Topical Bible: Contempt: Hagar

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Hagar, an Egyptian maidservant, is a significant figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of contempt and its consequences. Her account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, where she serves as a maid to Sarai, Abram's wife. The dynamics between Hagar, Sarai, and Abram reveal much about human relationships, divine intervention, and the unfolding of God's promises.

Background and Context

Hagar enters the biblical narrative in Genesis 16. Sarai, Abram's wife, is barren and, in her desperation to provide an heir for Abram, gives Hagar to Abram as a concubine. This act was culturally acceptable at the time, as it was a way to ensure the continuation of a family line. However, it sets the stage for conflict and contempt.

Contempt and Conflict

Upon conceiving Abram's child, Hagar's attitude towards Sarai changes. Genesis 16:4 states, "And when she saw that she had conceived, she began to despise her mistress." This contempt from Hagar towards Sarai is a pivotal moment, highlighting the complexities of human emotions and relationships. Hagar's newfound status as the mother of Abram's child leads her to look down upon Sarai, who remains childless.

Sarai's response to Hagar's contempt is one of distress and anger. She blames Abram for the situation, saying, "May the wrong done to me be upon you. I put my servant into your arms, and ever since she saw that she was pregnant, she has despised me" (Genesis 16:5). Abram, in turn, gives Sarai the authority to deal with Hagar as she sees fit, leading to Hagar's harsh treatment and eventual flight into the wilderness.

Divine Intervention and Promise

In the wilderness, Hagar encounters the Angel of the LORD, who provides her with guidance and a promise. The Angel instructs her to return to Sarai and submit to her authority, despite the contempt and mistreatment she has experienced. This divine encounter is significant, as it not only addresses the immediate conflict but also reveals God's care and plan for Hagar and her offspring.

The Angel of the LORD promises Hagar that her descendants will be too numerous to count, and her son, Ishmael, will be a "wild donkey of a man" (Genesis 16:12), living in hostility towards his brothers. This prophecy foreshadows the future tensions between Ishmael's descendants and those of Isaac, Sarai's eventual son.

Further Developments

Hagar's account continues in Genesis 21, where tensions arise once more after the birth of Isaac. Sarah, now renamed and blessed with a son, sees Ishmael mocking Isaac during a feast. This leads to Sarah demanding that Hagar and Ishmael be sent away, as she does not want Ishmael to share in Isaac's inheritance. Abraham is distressed by this demand, but God reassures him, saying, "Do not be distressed about the boy and your maidservant. Listen to everything Sarah tells you, for through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned" (Genesis 21:12).

Hagar and Ishmael are sent into the desert, where they face the threat of death due to lack of water. Once again, God intervenes, providing a well and reaffirming His promise to make Ishmael into a great nation (Genesis 21:18).

Theological Implications

Hagar's account is rich with theological implications, particularly concerning God's sovereignty, the fulfillment of His promises, and His care for the marginalized. Despite the contempt and conflict, God's purposes prevail, and His promises to both Isaac and Ishmael are fulfilled. Hagar's experiences also serve as a reminder of the complexities of human relationships and the need for humility and submission to God's will.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 16:4
And he went in to Hagar, and she conceived: and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

For the Epiphany
... and by saw Him when He was reviled among the gainsayers; He bore the contempt and
taught ... also the mouth of the wild asses [497] when the race of Hagar gave a ...
/.../ephraim/hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn xiii for the epiphany.htm

Chapter xxv
... of Abraham." But when the added explanation is given, "whom Hagar, the Egyptian ...
subscribe to the interpretation of Dods: "Who does not feel contempt for the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxv.htm

Entire Sanctification as Taught by Paul.
... They prided themselves on the law, and looked with contempt upon the Gentiles ... After
the birth of Ishmael, we may well suppose that Hagar's chief employment in ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter vii entire sanctification as.htm

Homilies on Galatians and Ephesians.
... Abraham, justified by faith, [1]25; his household a pattern of harmony and good
government, [2]148; his hospitality and contempt of riches, [3 ... Hagar, [316]149. ...
/.../homilies on galatians and ephesians.htm

Paul Before his Conversion.
... Gamaliel, was comparatively free from the rabbinical abhorrence and contempt of
heathen ... 3:16, the allegorical interpretation of Hagar and Sarah, 4:22 sqq., and ...
/.../schaff/history of the christian church volume i/section 30 paul before his.htm

Sunday Before Lent
... does where (Galatians 4, 24-31) he makes Sarah and Hagar representative of ... individuals
and false saints, who, immediately on perceiving contempt or ingratitude ...
//christianbookshelf.org/luther/epistle sermons vol ii/sunday before lent.htm

Swedenborgians, Or, the New Jerusalem Church.
... the material body, may be evident from the angels seen by Abraham, Hagar, Gideon,
Daniel ... mouth from the love of self, but with a cold heart from contempt of God ...
/.../hayward/the book of religions/swedenborgians or the new jerusalem.htm

Abraham, his Trial in Egypt; his Humility
... Contempt of money, introduced by the Gospel, [337]322, [338]357; its fruits in ... Hagar,
why taken by Abraham, [804]155; her insulting treatment of her mistress ...
/.../abraham his trial in egypt.htm

Ephesians v. 22-24
... Yet did none of these things avail to overcome him; but he delivered Hagar up to ...
to one and now to another, would naturally enough feel contempt towards their ...
/.../homily xx ephesians v 22-24.htm

The Book of Jubilees
... to come and fetch him when he was settled in his new abode; Hagar died before ... At
the same time the narrow insularity of the writer and his contempt for, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the book of jubilees.htm