Sarah

Sarah, originally named Sarai, is a prominent figure in the Hebrew Bible, known as the wife of Abraham and the mother of Isaac. Her account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis. Sarah is revered as a matriarch in the Judeo-Christian tradition and is noted for her faith and role in God's covenant with Abraham.

Name and Meaning: The name Sarai means "my princess," while Sarah means "princess." Her name change, as recorded in Genesis 17:15, signifies her role as a mother of nations: "Then God said to Abraham, 'As for your wife Sarai, do not call her by her name Sarai, for her name will be Sarah.'"

Marriage to Abraham: Sarah was married to Abraham, originally Abram, and accompanied him on his journey from Ur to Canaan, as instructed by God. Despite her beauty, Sarah faced challenges, including being taken into Pharaoh's house in Egypt and later into Abimelech's household, both times being protected by God's intervention (Genesis 12:10-20; 20:1-18).

Promise of a Son: Sarah is central to the narrative of God's promise to Abraham that he would be the father of many nations. Despite her initial barrenness, God promised Abraham that Sarah would bear a son. In Genesis 18:10, the Lord said, "I will surely return to you at this time next year, and your wife Sarah will have a son." Sarah laughed at the promise due to her old age, but God reaffirmed His word.

Birth of Isaac: At the age of 90, Sarah miraculously gave birth to Isaac, fulfilling God's promise. Genesis 21:1-3 records this event: "Now the LORD attended to Sarah as He had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what He had promised. So Sarah conceived and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him. Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore to him."

Legacy: Sarah's faith and her role as the mother of Isaac, the child of promise, are celebrated in the New Testament. Hebrews 11:11 commends her faith: "By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered Him faithful who had promised."

Hagar

Hagar is an Egyptian maidservant of Sarah, who becomes a significant figure in the Genesis narrative due to her relationship with Abraham and her son Ishmael.

Role in Abraham's Household: Hagar was given to Abraham by Sarah as a concubine to bear a child, due to Sarah's initial barrenness. This decision led to the birth of Ishmael. Genesis 16:1-2 states, "Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, 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 bearing children. Go to my maidservant; perhaps I can build a family by her.' And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai."

Conflict and Flight: Hagar's pregnancy led to tension between her and Sarah, resulting in Hagar fleeing into the wilderness. The Angel of the LORD found her by a spring and instructed her to return, promising that her descendants would be too numerous to count (Genesis 16:7-10).

Birth of Ishmael: Hagar bore Abraham a son, Ishmael, who is considered the ancestor of many Arab nations. Genesis 16:15-16 records, "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."

Expulsion and God's Provision: After Isaac's birth, Sarah requested that Hagar and Ishmael be sent away. God instructed Abraham to comply, assuring him that Ishmael would also become a great nation. In the wilderness, God provided for Hagar and Ishmael, reaffirming His promise (Genesis 21:14-21).

Significance: Hagar's account highlights themes of God's providence and faithfulness. Despite her status as a servant and outsider, God cared for Hagar and her son, demonstrating His concern for all people. Her narrative also serves as a backdrop to the fulfillment of God's covenant through Isaac, the child of promise.