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 woman of faith, beauty, and complexity.Name and Identity Sarai, meaning "my princess," was later renamed Sarah, meaning "princess" or "noblewoman," by God as part of His covenant with Abraham (Genesis 17:15). This change signified her role in the divine promise that she would be "a mother of nations" and that "kings of peoples will descend from her" (Genesis 17:16). Faith and Obedience Sarah is celebrated for her faith and obedience to God, despite facing significant personal challenges. Her journey with Abraham from Ur to Canaan, as described in Genesis 12, demonstrates her willingness to leave her homeland and follow God's call. Hebrews 11:11 commends her faith: "By faith Sarah herself, even though she was barren and beyond the proper age, was enabled to conceive a child because she considered Him faithful who had promised." Struggles and Doubts Despite her faith, Sarah's character is also marked by moments of doubt and impatience. Her initial disbelief in God's promise of a son is evident when she laughs upon overhearing the prophecy of her bearing a child in her old age (Genesis 18:12). This reaction reflects her human struggle with the improbability of the promise given her advanced age. Sarah's decision to give her maidservant Hagar to Abraham as a surrogate mother (Genesis 16:1-4) further illustrates her struggle with doubt. This act, while culturally acceptable at the time, led to familial strife and tension, highlighting Sarah's complexity and the consequences of taking matters into her own hands. Beauty and Influence Sarah's beauty is noted in the biblical narrative, which plays a significant role in her account. Twice, Abraham presents her as his sister to protect himself from foreign rulers, first in Egypt (Genesis 12:11-20) and later in Gerar (Genesis 20:1-18). These incidents underscore her physical attractiveness and the influence it had on the events surrounding her life. Motherhood and Legacy The birth of Isaac, the child of promise, is a pivotal moment in Sarah's life, fulfilling God's covenant and establishing her legacy as a matriarch of Israel. Genesis 21:1-3 records this fulfillment: "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." Sarah's legacy extends beyond her lifetime, as she is revered as a model of faith and perseverance. Her life account is a testament to the complexities of human nature, the challenges of faith, and the fulfillment of God's promises. Nave's Topical Index Hebrews 11:11Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised. Nave's Topical Index 1 Peter 3:5,6 Library Scenes in the Lives of the Patriarchs. The Perpetual virginity of Blessed Mary. Chapter xii Consecration to God --Illustrated by Abraham's Circumcision The Book of Jubilees Resources What is the story of Sarah and Hagar? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Sarah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org How long did Abraham and Sarah have to wait for Isaac? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Sarah: Also Called Sarai is Sterile; Gives Her Handmaiden, Hagar, to Abraham As a Concubine Sarah: Also Called Sarai: Character of Sarah: Also Called Sarai: Death and Burial of Sarah: Also Called Sarai: Gives Birth to Isaac Sarah: Also Called Sarai: Her Jealousy of Hagar Sarah: Also Called Sarai: Her Miraculous Conception of Isaac Sarah: Also Called Sarai: Name Changed from Sarai to Sarah Sarah: Also Called Sarai: Near of Kin to Abraham Sarah: Also Called Sarai: Wife of Abraham Related Terms |
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