Genesis 16 – A PROBLEM IS SOLVED?
Abraham and Sarah had a difficulty. Sarah was childless. Abraham had no heir. Sarah made the mistake of trying to produce a solution for the difficulty. In reality, she did not solve the dilemma, but made matters worse. God had promised Abraham an heir in Genesis 15:1-6. So often we try to take matters into our hands instead of waiting on the promises of God.
PROPOSAL FROM SARAH – Vss. 1-3
Sarah proposed that Abraham have sexual relations with her maid. Any children born would be in Sarah’s name. This was proper in the culture of the day, but not God’s perfect plan. Abraham and Sarah should have waited on God, and not tried to help him out!
PROBLEM WITH HAGAR – Vss. 4-6
Hagar despised Sarah. Vs. 4
Sarah blamed Abraham. Vs. 5
Abraham gave permission for Sarah to deal with Hagar, so Sarah mistreated her. Vs. 6
Hagar ran away. Vs. 6
PROMISES FROM GOD – Vss. 7-14
An Angel of the Lord found Hagar and listened to her problem. Vss. 7-8
He instructed Sarah to return to her mistress. Vs. 9
He promised that her seed would be multiplied and that she would have a son named Ishmael, ‘God hears’.
PRESENTATION TO ABRAHAM – Vss. 15-16
A son was born. He was named Ishmael.