Topical Encyclopedia Sarah, originally named Sarai, is a prominent figure in the 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 and virtue, despite facing numerous challenges and trials.Name and Meaning The name Sarai means "my princess," while Sarah means "princess." God changed her name from Sarai to Sarah as part of His covenant with Abraham, signifying her role as the mother of nations. Genesis 17:15-16 states, "Then God said to Abraham, 'As for Sarai your wife, do not call her Sarai, for her name will be Sarah. And I will bless her and will surely give you a son by her. I will bless her, and she will become nations; kings of peoples will descend from her.'" Marriage to Abraham Sarah was married to Abraham, the patriarch of the Israelites. Their marriage is marked by deep companionship and shared faith in God's promises. Despite the cultural norms of the time, which often placed women in subordinate roles, Sarah is portrayed as a partner in God's covenant with Abraham. Her loyalty and support are evident throughout their journey from Ur to Canaan. Faith and Patience Sarah is celebrated for her faith, particularly in the New Testament. Hebrews 11:11 commends her faith: "By faith Sarah, even though she was barren and beyond the proper age, was enabled to conceive a child because she considered Him faithful who had promised." Despite her initial doubt and laughter at the promise of bearing a child in her old age (Genesis 18:12), Sarah ultimately believed in God's promise and became the mother of Isaac. Challenges and Trials Sarah faced significant challenges, including her long period of barrenness, which was a source of personal anguish and social stigma. In a moment of doubt, she gave her maidservant Hagar to Abraham to bear a child, resulting in the birth of Ishmael (Genesis 16:1-4). This decision led to tension and conflict within the household, yet God remained faithful to His promise to Sarah. Role as a Mother Sarah's role as a mother is pivotal in the biblical narrative. Her son Isaac is the child of promise, through whom God's covenant with Abraham would continue. Genesis 21:1-3 records the fulfillment of God's promise: "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. And Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore to him." Legacy Sarah's legacy is one of faith, perseverance, and fulfillment of God's promises. She is honored as a matriarch in the lineage of Israel and is revered for her role in God's redemptive plan. Her life exemplifies the virtues of faithfulness and trust in God's timing, serving as an enduring model for wives and women of faith throughout the ages. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Peter 3:6Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters you are, as long as you do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library But Whereas the Apostle, when Commending the Fruit of Unmarried ... Mothers, Daughters, and Wives in Israel John Chapter ii. 23-25; iii. 5-Jan And not Without Just Cause a Doubt is Raised... The Removal of Joseph's Father with all his Family, to Him, on ... Chapter xx The Teaching of the Apostles in Opposition to Jewish and Gentile ... Ephesians v. 22-24 Homilies on Galatians and Ephesians. Jacob, a Prince of God. Resources How many wives did King David have? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did the Israelites have to abandon their foreign wives and children? | GotQuestions.org How many wives did Abraham have? | GotQuestions.org Wives: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Wives of Ministers should be Exemplary Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To be Faithful to Them Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To be Subject to Them Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To Love Them Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To Obey Them Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To Remain With Them for Life Wives: Duties of, to Their Husbands: To Reverence Them Wives: Good are a Blessing to Husbands Wives: Good are a Token of the Favour of God Wives: Good are Benevolent to the Poor Wives: Good are Diligent and Prudent Wives: Good are Praised by Husbands Wives: Good: Bring Honor on Husbands Wives: Good: Duty of, to Unbelieving Husbands Wives: Good: Secure Confidence of Husbands Wives: Good: should be Silent in the Churches Wives: Not to be Selected from Among the Ungodly Wives: should be Adorned with a Meek and Quiet Spirit Wives: should be Adorned with Good Works Wives: should be Adorned with Modesty and Sobriety Wives: should be Adorned: Not With Ornaments Wives: should Seek Religious Instruction from Their Husbands Related Terms |
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