Sar'ai
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Introduction:
Sarai, later known as Sarah, is a prominent figure in the Hebrew Bible, particularly in the Book of Genesis. She is the wife of Abram (later Abraham) and the mother of Isaac. Sarai's account is integral to the narrative of the patriarchs and the unfolding of God's covenant with Abraham.

Etymology and Name Change:
The name "Sarai" is believed to mean "my princess" or "princess." In Genesis 17:15, God changes her name to "Sarah," which also means "princess," signifying her role as the matriarch of nations and the mother of kings. This name change marks a pivotal moment in her life, reflecting God's promise and blessing.

Family and Early Life:
Sarai was the daughter of Terah, making her Abram's half-sister, as they shared the same father but not the same mother (Genesis 20:12). She was born in Ur of the Chaldeans, a city in ancient Mesopotamia. Sarai's marriage to Abram is first mentioned in Genesis 11:29.

Journey to Canaan:
Sarai accompanied Abram on his journey from Ur to Haran and eventually to Canaan, following God's call to Abram to leave his homeland and go to a land that He would show him (Genesis 12:1-5). This journey marks the beginning of the fulfillment of God's promise to make Abram a great nation.

The Egyptian Sojourn:
During a famine in Canaan, Abram and Sarai traveled to Egypt. Fearing for his life because of Sarai's beauty, Abram instructed her to say she was his sister. Pharaoh took Sarai into his palace, but God intervened by sending plagues upon Pharaoh's household, leading to Sarai's release (Genesis 12:10-20).

Promise of a Son:
Despite God's promise to Abram that he would have numerous descendants, Sarai remained barren for many years. In her impatience, she gave her maidservant Hagar to Abram as a concubine, resulting in the birth of Ishmael (Genesis 16:1-4). However, God reaffirmed His promise to Abram, stating that Sarai would bear a son. In Genesis 17:16, God declares, "I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she will be the mother of nations; kings of peoples will descend from her."

Birth of Isaac:
At the age of ninety, Sarai gave birth to Isaac, as God had promised (Genesis 21:1-3). This miraculous event occurred despite her initial laughter and doubt when she overheard the promise of a son (Genesis 18:10-15). Isaac's birth is a testament to God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His covenant.

Role and Legacy:
Sarai, as Sarah, is revered as a matriarch in the Judeo-Christian tradition. Her life exemplifies faith, obedience, and the complexities of human emotions and relationships. She is mentioned in the New Testament as a model of faith and submission (Hebrews 11:11; 1 Peter 3:6).

Death and Burial:
Sarah lived to be 127 years old. Her death is recorded in Genesis 23:1-2, and she was buried in the Cave of Machpelah, which Abraham purchased as a family burial site. This act of securing a burial place in Canaan underscores the significance of the land promised to Abraham and his descendants.

Conclusion:
Sarai's account is a foundational narrative in the Bible, illustrating the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through the lineage of Abraham. Her life, marked by trials and triumphs, continues to inspire and teach lessons of faith and perseverance.
Concordance
Sar'ai (12 Occurrences)

Genesis 11:29
And Abram and Nahor took them wives: the name of Abram's wife was Sarai; and the name of Nahor's wife, Milcah, the daughter of Haran, the father of Milcah, and the father of Iscah.
(See RSV)

Genesis 11:30
And Sarai was barren; she had no child.
(See RSV)

Genesis 11:31
And Terah took Abram his son, and Lot the son of Haran, his son's son, and Sarai his daughter-in-law, his son Abram's wife; and they went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldees, to go into the land of Canaan; and they came unto Haran, and dwelt there.
(See RSV)

Genesis 12:5
And Abram took Sarai his wife, and Lot his brother's son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran; and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan; and into the land of Canaan they came.
(See RSV)

Genesis 12:11
And it came to pass, when he was come near to enter into Egypt, that he said unto Sarai his wife: 'Behold now, I know that thou art a fair woman to look upon.
(See RSV)

Genesis 12:17
And the LORD plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai Abram's wife.
(See RSV)

Genesis 16:1
Now Sarai Abram's wife bore him no children; and she had a handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar.
(See RSV)

Genesis 16:2
And Sarai said unto Abram: 'Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing; go in, I pray thee, unto my handmaid; it may be that I shall be builded up through her.' And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai.
(See RSV)

Genesis 16:5
And Sarai said unto Abram: 'My wrong be upon thee: I gave my handmaid into thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: the LORD judge between me and thee.'
(See RSV)

Genesis 16:6
But Abram said unto Sarai: 'Behold, thy maid is in thy hand; do to her that which is good in thine eyes.' And Sarai dealt harshly with her, and she fled from her face.
(See RSV)

Genesis 16:8
And he said: 'Hagar, Sarai's handmaid, whence camest thou? and whither goest thou?' And she said: 'I flee from the face of my mistress Sarai.'
(See RSV)

Genesis 17:15
And God said unto Abraham: 'As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be.
(See RSV)

Thesaurus
Sar'ai (12 Occurrences)
Sar'ai. Sarai, Sar'ai. Saraiah . Multi-Version Concordance Sar'ai (12
Occurrences). Genesis 11:29 And Abram and Nahor took them ...
/s/sar'ai.htm - 9k

Sarai (13 Occurrences)

/s/sarai.htm - 20k

Saraiah (1 Occurrence)

/s/saraiah.htm - 6k

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