Reminder: Living by the Bible means adopting the teachings and principles outlined in its entirety. It means not imitating the actions of its imperfect characters. The Bible narrates stories of real people. It tells of their choices, mistakes, and the resulting consequences. These stories illustrate lessons rather than endorse their every action.
This Part of Genesis 16:1-6 Easy: Highlights the emotional challenges. It underscores the relational complexities arising from Sarai’s decision to have Hagar bear a child for her.
Desire for a Legacy: Sarai and Abram were deeply concerned about legacy and inheritance. In their culture, having children, especially a male heir, was crucial for continuing one’s lineage and securing their social standing.
Lack of Patience and Faith: God promised Abram that he would have many descendants, but Sarai and Abram grew impatient. Their decision to involve Hagar shows a brief loss of faith. They acted without patience. They decided to take matters into their own hands instead of waiting for God’s timing.
Social and Cultural Norms: During their time, barren wives often offered their maidservants to their husbands. They did this so the husbands could have children on their behalf. This practice, although acceptable in their context, inevitably created tension and conflict.
Human Emotions and Conflict: The passage highlights human emotions like jealousy, pride, and blame. Hagar’s new status challenged Sarai’s position, leading to conflict. Moreover, Sarai’s mistreatment of Hagar illustrates the complexities and difficulties in polygamous arrangements.
Ultimately, this story showcases the imperfections and struggles of the characters. It illustrates that even those chosen by God experienced doubt. They also faced impatience and conflict.

Genesis 16:1-6
Abram’s wife, Sarai, had not given birth to any children. She had an Egyptian servant. The servant’s name was Hagar. Sarai said to Abram, ‘The Lord has not let me have any children. Go and sleep with my servant. Then if she gives birth, her children will be my family.’ Abram agreed to do this. Abram had now been living in Canaan for ten years. Sarai gave her Egyptian servant, Hagar, to him. She became like another wife for Abram. Abram had sex with Hagar and she became pregnant. When Hagar knew that she was pregnant, she no longer respected Sarai. Then Sarai said to Abram, ‘It is because of you that Hagar is now insulting me. I gave her to you so that you could have sex with her. Now she is pregnant, and she does not respect me. The Lord will decide who is right, you or me.’ Abram said to Sarai, ‘Hagar is your servant, and you have authority over her. Do to her whatever you think is right.’ Then Sarai caused trouble for Hagar. So Hagar ran away from Sarai.
Father God, thank You. We praise You. Your children can come to You. Our hearts are open to Your guidance. We seek Your wisdom. Just as Sarai and Abram navigated their challenges. They experienced moments of doubt. We too seek Your presence in our own lives. Keep us to trust in Your timing and to rely on Your promises, even when we face uncertainty. Give us patience to trust in Your plan and the faith to wait on You. To be care full as we treat others with kindness and compassion. Thank You for Your grace, love and believing in us as we believe in You. I love You, Thank You, praise You and give You all the honor and glory in Jesus Precious Name Amen.