Hagar, Sarai and Ishmael

Bible Study Lessons .... Genesis 16:1-16

Faith. An easy word to say but a tough one to live out. We find this in the life of Sarai and in our own lives.

Sarai gave Hagar to Abram because she was unwilling to wait for God to fulfill His promise to her. The promise of a son. So spawns the saga of Hagar and Ishmael - read on ...

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Commentary by Bob Pardue

Hagar and Ishmael

It would seem strange to most people today for a woman to give another wife to her husband.

But, looking at the customs of the people of Abram's time, a woman without heirs (especially male heirs) was left to begging or prostitution to support herself if the husband died. She was forced to produce a male heir in any way she could.

Hence, Hagar, the maidservant.

No Faith

The story here is one of faith, or the lack of it. Sarai did not truly believe God's promise to give a child to her and to Abram.

She became impatient, or scared and took matters into her own hands as they were both growing old.

Our living lesson

How often do we ask God for something and then not truly believe He can deliver? Do we grow impatient as Sarai did?

When this happens, problems arise because we take over God's responsibility. Instead of letting Him work in our lives, we decide we can do a better job ourselves.

Remembering a Man of Faith

There is a man I remember fondly who was a pillar of our church for decades. His name was Roy Barnes. I'm sure you have someone you know who fits this description - a true Christian.

Mr. Barnes was always a minister of Christ everywhere he went though his singing talents and the way he lived his life.

I can hear Roy say to us now; "God is in control." I can't add to that statement.

Love in Christ

- Bob

Read Other Genesis Bible Study Lessons

Abram in Egypt

Abram Solves His Conflict with Lot

Lot and the War of the Kings