Genesis 16:3

So after he had lived in Canaan for ten years, his wife Sarai took her Egyptian maidservant Hagar and gave her to Abram to be his wife.

Study Bible

So after Abram had lived in Canaan ten years
This phrase sets a chronological context for the events that follow. Abram's ten-year residence in Canaan signifies a period of waiting and testing of faith. The number ten in biblical numerology often symbolizes completeness or divine order. Abram's decade in Canaan without the fulfillment of God's promise of offspring may have tested his and Sarai's patience and faith. This period reflects a time of preparation and anticipation, highlighting the human struggle with divine timing.

his wife Sarai
Sarai, later renamed Sarah, is a central figure in the Abrahamic narrative. Her role as Abram's wife is significant, as she is directly involved in the unfolding of God's covenant promises. The name Sarai means "my princess," indicating her noble status and the importance of her lineage. Her actions in this verse demonstrate the human tendency to take matters into one's own hands when divine promises seem delayed, a theme that resonates throughout Scripture.

took her Egyptian maidservant Hagar
Hagar's introduction as an Egyptian maidservant provides a cultural and historical backdrop. Egypt, often a place of refuge and later of bondage for the Israelites, represents a foreign influence in Abram's household. Hagar's status as a maidservant highlights the social hierarchies and norms of the time. Her Egyptian origin may also symbolize the broader theme of God's work extending beyond the immediate family of Abram to include all nations.

and gave her to Abram
This action by Sarai reflects the customs and legal practices of the ancient Near East, where a barren wife could give her maidservant to her husband to bear children on her behalf. This practice, though culturally acceptable, reveals the complexities of human relationships and the potential consequences of stepping outside of God's intended plan. It underscores the tension between human initiative and divine promise.

to be his wife
The phrase "to be his wife" indicates a formalization of Hagar's role beyond that of a maidservant. This act of giving Hagar to Abram as a wife, though not equal to Sarai's status, signifies a shift in household dynamics and foreshadows the ensuing conflict. It highlights the biblical theme of polygamy and its associated challenges, reminding readers of God's original design for marriage as a union between one man and one woman.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Abram
Later known as Abraham, he is a central figure in the Bible, known for his faith and obedience to God. At this point, he is living in Canaan, the land promised to him by God.

2. Sarai
Abram's wife, later known as Sarah. She is struggling with infertility and takes matters into her own hands by giving her maidservant to Abram.

3. Hagar
An Egyptian maidservant of Sarai. She becomes a secondary wife to Abram and the mother of Ishmael.

4. Canaan
The land where Abram and Sarai are residing, which God promised to Abram and his descendants.

5. The Event
Sarai's decision to give Hagar to Abram as a wife, which leads to significant familial and spiritual consequences.

Teaching Points

Trust in God's Timing
Sarai's decision reflects a lack of trust in God's timing. We must learn to wait on God's promises, trusting that His timing is perfect.

Consequences of Impatience
Acting out of impatience can lead to unintended consequences, as seen in the strife between Hagar and Sarai. We should seek God's guidance before making decisions.

Faith vs. Human Effort
The account contrasts faith in God's promises with human efforts to fulfill those promises. True faith requires reliance on God rather than our own understanding.

God's Sovereignty
Despite human errors, God's plan prevails. This reassures us that God can work through our mistakes to fulfill His purposes.

The Role of Women in Scripture
Sarai and Hagar's account highlights the complex roles women play in God's account, encouraging us to consider the dignity and challenges faced by women in biblical times.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Sarai's decision to give Hagar to Abram reflect her understanding of God's promise to Abram? What can we learn from this about our own understanding of God's promises?

2. In what ways do we sometimes try to "help" God fulfill His promises in our lives, and what are the potential consequences of such actions?

3. How does the account of Hagar and Sarai illustrate the tension between faith and works? Can you think of other biblical examples where this tension is evident?

4. Reflect on a time when you had to wait on God's timing. What did you learn from that experience, and how did it impact your faith?

5. How can the account of Hagar and Sarai encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty, even when our circumstances seem to contradict His promises?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 12:1-3
God's promise to Abram about making him a great nation, which sets the context for Sarai's actions due to her barrenness.

Genesis 21:1-3
The eventual fulfillment of God's promise through the birth of Isaac, showing God's faithfulness despite human impatience.

Galatians 4:22-31
Paul uses the account of Hagar and Sarah to illustrate the difference between living under the law and living by the promise.