Hagar

Hagar is a significant figure in the Old Testament, primarily known as the Egyptian maidservant of Sarai (later Sarah), the wife of Abram (later Abraham). Her account is primarily found in Genesis 16 and Genesis 21. Hagar's narrative is intertwined with the covenantal promises God made to Abraham and the unfolding of God's plan for his descendants.

Hagar enters the biblical narrative when Sarai, who is barren, offers her to Abram as a concubine to bear a child on her behalf. This was a customary practice in the ancient Near East when a wife could not conceive. Genesis 16:1-2 states, "Now Abram’s wife Sarai had borne him no children, but she had an Egyptian maidservant named Hagar. So Sarai said to Abram, 'Please now, the LORD has prevented me from having children. Go, sleep with my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family by her.' And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai."

Hagar conceives and subsequently faces mistreatment from Sarai, leading her to flee into the wilderness. In Genesis 16:7-12, the Angel of the LORD finds Hagar by a spring and instructs her to return to Sarai, promising that her offspring will be too numerous to count. The Angel also tells her that she will bear a son named Ishmael, meaning "God hears," because the LORD has heard her affliction.

Ishmael

Ishmael is the firstborn son of Abram, born to Hagar. His birth is recorded in Genesis 16:15-16 : "So Hagar bore Abram a son, and Abram gave the name Ishmael to the son she had borne. Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore Ishmael to him."

Ishmael's life is marked by God's providence and promises, despite the circumstances of his birth. In Genesis 17, God reiterates His covenant with Abraham, promising that Sarah will bear a son, Isaac, through whom the covenant will be established. However, God also makes a promise concerning Ishmael. Genesis 17:20 states, "And as for Ishmael, I have heard you; behold, I will bless him and make him fruitful and multiply him exceedingly. He will become the father of twelve rulers, and I will make him into a great nation."

The tension between Sarah and Hagar resurfaces after the birth of Isaac, leading to Hagar and Ishmael's expulsion from Abraham's household. In Genesis 21:9-14, Sarah sees Ishmael mocking Isaac and demands that Abraham send Hagar and Ishmael away. God reassures Abraham, telling him that it is through Isaac that his offspring will be reckoned, but also promising that He will make a nation of Ishmael because he is Abraham's offspring.

Hagar and Ishmael wander in the wilderness of Beersheba, where God again intervenes. In Genesis 21:17-19 , God hears the boy crying and provides a well of water for them, reaffirming His promise to make Ishmael into a great nation.

Legacy and Significance

Hagar and Ishmael's account is significant in the biblical narrative as it highlights themes of God's faithfulness, providence, and the complexity of human relationships. Ishmael is traditionally considered the ancestor of various Arab tribes, and his legacy is acknowledged in both Jewish and Islamic traditions. The account of Hagar and Ishmael serves as a testament to God's compassion and care for those who are marginalized and afflicted, demonstrating that His purposes extend beyond human limitations and societal norms.