1 Now Sarai Abram’s wife bare him no children: and she had an handmaid, an Egyptian, whose name [was] Hagar.
2 And Sarai said unto Abram, Behold now, the LORD hath restrained me from bearing: I pray thee, go in unto my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai.
3 And Sarai Abram’s wife took Hagar her maid the Egyptian, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife.
4 And he went in unto Hagar, and she conceived: and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes.
5 And Sarai said unto Abram, My wrong [be] upon thee: I have given my maid into thy bosom; and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes: the LORD judge between me and thee.
6 But Abram said unto Sarai, Behold, thy maid [is] in thy hand; do to her as it pleaseth thee. And when Sarai dealt hardly with her, she fled from her face.
7 And the angel of the LORD found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur.
8 And he said, Hagar, Sarai’s maid, whence camest thou? and whither wilt thou go? And she said, I flee from the face of my mistress Sarai.
9 And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Return to thy mistress, and submit thyself under her hands.
10 And the angel of the LORD said unto her, I will multiply thy seed exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.
11 And the angel of the LORD said unto her, Behold, thou [art] with child, and shalt bear a son, and shalt call his name Ishmael; because the LORD hath heard thy affliction.
12 And he will be a wild man; his hand [will be] against every man, and every man’s hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren.
13 And she called the name of the LORD that spake unto her, Thou God seest me: for she said, Have I also here looked after him that seeth me?
14 Wherefore the well was called Beerlahairoi; behold, [it is] between Kadesh and Bered.
15 And Hagar bare Abram a son: and Abram called his son’s name, which Hagar bare, Ishmael.
16 And Abram [was] fourscore and six years old, when Hagar bare Ishmael to Abram.
Overview of Genesis Chapter 16
Genesis Chapter 16 narrates the story of Sarai, Abram, and Hagar, highlighting themes of faith, impatience, and the consequences of human actions. This chapter illustrates the complexities of relationships and the struggle to fulfill divine promises.
Key Characters
- Abram: The patriarch who is promised descendants by God.
- Sarai: Abram’s wife, who is initially barren and struggles with her inability to bear children.
- Hagar: Sarai’s Egyptian maidservant, who becomes a pivotal figure in the fulfillment of God’s promise.
- God: The divine figure who makes promises to Abram and ultimately influences the course of events.
Summary of Events
- Sarai’s Dilemma: Sarai, unable to conceive, suggests that Abram take Hagar as a concubine to bear a child on her behalf, reflecting her desperation and impatience with God’s promise.
- Hagar’s Conception: Hagar becomes pregnant, which leads to tension between her and Sarai. Hagar’s newfound status as a mother causes her to look down on Sarai.
- Sarai’s Anguish: Sarai feels wronged and mistreated by Hagar, prompting her to confront Abram about the situation. Abram allows Sarai to deal with Hagar as she sees fit.
- Hagar’s Flight: After being mistreated by Sarai, Hagar flees into the wilderness, feeling abandoned and alone.
- Divine Encounter: In the wilderness, Hagar encounters an angel of the Lord who instructs her to return to Sarai and submit to her. The angel also promises that her descendants will be numerous.
- Birth of Ishmael: Hagar returns and bears Abram’s son, Ishmael, who is identified as a significant figure in biblical history.
Thematic Analysis
- Faith and Impatience: The chapter illustrates the struggle between faith in God’s promises and human impatience. Sarai’s decision to use Hagar as a surrogate reflects a lack of trust in God’s timing.
- Human Relationships: The dynamics between Sarai, Abram, and Hagar reveal the complexities of human relationships, particularly in the context of power, jealousy, and social status.
- Divine Intervention: Hagar’s encounter with the angel signifies God’s concern for the marginalized and His willingness to intervene in human affairs, providing hope and guidance.
- Consequences of Actions: The chapter serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of taking matters into one’s own hands, as Sarai and Abram’s actions lead to strife and division.
Significance in the Biblical Narrative
Genesis Chapter 16 is pivotal in understanding the origins of the conflict between the descendants of Abram through Hagar (Ishmael) and those through Sarai (Isaac). It sets the stage for future events in the biblical narrative, particularly concerning the covenant and the unfolding of God’s plan for His people.
Conclusion
This chapter encapsulates critical lessons about faith, the importance of patience, and the impact of human decisions on divine promises. It emphasizes that while God’s plans may unfold in unexpected ways, His presence and guidance are constant, even in times of distress and uncertainty.
