Genesis 16:1-16
Q.1. How did Sarai and Abram misapply God’s promise? What negative consequences did Abram, Sarai, and Hagar suffer for their mistakes? (Gen.16:1-6 c.f. Gen.15:4)
Abram misunderstood God’s promise and also displayed a low view of marriage (see Mt.19:4-6). Consequently, he and Sarai resorted to a man-made solution. Abram fathered a son with his concubine Hagar when no son was forthcoming through Sarai (see Gen.16:1-6). Because they took things into their own hands, Abram’s and Sarai’s relationship suffered, and Hagar was mistreated by Sarai (see Gen.16:4-6). Abram set a poor example, by being intimate with a person other than his one wife. This example would have repercussions for generations to come.
Q.2. Did God care about Hagar? How did the angel of the Lord approach her? What did the angel counsel her to do? What promise was Hagar given? What would her son be like? (Gen.16:7-16)
An angel pursued and addressed Hagar as Sarai’s maid and counselled her to return under the authority of her mistress (see Gen.16:7-9). God also promised Hagar numerous descendants from a son whom she was to name Ishmael. (Ishmael means – God has heard) The angel then predicted that Ishmael would be a wild man who would be against everyone (see Gen.16:10-12). Hagar was amazed that she had met with God and had lived to tell the tale (see Gen.16:13-14). Abram deferred to God’s choice of name for their son.