham that Sarah would bear a son. Despite her initial laughter due to her old age, God declared, "Is anything too difficult for the LORD?" (Genesis 18:14). 4. The Birth of Isaac: At the age of 90, Sarah gave birth to Isaac, fulfilling God's promise. Genesis 21:1-3 records this miraculous event: "Now the LORD attended to Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what He had promised. So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him." 5. The Hagar Incident: Before Isaac's birth, Sarah, in her impatience, gave her maidservant Hagar to Abraham to bear a child. This led to the birth of Ishmael and subsequent tension between Sarah and Hagar (Genesis 16). Character and Legacy Sarah is portrayed as a woman of beauty, faith, and complexity. Her faith is commended in the New Testament, where she is mentioned in Hebrews 11:11: "By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered Him faithful who had promised." Sarah's legacy is profound, as she is considered a matriarch of the Jewish people and a model of faith for Christians. Her life exemplifies the challenges and triumphs of trusting in God's promises, even when circumstances seem impossible. Death and Burial Sarah lived to be 127 years old. Her death is recorded in Genesis 23:1-2: "Now Sarah lived to be 127 years old. And she died in Kiriath-arba (that is, Hebron) in the land of Canaan, and Abraham went to mourn for Sarah and to weep over her." She was buried in the Cave of Machpelah, which Abraham purchased as a family burial site, marking the first piece of the Promised Land owned by Abraham's descendants. Sarah's account continues to inspire and teach about the faithfulness of God and the importance of trusting in His timing and promises. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 17:15And God said to Abraham, As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be. Nave's Topical Index Strong's Hebrew 3478. Yisrael -- "God strives," another name of Jacob and his desc ...... Israel. From sarah and 'el; he will rule as God; Jisrael, a symbolical name of Jacob; also (typically) of his posterity: --Israel. see HEBREW sarah. ... /hebrew/3478.htm - 6k 8304. Serayah -- "Yah persists," the name of a number of Isr. Library Of the Change of Name in Abraham and Sarah, who Received the Gift ... Of Isaac, who was Born According to the Promise, Whose Name was ... Chapter xvii What is Meant by Abraham's Marrying Keturah after Sarah's Death. Thou who Answerest to the Name of Abraham, in that Thou Art Made ... M. Sarah F. Adams. Peace be with You. Philosophy the Handmaid of Theology. Of Abraham's Obedience and Faith, which were Proved by the ... Joshua was a Figure of Christ. Abraham --The Father of the Faithful. Resources Why do some people in the Bible have more than one name? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Sacred Name Movement? | GotQuestions.org What is the name of God? | GotQuestions.org Name: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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